Print

High-Protein, Low-Carb Cheeseburger Bowls with Tangy Secret Sauce

Close-up of a hearty cheeseburger bowl with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, melted cheese, and a drizzle of sauce.
Print Recipe

Get all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger without the bun! These satisfying, high-protein cheeseburger bowls are perfect for quick weeknight dinners or easy low-carb meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lb lean ground beef (85/15 or leaner)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 1/2 cup dill pickle chips
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • For the Tangy Secret Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup (use low-sugar if strictly keto)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tangy Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and salt until completely smooth. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Beef: Place the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the meat apart with a spoon. Season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the cooked ground beef. Cover the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
  4. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the chopped romaine lettuce evenly among four serving bowls. This forms your healthy base.
  5. Layer the Ingredients: Spoon the cheesy ground beef mixture over the lettuce in each bowl.
  6. Add Toppings: Arrange the diced tomato, pickle chips, and sliced red onion over the beef in each bowl.
  7. Serve: Drizzle a generous amount of the Tangy Secret Sauce over the toppings in each bowl. Serve immediately for a quick, healthy dinner.

Notes

  • For meal prep, keep the sauce, cooked beef, and fresh toppings separate until ready to eat to maintain texture.
  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Add 1/2 cup of cooked bacon crumbles or 1/2 an avocado per bowl for extra healthy fat and flavor.
  • If you are following a strict Keto diet, check the sugar content of your ketchup or substitute it with a keto-friendly alternative.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/cheeseburger-bowl-recipe-low-carb-dinner/