Crave that classic cheeseburger flavor without the bun? These Cheeseburger Bowls deliver all the savory goodness of a juicy burger, piled high with your favorite toppings, in a healthy and satisfying bowl! Get ready to ditch the carbs and dive into a dinner that’s both delicious and good for you – I promise, you won’t miss the bun!
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning)
For the Bowl Base (choose one or mix and match!):
- Shredded lettuce (iceberg, romaine, or mixed greens)
- Cauliflower rice
- Spinach
Toppings (get creative!):
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced tomatoes
- Diced red onion
- Pickles (diced or sliced)
- Cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- Avocado (diced or sliced)
- Jalapeños (fresh or pickled, sliced)
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise (or a low-fat alternative)
- Thousand Island dressing
- Special sauce (mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Get Started:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Prepare your chosen bowl base. If using cauliflower rice, cook according to package directions or your preferred method (steamed, microwaved, or sautéed). If using lettuce or spinach, wash and chop or tear into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, if using.
- Add the seasoned ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the beef into smaller pieces.
- Cook the beef, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
Assemble Your Bowls:
- Divide the bowl base evenly among bowls.
- Top with the cooked ground beef.
- Add your favorite toppings to each bowl. Don’t be shy!
- Drizzle with your favorite sauces and enjoy immediately!
Why You’ll Love These Cheeseburger Bowls
Listen, I get it. Sometimes you just want a cheeseburger. But you’re also trying to be mindful of what you’re eating. These Cheeseburger Bowls are the perfect solution! They give you all the flavor you crave without the extra carbs from the bun. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Looking for Fireball Whiskey Jalapeño Popper Burger inspiration? Go wild!
And if you are looking for Garlic Parm Cheeseburger Bombs, these bowls can easily be made into a similar format, just without the “bomb” part. Think of it like deconstructed and a much healthier option!
Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger Bowl
- Don’t overcook the beef: Overcooked beef will be dry and tough. Cook it until it’s just browned and cooked through.
- Drain the grease: Nobody wants a greasy cheeseburger bowl! Be sure to drain off any excess grease after cooking the beef.
- Get creative with toppings: The possibilities are endless! Use your favorite cheeseburger toppings or try something new.
- Make it a Smash Burger Bowl: For an extra-flavorful bowl, try making a “smash burger” version. Form the ground beef into small balls and smash them flat in the skillet as they cook. This creates a crispy, caramelized crust that’s irresistible.
Making it Low Carb & Keto-Friendly
These Cheeseburger Bowls are naturally high protein low carb recipes, especially if you skip the ketchup and opt for mustard or a low-carb dressing. Using cauliflower rice as the base is a fantastic way to keep the carb count down. You can also add other low-carb veggies like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrients.
Meal Prep Magic: Cheeseburger Bowls for the Week
These bowls are perfect for Smash Burger Bowl Meal Prep and Hamburger Meal Prep Ideas! To meal prep, simply cook the ground beef and prepare your chosen bowl base and toppings. Store everything separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, assemble your bowls and enjoy! This is a fantastic way to have a healthy and satisfying lunch or dinner ready to go all week long.
You can even prep a few different variations to keep things interesting. For example, one day you could have a classic cheeseburger bowl with lettuce, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, and pickles. The next day, you could try a Southwestern-inspired bowl with cauliflower rice, pepper jack cheese, avocado, and salsa.
Variations on a Theme
Once you’ve mastered the basic Cheeseburger Bowl, the sky’s the limit! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Spicy Cheeseburger Bowl: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture, or top your bowl with jalapeños and a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Bacon Cheeseburger Bowl: Cook up some crispy bacon and crumble it over your bowl.
- Mushroom Swiss Cheeseburger Bowl: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the ground beef and top your bowl with Swiss cheese.
- Guacamole Cheeseburger Bowl: Skip the cheddar and top with a generous dollop of fresh guacamole.
If you’re in the mood for something similar, consider other deconstructed classics. Imagine a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich in bowl form, or the comforting flavors of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole without the casserole. And for the colder months, a Cheeseburger Soup offers all the same flavors in a warming and cozy package. Don’t forget you can also enjoy Cheeseburger Macaroni for an even heartier meal.
What to Serve with Your Cheeseburger Bowls
While these bowls are a complete meal on their own, you might want to add a simple side dish to round things out. Here are a few ideas:
- Coleslaw
- Cucumber salad
- Side salad
- Pickled vegetables
Troubleshooting & FAQs
My beef is dry! What did I do wrong? You likely overcooked it. Remember to cook the beef until it’s just browned and cooked through, and don’t overmix it when you’re adding the seasonings.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative. Just be sure to choose a blend that isn’t too lean, as it can be dry. You might need to add a little extra olive oil to the skillet when cooking.
Can I make these bowls ahead of time? Yes! As mentioned above, these are perfect for meal prep. Just store the components separately and assemble when you’re ready to eat.
So, there you have it! Your guide to creating the ultimate Cheeseburger Bowl. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Happy cooking!
What are some good base options for the Cheeseburger Bowls to keep them low-carb?
Shredded lettuce, cauliflower rice, or spinach are all excellent low-carb base options for your Cheeseburger Bowls.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for these bowls?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative. Just be sure to choose a blend that isn’t too lean, as it can be dry. You might need to add a little extra olive oil to the skillet when cooking.
How can I meal prep these Cheeseburger Bowls for the week?
To meal prep, cook the ground beef and prepare your chosen bowl base and toppings. Store everything separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble when you’re ready to eat.
My ground beef turned out dry, what did I do wrong?
You likely overcooked the beef. Remember to cook it until it’s just browned and cooked through, and don’t overmix it when you’re adding the seasonings.
Cheeseburger Bowls Easy Dinner
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 or leaner
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil optional, for browning
- Shredded lettuce iceberg, romaine, or mixed greens
- Cauliflower rice
- Spinac h
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced tomatoes
- Diced red onion
- Cooked and crumbled bacon optional
- Ketchu p
- Mustar d
- Thousand Island dressing
- Special sauce mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Prepare your chosen bowl base. If using cauliflower rice, cook according to package directions or your preferred method (steamed, microwaved, or sautéed). If using lettuce or spinach, wash and chop or tear into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, if using.
- Add the seasoned ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the beef into smaller pieces.
- Cook the beef, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
- Divide the bowl base evenly among bowls.
- Top with the cooked ground beef.
- Add your favorite toppings to each bowl. Don’t be shy!
- Drizzle with your favorite sauces and enjoy immediately!
