Name: Easy Weeknight Burger Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 4 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup pickles, chopped or sliced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Burger Sauce:; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp ketchup; 1 tsp yellow mustard; 1 tsp pickle juice; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; Optional: hot sauce, to taste

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This burger bowl is everything you love about a cheeseburger, minus the carbs and mess. It’s customizable, quick to throw together, and great for meal prep. Whether you’re eating low-carb, gluten-free, or just want something lighter and faster than fast food, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, no grill required—just a skillet and 30 minutes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Lettuce (chopped romaine or iceberg)
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Red onion, thinly sliced
Pickles, chopped or sliced
Shredded cheddar cheese
Burger sauce (mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, optional hot sauce)

Directions

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Set aside.
In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the burger sauce until smooth. Taste and adjust to your liking.
Assemble each bowl with a base of chopped lettuce.
Top with a scoop of cooked ground beef, cherry tomatoes, red onions, pickles, and shredded cheddar.
Drizzle with the burger sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
Optional: Garnish with sesame seeds or fresh herbs.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.
Use grilled mushrooms or sautéed onions for a savory topping.
Include avocado slices for creaminess.
Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa if you want a heartier bowl.

Storage/Reheating

Store all components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm the beef in a skillet or microwave until hot. Assemble fresh with cold veggies and sauce for best texture.
Avoid storing assembled bowls, as the lettuce may wilt and become soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. Cook the beef and prep the toppings in advance. Store separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Is this burger bowl keto-friendly?

It can be. Use sugar-free ketchup in the sauce and avoid any added sugars in condiments.

Can I use store-bought burger sauce?

Absolutely, but homemade sauce allows you to control the flavor and ingredients.

What kind of lettuce is best?

Romaine or iceberg work best for crunch and structure, but you can use any greens you prefer.

Can I add carbs to this dish?

Yes. Serve it over rice, sweet potato mash, or add croutons for a burger-and-fries vibe.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

It can be. Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative and make sure the sauce is dairy-free.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar melts nicely and gives a classic burger taste, but pepper jack or American cheese also work well.

Can I make it spicy?

Add jalapeños to the bowl or hot sauce to the burger sauce for heat.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Use a plant-based ground meat alternative and ensure your sauce and toppings are vegetarian-friendly.

Can kids eat this?

Yes! It’s mild, fun to assemble, and easy to customize for picky eaters.

Conclusion

The Easy Weeknight Burger Bowl is a quick, tasty, and satisfying meal that brings all the comfort of a cheeseburger without the bun. With minimal prep and endless customization options, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty, fast, and family-approved. Once you try it, it’ll become a go-to in your weekly dinner rotation.