Can I use a different type of meat besides ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe. Just be sure to season accordingly and cook thoroughly.

How do I keep the lettuce from getting soggy if I’m meal prepping?

Keep the lettuce separate from warm ingredients until just before serving. Use compartmentalized containers, and store the burger sauce on the side.

Is the burger sauce necessary, or can I use something else?

The burger sauce ties everything together, but you can substitute it with a simple mix of mayo and ketchup, ranch dressing, or even hot sauce for a spicier twist.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. Make sure your sauce ingredients are also dairy-free.

Cheeseburger Bowl

Name: Cheeseburger Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup pickled red onions (or diced raw red onions); 1/2 cup sliced pickles; 2 tbsp relish; 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices (optional); 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon; 4 cups shredded lettuce; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp yellow mustard; 1 tbsp pickle relish; 2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

Cheeseburger bowls are a quick, customizable, and beginner-friendly dish that brings all your favorite burger toppings into one hearty and healthy bowl—perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup pickled red onions (or diced raw red onions)
1/2 cup sliced pickles
2 tbsp relish
1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices (optional)
1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
4 cups shredded lettuce

For the Burger Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp pickle relish
2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, and smoked paprika. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook evenly until fully browned and no pink remains, about 7–10 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Prep the Veggies: While the beef is cooking, wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the pickles, crumble the bacon, and shred the lettuce. If using raw red onion, dice it finely. Set all toppings aside.
Assemble the Bowls: In a large bowl or individual serving bowls, layer shredded lettuce as your base. Add a portion of the cooked ground beef, followed by toppings such as tomatoes, onions, pickles, cheese, bacon, and jalapeños. Drizzle with the burger sauce just before serving.

Notes

If you’re prepping in advance, store the sauce separately to avoid sogginess. Swap the cheddar for any cheese you like, such as pepper jack or a vegan alternative. Feel free to omit bacon or jalapeños if desired. For added crunch, top with crispy onions or tortilla strips.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 720
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 1134mg
Fat: 59g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Unsaturated Fat: 34g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 135mg