Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cheeseburger bowls are high in protein, lower in carbs, and full of texture and flavor. They’re quick to make, family-friendly, and endlessly versatile with your choice of toppings and sauces. Whether you’re following a low-carb, gluten-free, or clean-eating lifestyle, these bowls check all the boxes while still delivering that classic cheeseburger experience.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the beef:
- Lean ground beef or turkey
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional: Worcestershire sauce or mustard
For the bowl base:
- Chopped romaine lettuce or iceberg lettuce
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Pickles, sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Avocado, diced (optional)
For the burger sauce:
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Pickle juice
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
Directions
- Cook the beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through. Stir in Worcestershire sauce or mustard if using, then remove from heat. - Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth. Set aside. - Assemble the bowls:
Start with a base of chopped lettuce. Add ground beef, cherry tomatoes, sliced pickles, red onion, shredded cheese, and avocado if using. - Top it off:
Drizzle with the burger sauce and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter sauce.
- Add a soft-boiled or fried egg on top for extra protein.
- Include grilled mushrooms, sautéed onions, or roasted sweet potatoes for extra toppings.
- Turn it into a wrap using low-carb tortillas or lettuce leaves.
- Add a handful of air-fried French fries or tater tots for a fun twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store all ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat the ground beef in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Assemble bowls just before eating to keep the lettuce and toppings fresh.
The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
FAQs
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, if you use a sugar-free ketchup and avoid high-carb toppings, it can be made keto.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey is a great lean protein substitute.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes, just store components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
Can I use shredded lettuce instead of chopped?
Yes, any kind of lettuce works—shredded, chopped, or even a spring mix.
What can I use instead of the burger sauce?
Try ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or a light vinaigrette.
Can I add grains?
Yes, if you’re not avoiding carbs, add cooked quinoa, rice, or farro for extra bulk.
Are these bowls gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your condiments and seasonings are gluten-free.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but American, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese are great options.
Can I serve it warm or cold?
The beef is best warm, but the rest of the bowl is served cold or at room temperature.
Conclusion
Healthy Cheeseburger Bowls are a fun, fast, and flavorful way to enjoy the taste of a cheeseburger without the extra carbs. With crisp veggies, savory beef, creamy sauce, and melty cheese all layered in one bowl, it’s a satisfying and guilt-free meal you’ll want to make on repeat. Perfect for busy nights, easy lunches, or meal prepping for the week.
PrintHealthy Cheeseburger Bowls
Healthy Cheeseburger Bowls deliver all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—without the bun. Made with seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, shredded cheese, and a zesty burger sauce, they’re perfect for a low-carb, high-protein meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- For the beef:
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce or yellow mustard (optional)
- For the bowl base:
- 4 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
- For the burger sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a spatula.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add Worcestershire sauce or mustard if using.
- Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and paprika to make the burger sauce.
- Divide chopped lettuce into 4 serving bowls.
- Top with cooked beef, cherry tomatoes, pickles, red onion, shredded cheddar, and avocado if using.
- Drizzle with burger sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt in place of mayo for a lighter sauce.
- Make it vegetarian with plant-based crumbles or black beans.
- Add sautéed onions or grilled mushrooms for more flavor.
- Turn it into lettuce wraps for a handheld option.
- Store components separately for easy meal prep and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
