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Cheeseburger bowls are my go-to when I want all the nostalgic burger flavors but without the heavy bread These bowls deliver on craveworthy taste and are hearty enough to keep you full all afternoon
The first time I brought these to a potluck they disappeared before anything else One friend begged me for the sauce recipe and now it has become her weeknight staple too
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: provides rich flavor and keeps the dish hearty Look for 90 percent lean for less grease and cleaner taste
- Garlic powder and onion powder: infuse every bite with warm savory notes
- Italian seasoning: adds subtle herby depth
- Salt and black pepper: to bring out all the flavors opt for freshly ground pepper if possible
- Mayonnaise: gives the burger sauce a creamy base Go for full fat for richness
- Ketchup: adds sweetness and a tangy zip Select low sugar ketchup if you want to keep carbs even lower
- Yellow mustard: brightens everything with some tang classic yellow is perfect here
- Pickle relish: for a punch of sweet and sour dice up good quality dill pickles if you want to skip packaged relish
- Smoked paprika: turns the sauce smoky and a little warm try Spanish smoked paprika if you can find it
- Lettuce: adds crunch and freshness choose romaine or iceberg and slice thinly
- Cherry tomatoes: bring juicy sweetness I love using mixed colors for visual pop
- Cheddar cheese: makes it creamy and satisfying sharp cheddar gives the most punch
- Red onion: sliced thin for bite and color soak slices in cold water to tame sharpness
- Pickles: for extra crunch and tang try garlic dills for extra flavor
- Pickled jalapeno slices: give just enough heat if you love spice add even more
- Cooked bacon: crumbled for smoky salty crunch use freshly cooked bacon for best taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Beef:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium high heat Add garlic powder onion powder Italian seasoning salt and black pepper Stir everything to coat the beef evenly Continue cooking until the meat is browned and nicely caramelized about seven to ten minutes Letting it get golden brown gives so much flavor
- Make the Burger Sauce:
- Combine mayonnaise ketchup yellow mustard pickle relish smoked paprika and garlic powder with salt and black pepper in a small bowl Whisk until smooth and creamy This sauce ties everything together and brings out that cheeseburger essence
- Prep the Veggies and Toppings:
- Wash and chop the lettuce halve the cherry tomatoes shred the cheddar cheese slice the red onion and pickles and crumble the cooked bacon If using pickled jalapeno slices drain them for best texture
- Build Your Bowls:
- Start with a big layer of chopped lettuce in each bowl Top with warm beef then scatter on cherry tomatoes cheddar cheese red onion pickles pickled jalapenos and bacon
- Drizzle and Serve:
- Generously drizzle the burger sauce over the assembled bowls Serve right away so everything stays crisp and fresh
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Crispy bacon is my absolute favorite part I remember my dad always cooking extra for any dish involving bacon and sneaking a few pieces for himself Now I always double the bacon just to make sure there is plenty for toppings and for sneaking My family always fights over the last piece at the table
Storage Tips
Keep each component in separate containers Refrigerate cooked beef for up to three days and store the sauce airtight The veggies and toppings should be kept dry and crisp Assemble fresh just before eating I love packing all the ingredients for work lunches and building my bowl at my desk
Ingredient Substitutions
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter taste Greek yogurt works well instead of mayonnaise in the sauce For dairy free use vegan cheese shreds and mayo Skip bacon if needed or substitute with smoked almonds for crunch
Serving Suggestions
Serve with extra lettuce if you want more of a salad vibe This bowl pairs well with sweet potato fries for a heartier meal or pile everything inside a lettuce wrap for handheld fun My kids love scooping up bites with tortilla chips for crunch
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Cultural or Historical Context
This dish takes all the favorite elements of a classic American cheeseburger and reimagines them in bowl form Bowl meals have been trending for a while now As someone who loves a good diner burger I appreciate how this recipe delivers all the flavor nostalgia with none of the mess
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well and will lower the fat content. Adjust seasonings to enhance flavor as desired.
- → Which cheese varieties taste best in this bowl?
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack also add a flavorful twist and creamy texture.
- → How can I make this dairy-free?
Omit cheddar cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Check sauce ingredients for dairy content, too.
- → What low-carb swaps can I use for the sauce?
Replace ketchup with sugar-free varieties and choose mayonnaise with no added sugars to keep carbs minimal.
- → Is this bowl meal-prep friendly?
Absolutely. Store cooked beef and sauce separately. Assemble bowls fresh to maintain veggie crispness.
- → How spicy is the bowl with jalapeños?
Pickled jalapeños add mild heat. Adjust quantity or omit for a milder flavor profile tailored to your preferences.