What’s a Cheeseburger Bowl?
Think of it as a deconstructed cheeseburger, served in a bowl. Instead of a bun, you’re using lettuce or another base. It’s a customizable and healthier alternative to the classic cheeseburger.
Why go for a cheeseburger bowl? For starters, it’s a great low-carb, paleo, or keto-friendly option. Plus, it’s easy to tweak based on your dietary needs and what you’re craving. And the best part? It’s quick to make, perfect for when you’re short on time.
Ingredients for the perfect cheeseburger bowl
A cheeseburger in a bowl is a pretty simple concept, but here are some suggestions for how to make it the best it can be:
Base ingredients
- Ground beef. I like to use organic lean ground beef for a healthier bowl. You can easily sub in ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead. For one bowl, I usually use about a quarter pound of cooked ground meat.
- Lettuce. Shredded iceberg is the classic choice, but you can use whatever greens you like — romaine, butter lettuce, or a spring mix. Four cups of shredded lettuce makes a good base for a bowl.
Toppings and cheese
- Cheese. Cheddar is the obvious choice, but you could also use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative. I think a cup of shredded cheese per bowl is just about right.
- Toppings. Diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and diced pickles are all standard toppings. But don’t stop there! Bacon, avocado, and pickled jalapeños will all add extra flavor and texture. I usually use about a cup of chopped tomatoes, a quarter cup of sliced red onion, and a quarter cup of chopped pickles per bowl.
Crafting the Ultimate Burger Sauce
The right burger sauce can elevate your cheeseburger bowl and add moisture. Making your own means you control the ingredients and the flavor.
Basic Burger Sauce Recipe
Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a little bit of sweetener (like honey or maple syrup, if you want). Play with the amounts to get a tangy, sweet, or savory sauce that you love.
Alternative Dressings
Thousand Island dressing is a great substitute. For a healthier option, you can make a Greek yogurt-based sauce with herbs and spices. Dill and garlic powder are a good place to start!
How to make a cheeseburger bowl
Here’s how to make a delicious, low-carb cheeseburger bowl.
1. Prep the ingredients
Before you cook the beef, prep all your toppings. Shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes, slice the red onion, and dice the pickles. Grate your cheese. And don’t forget to whip up your burger sauce!
2. Cook the ground beef
Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Season it with garlic powder, onion powder, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Cook it until it’s browned and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Drain off any extra grease.
3. Assemble your bowl
Now for the fun part! Pile shredded lettuce in a bowl. Top it with the cooked ground beef, then add cheese, tomatoes, red onion, and pickles. Drizzle it all with your burger sauce.
4. Extra credit
Want to take it up a notch? Add bacon, avocado, or any other toppings that strike your fancy. Get creative and make it your own!
Customization and Variations
The great thing about a cheeseburger bowl is that it’s flexible. Here are a few easy ways to customize it to your tastes.
Protein Variations
Want a lighter bowl? Try these:
- Ground turkey or chicken. Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Base Variations
Not feeling the lettuce? Here are a few other options:
- Rice. Make a rice bowl instead! Brown rice or quinoa would be a healthier, higher-fiber option.
Spice and Flavor Enhancements
Want to kick things up a notch?
- Smoked paprika. Add smoked paprika to the ground beef for a smoky, campfire-like flavor.
- Jalapeños. Include pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Storing and Reheating Your Cheeseburger Bowl
Want to make your cheeseburger bowl last? Here’s how:
- Storage: Keep the ingredients separate until you’re ready to eat. Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. Cooked ground beef will stay good for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the beef in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it from drying out. You can also freeze cooked beef for up to 3 months.
Health Benefits and Dietary Considerations
One of the best things about a cheeseburger bowl is how easy it is to adapt to different diets:
- Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: Cheeseburger bowls are naturally low in carbohydrates, perfect for low-carb and keto diets. Just be sure to choose low-carb toppings and sauces.
- Paleo-Friendly: Swap out conventional condiments for paleo-friendly options to adapt this recipe to a paleo diet. Make sure every ingredient fits within paleo guidelines.
- Gluten-Free: Cheeseburger bowls are naturally gluten-free. Check your spice labels to be sure they do not contain gluten. Substitute gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or tamari for soy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What seasoning is in the cheeseburger bowl?
The seasoning can vary depending on the recipe, but typically you’ll find a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Some people also like to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick! Feel free to experiment to find your favorite flavor profile.
What does Jimmy Buffett put on his cheeseburger?
Ah, the iconic Jimmy Buffett cheeseburger! According to the song, he enjoys his with lettuce, tomato, Heinz 57 sauce, and French-fried potatoes. A classic combination that embodies the easygoing, tropical vibe of his music.
Why did Margot order a cheeseburger?
Margot Robbie’s Barbie ordered a cheeseburger after entering the real world, because it was her first experience with the food and she had never had a cheeseburger before. This was a way for her to experience the ‘real world’.
What goes in a burger bowl?
Think of it like a deconstructed cheeseburger! You’ll typically find ground beef (seasoned like a burger), shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, pickles, shredded cheese, and your favorite burger sauce or dressing. You can also add extras like bacon, avocado, or a fried egg!
Wrapping Up
Cheeseburger bowls are easy to make, easy to customize, and good for you. If you’re following a low-carb, paleo, or keto diet, cheeseburger bowls are a perfect fit.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations until you find the cheeseburger bowl recipe of your dreams. The versatility and convenience of this recipe make it a winner for a satisfying and nutritious meal.