This Hamburger Bowl Recipe is exactly what you need if you want something a little lighter (without compromising taste) yet love a good, juicy burger.
Though presented in a bowl rather than on a bun, it has all the greatest elements of a classic burger: seasoned meat, melty cheese, crunchy vegetables, and that trademark condiments.
All at once this is fresh, substantial, and fulfilling. Meal prep, a quick dinner, or those days when you want something burger-inspired but without the heaviness of bread would all be ideal.
And believe me you will not miss the bun!
Want a hearty, beef-based dish for another meal? Try this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole for a delicious twist.
Table of Contents
The Reason You Will Love This Recipe
- Burger Flavor, No Bun : Fresh bowl presentation of all the meaty, cheesy, tangy delight of a burger.
- Quick and easy : Ready in thirty minutes with little effort.
- Customize it : With your own burger toppings or replace components.
- Perfect for meal planning : Prepare everything ahead and put it together just before dining.
- Low-Carb & Gluten-Free : Perfect choice if you’re cutting back on carbohydrates!
Components for the Beef Mixture
- Ground beef : is the main ingredient in the flavorful and juzzled dish.
- Onion and garlic : gives the steak flavor and depth.
- Red and green bell peppers : offer a little crunch and flavor.
- Olive Oil : For perfectly sautéed everything.
- Salt and pepper : are basic ingredients used in seasoning.
- Romaine lettuce : is the ideal base for the bowl; crisp and fresh.
- Cherry tomatoes : have a luscious, somewhat sweet bite.
- Avocado : is creamy perfection that enhances everything.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese :Imagine a burger without cheese?
- A tart, salty flavor, chopped pickles : bring this bowl to life.
For the Drizzle of Sauce
- Ketchup : is classic, tart, and faintly sweet.
- Yellow mustard : lends the ideal burger flavor.
- Mayonnaise : Tying everything together, mayonnaise is creamy and silky.
👉 The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
If you’re a fan of classic beef dishes, check out this Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf another ground beef favorite.
Creating a Hamburger Bowl: Methodologies
Cook the beef mixture first
- In a large skillet set on medium, warm olive oil. As the ground beef cooks, break it up until browned. Eliminate extra fat as necessary.
Step 2: Sear the peppers and onions
- To the skillet add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion turns transparent and tender. Stir in the red and green bell peppers; simmer for another three minutes, until just tender. Taste-test and adjust with salt and pepper.
Third step: Build the Bowl
- Add chopped Romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and chopped pickles in a big bowl.
- Add the beef and cheese; spoon the heated beef mixture over the fresh vegetables then top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Drizzle with sauce; serve
- Drizzle the bowl ketchup, mustard, and mayo; top with fresh parsley (if using); then dive in!
For a hearty meal option, try Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a rich, indulgent alternative.
Pro Advice for the Perfect Hamburger Bowl
Lean ground beef
keeps it juiced without being overly oily using 85/15 or 90/10.
Warm vs. Cold Toppings
Maintaining the beef combination warm and the vegetables crisp for the optimum texture contrast is key.
Create a cheeseburger bowl
by mixing shredded cheese into the beef mixture just hot to get it nice and melty.
Want more sauce?
She said: – For a creamy burger sauce drizzle mix equal parts mayo, ketchup, and mustard.
Make it spicy
by drizzling hot sauce or sriracha or adding chopped jalapeño.
How to Present
Using crushed tortilla chips
gives a little crunch, almost like to a taco salad.
For a portable Lettuce Wrap
toss everything onto big lettuce leaves.
Along with sweet potato fries
the ideal burger-inspired combo.
Top with a fried egg
since a runy yolk enhances everything.
Create Ahead and Storage Space
Respecting Leftovers
- Store beef mixture in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container.
- Store separately to maintain veggies’ freshness and crispness.
Repeating
- Reheat the steak in a skillet set on medium heat until heated.
- Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until hot using a microwave.
Questions
Can I use another kind of ground meat?
Sure! Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for another twist.
Can I create meals using this recipe?
Indeed! Advance cooking the beef combination and keep the vegetables separate. When ready to dine, gather!
For this bowl, what cheese would be ideal?
Though you could also use pepper jack, mozzarella, or Swiss for a creative variation, cheddar is traditional.
Are more toppings possible?
Surely! Try bacon crumbs, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy onion straws.
Conclusion
Without the bun, this Hamburger Bowl is juicy, delicious, and loaded with all the best burger toppings! Busy weeknights, dinner prep, or whenever you’re hungry for something substantial yet fresh it’s quick, filling, and completely adaptable.
One taste will make you not even notice the bun! 👍🥗
Happy and enjoyable cooking! 😊
Hamburger Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 lb 450g ground beef (80/20 or lean)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Burger Bowl Base:
- 4 cups shredded lettuce romaine or iceberg
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup pickles sliced
- 1 avocado sliced (optional)
- For the Special Burger Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or pickle juice
- Optional Toppings:
Optional Toppings:
- Cooked bacon bits
- Fried or boiled egg
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and fully cooked. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Make the Special Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, paprika, and vinegar. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Burger Bowls
- Divide shredded lettuce among 4 serving bowls.
- Add cherry tomatoes, red onions, shredded cheese, and pickles.
- Spoon the cooked ground beef on top.
Step 4: Drizzle and Serve
- Drizzle with the special burger sauce.
- Garnish with avocado slices, bacon, or jalapeños if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lower-calorie version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- For a dairy-free option, skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- For a keto-friendly sauce, use sugar-free ketchup and skip the relish.