Description
Enjoy all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger without the bun in this satisfying, deconstructed bowl. This recipe is perfect for a low-carb meal prep or a fast, high-protein weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
- 0.5 cup dill pickle slices
- 0.25 cup diced red onion
- Optional: 1 large tomato, diced
- For the Tangy Burger Sauce:
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (use low-sugar if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika until smooth. Set the tangy burger sauce aside.
- Cook the beef: Place the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the meat apart with a spoon. Season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Brown the meat completely, draining off any excess grease. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce during the last minute of cooking.
- Melt the cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Place the cheddar cheese slices over the cooked meat. Cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts completely over the beef.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the shredded lettuce evenly among four bowls to create the base.
- Spoon the cheesy ground beef mixture over the lettuce in each bowl.
- Top each bowl with pickle slices, diced red onion, and diced tomato, if using.
- Drizzle generously with the prepared tangy burger sauce before serving immediately.
Notes
- For meal prep, store the cooked meat, sauce, and fresh toppings separately. Assemble just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option.
- Add 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to any bowl for extra flavor and fat content.
- If you prefer a warmer base, substitute the lettuce with 1 cup of cooked cauliflower rice per serving.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 750
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Unsaturated Fat: 22
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 40
- Cholesterol: 110