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High-Protein Low-Carb Cheeseburger Bowl Recipe

A close-up of a delicious cheeseburger bowl featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, pickles, tomatoes, onions, and a drizzle of sauce.

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Make a satisfying, deconstructed cheeseburger in a bowl. This recipe delivers all the classic flavor of a cheeseburger without the bun, making it 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 chopped tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles
  • 1/2 cup chopped white onion
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese)
  • For the Tangy Burger Sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup (or sugar-free ketchup for keto)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tangy Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, 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 cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Place the cheese slices over the cooked beef. Cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the shredded lettuce among four serving bowls to create the base.
  6. Top the Bowls: Spoon the cheesy ground beef mixture over the lettuce in each bowl.
  7. Add Toppings: Arrange the chopped tomatoes, sliced pickles, and chopped white onion around the beef.
  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, sauce, and fresh vegetable toppings separately. Assemble just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp.
  • You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option.
  • If you are following a strict Keto diet, use a sugar-free ketchup alternative in the sauce recipe.
  • Add bacon bits or sliced avocado for extra flavor and healthy fats.

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