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Ultimate High-Protein, Low-Carb Cheeseburger Bowl Recipe with Tangy Homemade Burger Sauce

A close-up of a cheeseburger bowl featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese sauce, chopped red onion, and a pickle slice over shredded lettuce.
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Make this satisfying, bunless cheeseburger bowl for a high-protein, low-carb dinner or meal prep lunch. You get all the classic burger flavor, including a zesty special sauce, served over crisp lettuce.

Ingredients

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  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (85/15 or leaner)
  • 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 dill pickle slices
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • For the Tangy Burger Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup (use low-sugar if strictly keto)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the burger sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and onion powder 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 beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. 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 to 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
  5. Assemble the bowls: Divide the shredded lettuce evenly among four serving bowls. Spoon the cheesy ground beef mixture over the lettuce base in each bowl.
  6. Top and serve: Top each bowl with pickle slices and diced red onion. Drizzle a generous amount of the homemade tangy burger sauce over the beef and toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For meal prep, store the cooked beef mixture, sauce, and fresh toppings separately. Assemble just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp.
  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to adjust the protein source.
  • Add 1/2 avocado, sliced, or 4 strips of cooked bacon per bowl for extra healthy fat and flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/cheeseburger-bowl-recipe-quick-low-carb/