Burger Bowls Recipe

There's something incredibly satisfying about biting into a juicy burger — but sometimes, you want all that flavor without the bun. That’s where these Burger Bowls come in. Packed with seasoned ground beef, crisp vegetables, and creamy toppings, they're a low-carb dream that delivers all the best parts of a classic burger in a bowl.

this Recipe

I first whipped up these burger bowls during a summer BBQ when I ran out of buns. What started as a happy accident has now become a go-to weeknight dinner that my family asks for constantly. Quick, customizable, and downright delicious, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen too.

Let’s dive right into why you’ll absolutely love making these Burger Bowls.

Why You'll Love This Burger Bowls Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite way to enjoy burgers. These Burger Bowls are not only delicious, but they also fit perfectly into your busy life.

First off, this recipe is unbelievably quick and easy. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, satisfying meal on the table. With minimal chopping and just one pan to clean, it’s ideal for those evenings when you want something home-cooked but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

They’re also wonderfully budget-friendly. Using simple, everyday ingredients like ground beef, lettuce, and cheese, you can feed a hungry family for a fraction of the cost of takeout.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can customize each bowl to fit everyone’s taste — add bacon, switch up the cheese, or go heavy on the pickles. It’s a great way to keep picky eaters happy without cooking multiple meals.

Finally, these burger bowls are a fantastic low-carb option. Whether you’re watching your carbs, following keto, or just looking to lighten things up, this recipe delivers all the burger satisfaction without the extra bread.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these burger bowls so special.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these Burger Bowls lies in their simplicity. Every ingredient has a role in building those classic burger flavors we all know and love.

Ground beef is the star of the show here. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. The slightly higher fat content keeps the meat moist and flavorful, especially since we’re cooking it in a skillet without a bun to soak up any juices.

Next comes the seasoning. A simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder is all you need to bring out the rich, savory notes of the beef. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste — a little smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce can add a nice depth of flavor.

The vegetables provide the crunch and freshness that balance out the richness of the beef. I like to use shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onions, and sliced pickles. You can prep these while the beef is cooking, making the whole process even faster.

No burger bowl would be complete without cheese. Shredded cheddar is my go-to for that classic burger feel, but you can experiment with Swiss, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for a more gourmet twist.

To tie it all together, a quick burger sauce is essential. Mixing mayo, ketchup, mustard, and a splash of pickle juice creates a creamy, tangy dressing that takes these bowls over the top. You don’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe — just a good skillet, a sharp knife, and a couple of mixing bowls.

How To Make This Burger Bowls Recipe

Creating these delicious Burger Bowls is as simple as it gets. Let me guide you through each step so you can serve up perfection every time.

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add your ground beef. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. This helps the beef cook evenly and develop those flavorful browned bits.

As the beef begins to brown, sprinkle in your seasonings — salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to make sure the spices are evenly distributed. Let the beef continue cooking until it’s fully browned and cooked through, which should take about 8-10 minutes.

While the beef is cooking, prep your vegetables. Rinse and shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes, slice the red onions thinly, and cut your pickles into rounds. Having all your toppings ready to go makes assembling the bowls quick and easy.

Next, prepare your burger sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and a splash of pickle juice. Stir until smooth and creamy. This sauce adds the perfect tangy, creamy element that ties the whole dish together.

Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease if necessary and set it aside. Now it’s time to assemble your burger bowls. Start with a generous bed of shredded lettuce, then top with a hearty scoop of seasoned beef, your choice of vegetables, shredded cheese, and a drizzle of burger sauce.

In about 25 minutes, you’ll have a colorful, satisfying meal that looks as good as it tastes.

Storage Options

These Burger Bowls store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

For short-term storage, place any leftover beef and chopped vegetables in separate airtight containers. The cooked beef will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, while the vegetables are best enjoyed within 2-3 days to maintain their crispness.

If you want to freeze the beef, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label your container with the date.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Then assemble your fresh vegetables and toppings for a quick, delicious meal.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about these Burger Bowls is how easy they are to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

If you want to switch up the protein, try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. These still deliver great flavor and pair wonderfully with the same seasonings and toppings.

For a plant-based twist, use plant-based ground beef substitutes. Brands like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger work great here and offer that same savory, satisfying texture.

You can also experiment with different cheeses. Try crumbled blue cheese for a bold flavor, Swiss for a milder taste, or pepper jack if you like a little heat.

The toppings are where you can really get creative. Add crispy bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or even a fried egg for an extra layer of indulgence. Don’t be afraid to pile on your favorite burger fixings.

And if you’re watching your dairy or calorie intake, feel free to use light or dairy-free versions of the sauces and cheeses. The bowls will still be delicious, and you’ll be able to enjoy them guilt-free.

The beauty of these Burger Bowls is that they’re endlessly adaptable. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make them your own — you might just discover your new favorite combination!

Print