Hearty Burger Bowls: Flavorful & Fresh Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Whip up these hearty burger bowls for a satisfying, fresh weeknight dinner. Loaded with all your favorite burger fixings, it's a flavorful and easy meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free (if bun is omitted)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
Ground Beef (80/20 lean)
02 -
Crisp Lettuce (Romaine or Iceberg)
03 -
Ripe Tomatoes
04 -
Red Onion
05 -
Dill Pickles
06 -
Cheddar Cheese (shredded or cubed)
→ Flavor Boosters
07 -
Olive Oil
08 -
Garlic Powder
09 -
Onion Powder
10 -
Smoked Paprika
11 -
Salt & Black Pepper
→ Creamy Dressings & Finishing Touches
12 -
Ketchup
13 -
Mustard (Dijon or Yellow)
14 -
Mayonnaise
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get all your fresh stuff ready. I always start by washing and tearing the lettuce into bite-sized pieces; this is where the base of your delicious burger bowls comes in. Then, slice those beautiful ripe tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. Oh, and don't forget to shred or cube your cheddar cheese! It's so satisfying to see all the colorful components lined up, ready to go. I often put on some music for this part, it makes the chopping feel less like a chore and more like a little kitchen dance party.
02 -
Now for the star of our burger bowls! Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tiny splash of olive oil, then crumble in your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, seasoning it generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This is where those amazing savory smells start filling your kitchen! Make sure to brown it thoroughly, getting some nice crispy bits. This is where I always forget to drain the fat, so don't be like me – drain any excess grease for a lighter, less greasy result.
03 -
This is the fun part, truly! Grab your favorite bowls and start with a generous bed of crisp lettuce. This forms the canvas for your delicious burger bowls. Next, spoon a hearty portion of the seasoned ground beef over the lettuce. You want a good amount, trust me! Then, scatter those fresh tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, and crunchy dill pickles over the beef. It’s starting to look so good, isn’t it?!
04 -
Sprinkle your shredded or cubed cheddar cheese over the top of your burger bowls. I love watching it slightly melt from the warmth of the beef. Then comes the best part for customization: the sauces! Drizzle with ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise to your heart's content. I often create a 'secret sauce' by mixing all three in a small bowl first. It's like building your perfect burger, just without the bun. So many possibilities!
05 -
This is where you can really make these burger bowls your own. Maybe you want extra pickles, or a double dose of cheese. Add a fried egg on top for a breakfast-for-dinner vibe, or throw in some avocado slices for extra creaminess. I once added some pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick, and wow, it was a game-changer! Don't be afraid to experiment with what you have in your fridge; that's how some of the best kitchen discoveries happen, right?
06 -
And there you have it – your delicious burger bowls are ready! Give everything a little toss if you like, or just dig right in. The combination of warm, savory beef, crisp cool veggies, tangy pickles, and creamy sauces is just divine. It looks vibrant, smells incredible, and tastes like all the best parts of a burger without the carb overload. Enjoy every single bite of this satisfying, fresh meal!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd your pan when browning the beef; it'll steam instead of sear, and we want those crispy bits!
02 -
For easy meal prep, chop all your veggies ahead of time and store them in separate containers.
03 -
If you're out of red onion, a few green onions sliced thin will give you a milder, but still tasty, bite.
04 -
Try warming your burger bowls just a tad before serving; it really brings out the flavors of the beef and cheese.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
cutting board
03 -
sharp knife
04 -
mixing bowls
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 30g