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Low-Carb Meal Prep Cheeseburger Bowl with Tangy Burger Sauce

Close-up of a delicious cheeseburger bowl featuring seasoned ground beef, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, cheese, and special sauce.

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Enjoy all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger without the bun in this easy, satisfying bowl. This recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping lunches.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and onion powder until smooth. Set aside in the refrigerator.
  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 up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Melt the cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the shredded cheese 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. Top the lettuce evenly with the seasoned ground beef and melted cheese mixture.
  6. Add toppings: Arrange the cherry tomatoes, pickle chips, and diced red onion over the beef in each bowl.
  7. Serve: Drizzle a generous amount of the prepared tangy burger sauce over the top of each bowl. Serve immediately for dinner or cool completely before sealing for meal prep.

Notes

  • For a keto option, skip the ketchup or use a keto-friendly substitute.
  • You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer.
  • If you are meal prepping, store the sauce and the wet toppings (tomatoes, pickles) separately to keep the lettuce crisp.
  • Add 1/2 cup of cooked bacon crumbles for extra flavor and protein.

Nutrition