If you love burgers but want something lighter and easier to customize, these bowls are the perfect solution. You get all the savory, cheesy, tangy goodness of a loaded burger while keeping things fresh and balanced.
They’re incredibly versatile. You can make them low-carb, keto-friendly, or build them up with rice or roasted potatoes for a heartier option. They’re also ideal for meal prep since each component can be prepared ahead of time and assembled when ready to eat.
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 olive oil
For the burger sauce: mayonnaise ketchup mustard pickle relish paprika
Directions
In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently to combine.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
While the beef cooks, prepare the burger sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and paprika in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Wash and chop the lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the red onion and pickles.
To assemble the bowls, divide the lettuce among serving bowls.
Top with cooked ground beef, cherry tomatoes, red onion, pickles, shredded cheddar cheese, and any optional toppings like avocado or bacon.
Drizzle generously with burger sauce just before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Total time: Approximately 25 minutes
Variations
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option.
Add cooked rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes to make the bowls more filling.
Use pepper jack or Swiss cheese instead of cheddar for a flavor twist.
For a spicy kick, mix hot sauce into the burger sauce or add sliced jalapeños.
Turn it into a barbecue-style bowl by adding barbecue sauce and crispy fried onions.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cooked beef separately from the fresh toppings in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
Keep the burger sauce refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
Assemble bowls just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and fresh.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare all components in advance and assemble just before eating for best texture.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, when served without rice or potatoes, it’s naturally low in carbohydrates.
Can I grill the beef instead?
You can cook burger patties on the grill and chop them before adding to the bowls.
What other toppings can I add?
Try sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, or a fried egg for extra flavor.
Can I make the sauce healthier?
You can substitute part or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
How do I keep the lettuce from wilting?
Store it separately and add warm beef only right before serving.
Can I use plant-based meat?
Yes, plant-based ground alternatives work well in this recipe.
What cheese melts best?
Cheddar melts nicely, but you can also use American, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just increase the ingredients proportionally.
Are these bowls good for meal prep?
Yes, they’re excellent for meal prep when components are stored separately.
Conclusion
Loaded Burger Bowls are a delicious, customizable way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic burger in a fresh and satisfying format. Quick to prepare and easy to adapt, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving comfort food with a lighter twist.
Loaded Burger Bowls are a fresh, low-carb twist on the classic cheeseburger, packed with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, cheddar cheese, pickles, and creamy homemade burger sauce. This Loaded Burger Bowls recipe delivers all the bold, savory burger flavors you love—without the bun. Perfect for meal prep, keto-friendly dinners, or quick weeknight meals, these customizable burger bowls are satisfying, easy to prepare, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
1 pound ground beef
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Bowls:
4 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup sliced pickles
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 avocado, sliced (optional)
For the Burger Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon pickle relish
¼ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
In a bowl, season ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently to combine.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, for 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and paprika to make the burger sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Prepare the fresh toppings: wash and chop lettuce, halve cherry tomatoes, and slice onion and pickles.
Divide lettuce among four serving bowls.
Top each bowl with cooked beef, tomatoes, red onion, pickles, shredded cheddar, and optional toppings like avocado.
Drizzle with burger sauce just before serving and enjoy
Notes
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.Add cooked rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes for a heartier bowl.Substitute cheddar with Swiss, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for variation.Mix Greek yogurt with mayonnaise for a lighter sauce option.Store components separately for best meal prep results.
