Enjoy all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger without the bun in this easy, satisfying bowl. This recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or low-carb meal prep.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:10 min
Total Time:25 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Skillet Cooking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Calorie
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup dill pickle chips
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped white onion (optional)
For the Tangy Burger Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup (use low-sugar if strictly keto)
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Mix well until smooth. Set aside.
Season the beef: In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; do not overmix.
Cook the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
Melt the cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the cooked beef. Cover the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely over the meat.
Assemble the bowls: Divide the shredded lettuce evenly between four serving bowls to create the base.
Top the bowls: Spoon the cheesy ground beef mixture over the lettuce base in each bowl.
Add toppings: Distribute the cherry tomatoes, dill pickle chips, and chopped white onion (if using) evenly among the four bowls.
Serve: Drizzle a generous amount of the homemade tangy burger sauce over the top of each bowl. Serve immediately.
Notes
For meal prep, store the cooked beef mixture, lettuce, tomatoes, and sauce in separate airtight containers. Assemble just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp.
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option. Adjust seasoning slightly if needed.
If you follow a strict Keto diet, check the sugar content of your ketchup and relish, or substitute with keto-friendly alternatives.
For extra flavor, add 2 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon per bowl.