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High-Protein Low-Carb Cheeseburger Bowl Recipe

A close-up view of a hearty cheeseburger bowl featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and special sauce.

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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Assemble the bowls: Divide the shredded lettuce evenly between four serving bowls to create the base.
  6. Top the bowls: Spoon the cheesy ground beef mixture over the lettuce base in each bowl.
  7. Add toppings: Distribute the cherry tomatoes, dill pickle chips, and chopped white onion (if using) evenly among the four bowls.
  8. 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.

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