Description
Loaded Burger Bowls are a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional burgers, featuring savory ground beef cooked with onions and spices, layered over a bed of shredded iceberg lettuce, and topped with melted American cheese, fresh grape tomatoes, pickles, and a tangy homemade burger sauce. This easy stovetop recipe delivers all the classic burger flavors without the bun, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped and divided (3/4 for cooking, 1/4 for topping)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Burger Sauce
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 teaspoons mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Bowl Assembly
- 16 ounces iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 4 slices American cheese, chopped into pieces
- 4 ounces grape tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup dill pickles, sliced
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef, 3/4 of the chopped yellow onion, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and browned. Drain excess fat, then return the beef to the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare the Burger Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, water, mustard, white vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until the sauce is smooth and evenly combined.
- Assemble the Burger Bowls: Divide shredded iceberg lettuce evenly into four bowls, placing about 4 ounces in each. Top each with a quarter of the cooked ground beef mixture. Then add chopped American cheese, sliced dill pickles, halved grape tomatoes, and the remaining chopped onion on top. Drizzle the prepared burger sauce generously over each bowl.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the loaded burger bowls fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lower-fat option, use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher).
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-calorie sauce.
- Feel free to add extra toppings like avocado slices or crispy bacon bits.
- If you prefer melted cheese, place the assembled bowls briefly under a broiler or in a microwave-safe dish to melt the cheese before adding fresh toppings.
- This recipe serves well as a quick, no-bun burger meal that’s perfect for low-carb or keto diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: burger bowls, low carb burger, ground beef recipe, no bun burger, quick dinner, burger sauce
