Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Loaded Burger Bowls deliver everything you love about a classic cheeseburger, reimagined in a fresh, customizable bowl. Juicy seasoned beef, crisp vegetables, melty cheese, and flavorful sauces come together in a way that feels indulgent yet balanced. This recipe is perfect when you want big burger flavor without the bun, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining.
I love this recipe because it is endlessly adaptable and incredibly satisfying. I tested it both as a low-carb dinner and as a build-your-own bowl for guests, and it worked beautifully in both cases. Each component is simple, but together they create a meal that feels complete and comforting. Whether you are cutting carbs or just want a lighter take on a burger night, these Loaded Burger Bowls deliver bold flavor with minimal effort.
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Loaded Burger Bowls That Are Bold, Fresh, and Satisfyingly Hearty
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Loaded burger bowls featuring seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, cheese, and a creamy burger-style sauce for a satisfying low-carb or customizable meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 4 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dill pickle slices
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 4 slices beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until browned. Drain excess fat.
- While beef cooks, prepare vegetables and divide lettuce evenly among serving bowls.
- Top lettuce with cooked ground beef.
- Add tomatoes, cheese, pickles, red onion, and bacon evenly to each bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish to make the burger sauce.
- Drizzle sauce over each bowl.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add avocado or a fried egg for extra richness.
- Serve with fries or roasted potatoes if not eating low-carb.
- Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Ground beef forms the hearty base of the bowl, delivering classic burger flavor and richness.
Salt
Salt enhances the natural flavor of the beef and seasons it evenly.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and balance.
Garlic powder
Garlic powder adds savory depth without overpowering the meat.
Paprika
Paprika adds warmth and subtle smokiness.
Romaine or iceberg lettuce
Lettuce provides crunch and freshness, forming the base of the bowl.
Cherry tomatoes
Tomatoes add juiciness and brightness.
Red onion
Red onion adds sharpness and contrast to the rich beef.
Cheddar cheese
Cheddar adds classic cheeseburger flavor and creamy richness.
Pickles
Pickles provide tang and crunch, essential for true burger flavor.
Bacon
Bacon adds smoky, savory depth and texture.
Burger sauce or dressing
The sauce ties everything together with creamy, tangy flavor.
Directions
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary and set aside.
While the beef cooks, prepare the vegetables. Chop the lettuce and arrange it in serving bowls. Slice the cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pickles. Cook the bacon until crisp, then crumble it.
Assemble the bowls by layering lettuce first, followed by the warm seasoned beef. Top with cheddar cheese, bacon, tomatoes, red onion, and pickles.
Finish each bowl with a generous drizzle of burger sauce or dressing. Serve immediately while the beef is still warm.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people.
Preparation time is about 10 minutes, cooking time is 15 minutes, and assembly time is 5 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the beef gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling. Fresh toppings should be added just before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Loaded Burger Bowls are extremely versatile. You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a plant-based version, use seasoned meat alternatives.
Add avocado slices for creaminess or sautéed mushrooms for extra depth. If you prefer a classic diner-style bowl, add a handful of crispy fries or roasted potatoes.
Cheese can be customized as well. Swiss, pepper jack, or American-style cheese all work beautifully. You can also adjust the sauce, using thousand island–style dressing, mustard-based sauce, or a spicy mayo.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
These bowls are naturally gluten-free and can be low-carb depending on toppings. They provide protein from beef, healthy fats from cheese and bacon, and freshness from vegetables. Portion size and toppings can be adjusted for different dietary needs.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Season the beef well
Proper seasoning ensures true burger flavor without a bun.
Warm-cold contrast
Serve warm beef over cold, crisp vegetables for the best texture.
Sauce control
Add sauce just before serving to avoid soggy greens.
FAQs
Are Loaded Burger Bowls low-carb?
Yes, when made without fries or bread.
Can I meal prep these bowls?
Yes, store components separately and assemble when ready.
What sauce works best?
Classic burger sauce or thousand island–style dressing.
Can I make them spicy?
Yes, add jalapeños or spicy sauce.
What lettuce is best?
Romaine or iceberg provides the best crunch.
Can I add eggs?
Yes, a fried egg makes it extra hearty.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, customize toppings to preference.
Can I use leftover burgers?
Yes, chop and reheat them for quick assembly.
Do these work for parties?
Yes, set up a build-your-own bowl station.
What sides pair well?
Sweet potato fries or a simple slaw pair nicely.
Conclusion
Loaded Burger Bowls are a fresh, flavorful way to enjoy all the satisfaction of a cheeseburger in a lighter, customizable format. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, they are perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual gatherings. This recipe delivers dependable results and bold burger flavor in every satisfying bowl.
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