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High-Protein Low-Carb Cheeseburger Bowl Recipe

A vibrant cheeseburger bowl featuring seasoned ground beef, cheese sauce, pickles, tomatoes, and red onion over lettuce.

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Enjoy all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger without the bun in this easy, satisfying Cheeseburger Bowl. It is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep and is naturally low-carb and high in protein.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 4 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Optional: 1/2 avocado, sliced
  • For the Tangy Burger Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (use low-sugar if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook until fully browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Place the cheese slices over the cooked beef. Cover the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
  4. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the shredded lettuce evenly among four serving bowls. This forms your healthy base.
  5. Layer the Ingredients: Spoon the cheesy ground beef mixture over the lettuce in each bowl.
  6. Add Toppings: Top each bowl with pickles, diced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. If using, add avocado slices.
  7. Serve: Drizzle the prepared Tangy Burger Sauce generously over the top of each Cheeseburger Bowl. Serve immediately for a comforting, low-carb dinner.

Notes

  • For meal prep, store the cooked beef mixture, sauce, and fresh toppings separately. Assemble just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp.
  • You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken to make a lighter hamburger bowl.
  • If you prefer a warmer base, use 1 cup of cooked cauliflower rice or white rice instead of lettuce.

Nutrition