Craving all the deliciousness of a classic burger without the bun? Our Burger Bowls are the ultimate solution, offering a quick, satisfying, and highly customizable meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Get ready to ditch the bread and embrace a flavorful, low-carb, and incredibly easy dinner option that will become a staple in your meal rotation.
Key Ingredients for Burger Bowls
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended for best flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 cups shredded lettuce (Romaine or iceberg work well)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup sliced pickles
- 1/4 cup crumbled cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- For the Special Sauce (Optional, but highly recommended):
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice (optional, for tang)
How to Make Burger Bowls
These Burger Bowls are a revelation in simplicity, promising a burst of flavor and satisfying textures without the culinary fuss. They’re incredibly easy to assemble, making them perfect for even the most novice cooks. Expect a rich, savory taste with a delightful mix of fresh and creamy elements. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, ensuring a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Burger Patties: In a medium bowl, gently combine the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough burgers. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, about 1/2 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
Cook the Burger Patties: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the burger patties into the hot skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for about 3 minutes per side. Adjust cooking time for medium or well-done. Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate to rest for a few minutes. You can also crumble the cooked beef directly into the bowl if you prefer to skip forming patties (see alternative method in step 5).
Prepare the Lettuce Base: While the burgers are cooking or resting, divide the shredded lettuce evenly among four serving bowls. This forms the fresh and crunchy foundation for your Burger Bowls.
Assemble the Bowls: Top the bed of lettuce in each bowl with your cooked burger patty (or crumbled burger if using the alternative method). Next, artfully arrange the diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and sliced pickles around the burger. Sprinkle the crumbled cheddar cheese generously over the top.
Make the Special Sauce (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and pickle juice (if using) until well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This creamy, tangy sauce is the perfect complement to your Burger Bowls!
- Alternative Step for Crumbled Burgers: If you prefer a crumbled burger texture, after cooking the ground beef in step 2, drain off any excess grease. You can then add the crumbled, seasoned beef directly on top of the lettuce in step 4, followed by the other toppings and sauce.
Serve: Drizzle the Special Sauce generously over each Burger Bowl. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Why You’ll Love This Burger Bowls
These Burger Bowls are a flavor explosion waiting to happen, packing all the savory satisfaction of your favorite burger into a refreshing and customizable salad. The star of the show is undoubtedly the juicy, perfectly seasoned burger patty, enhanced by a symphony of fresh, crisp toppings. Making these Burger Bowls at home is a fantastic way to save money compared to dining at restaurants, offering a healthier and more budget-friendly option without sacrificing taste. The optional creamy special sauce elevates every bite, adding a decadent touch that’s hard to resist. If you’re a fan of classic burgers but looking for a lighter, more versatile meal, give these Burger Bowls a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing your delicious Burger Bowls is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy their goodness even longer.
- Refrigeration: Leftover Burger Bowls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It’s best to store the components separately if you want to maintain optimal crispness of the lettuce and toppings. For example, keep cooked burger patties, chopped vegetables, and sauce in individual containers.
- Assembly Before Serving: When you’re ready to eat leftovers, assemble your bowl by placing the lettuce in a fresh bowl, then adding the cold or reheated burger patty and topping with the prepared vegetables and sauce.
- Reheating:
- Burger Patties: Reheat cooked burger patties gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Crumbled Burger: If you prepared the burger crumbled, it can be reheated in a skillet or microwaved.
- Vegetables: It is generally best to consume the fresh vegetables (tomatoes, onions, pickles) as they are, as reheating can soften their texture.
- Freezing: While not ideal for the lettuce and fresh vegetables, you can freeze cooked burger patties or crumbled cooked burger meat for future use. Ensure the meat is cooled completely, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
These accessible and delicious Burger Bowls offer a fantastic way to enjoy classic burger flavors in a healthier, more flexible meal. Encourage yourself and your loved ones to whip up this simple yet satisfying dish this week for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Burger Bowls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, gently combine the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough burgers. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, about 1/2 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps prevent them from puffing up during cooking.1 pound ground beef, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the burger patties into the hot skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for about 3 minutes per side. Adjust cooking time for medium or well-done. Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate to rest for a few minutes. You can also crumble the cooked beef directly into the bowl if you prefer to skip forming patties (see alternative method in step 5).1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound ground beef
- While the burgers are cooking or resting, divide the shredded lettuce evenly among four serving bowls. This forms the fresh and crunchy foundation for your Burger Bowls.4 cups shredded lettuce
- Top the bed of lettuce in each bowl with your cooked burger patty (or crumbled burger if using the alternative method). Next, artfully arrange the diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and sliced pickles around the burger. Sprinkle the crumbled cheddar cheese generously over the top.4 cups shredded lettuce, 1 pound ground beef, 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup sliced red onion, 1/2 cup sliced pickles, 1/4 cup crumbled cheddar cheese
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and pickle juice (if using) until well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This creamy, tangy sauce is the perfect complement to your Burger Bowls! Alternative Step for Crumbled Burgers: If you prefer a crumbled burger texture, after cooking the ground beef in step 2, drain off any excess grease. You can then add the crumbled, seasoned beef directly on top of the lettuce in step 4, followed by the other toppings and sauce.1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- Drizzle the Special Sauce generously over each Burger Bowl. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!