Meet your newest obsession: Cheeseburger Bowls! All the crave-worthy flavors of your favorite classic cheeseburger, packed into a colorful, fresh, totally fork-able bowl. If you love a hearty, satisfying meal that’s just as fun as it is tasty, this one’s a game-changer you’ll want on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All Your Burger Favorites—No Bun Needed: Every bite delivers that classic cheeseburger flavor in a fresh, lighter way, perfect for anyone craving comfort with a little extra crunch.
- Easy, Customizable, and Quick: Cheeseburger Bowls come together fast and make dinnertime playful, whether you’re serving picky kiddos or flavor-adventurous friends.
- Weeknight-Friendly & Meal Prep Approved: With simple prepping and endless topping combos, these bowls are a dream for busy days and next-day lunches alike.
- Crowd-Pleaser Every Time: From game day gatherings to easy family dinners, everyone loves building their dream bowl—no grill or fancy skills required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cheeseburger Bowls comes from their fresh, familiar ingredients—each one adds something delicious, from crunch to creaminess to that unmistakable burger tang. All you need are classic burger fixings and a couple extra touches to take things over the top!
- Ground Beef: Opt for 80-85% lean for that classic, juicy burger bite. Don’t forget to season generously with salt and pepper!
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for a burst of sweet acidity that brightens every mouthful.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A cheesy layer for that ooey-gooey, melty burger feel.
- Pickled Red Onions: Bring just the right tang and crunch—raw red onion works if you’re in a pinch, but pickled is extra special.
- Sliced Pickles: That classic dill crunch; use your favorite shape or flavor.
- Relish: Adds a punch of sweet and tangy flavor that instantly says “burger!”
- Pickled Jalapeño Slices: For those who like a little kick (totally optional, but so fun!).
- Crumbled, Cooked Bacon: For smoky, savory decadence—everything’s better with bacon, right?
- Shredded Lettuce: The crisp base that keeps things fresh and ties it all together.
- Burger Sauce: Creamy, bold, and packed with classic burger flavors—see below for the easy homemade recipe!
- Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Yellow Mustard, Pickle Relish, Smoked Paprika, Salt & Pepper: For whipping up the best burger sauce ever—smoky, savory, and totally spoon-worthy.
Variations
One of the best things about Cheeseburger Bowls is how wildly customizable they are—whether you’re working around favorite flavors or special diets, there’s a bowl for everyone. Mix, match, and swap ingredients however you like to make your ultimate burger bowl dream come true!
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap ground beef for lentils, veggie crumbles, or even black beans for a plant-forward twist.
- Go Low-Carb/Keto: Omit the relish or use a sugar-free variety, and pile on extra greens and cheese.
- Spice it Up: Add fresh jalapeño slices, a splash of hot sauce, or even pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
- Add Carbs If You Like: Layer your bowl over crispy roasted potatoes or steamed rice for a heartier meal.
- Change the Protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or bison work wonderfully—just cook as you would the beef.
How to Make Cheeseburger Bowls
Step 1: Whip Up the Burger Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the mayo, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything’s beautifully blended and your sauce looks irresistibly creamy. This sauce can be made ahead—it tastes even better after the flavors mingle in the fridge!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Season well with salt and pepper. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until browned, juicy, and fully cooked through—about 7–10 minutes. Once browned, drain off any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prep Your Toppings
While the beef cooks, prep your toppings: halve those juicy cherry tomatoes, slice pickles and onions, crumble your cooked bacon, and shred the lettuce nice and fine. Lay them out “taco bar” style so everyone can customize their own Cheeseburger Bowls!
Step 4: Build the Bowls
Start each bowl with a generous mound of shredded lettuce. Pile on a hot serving of ground beef, then layer with cheddar, pickled onions, tomatoes, pickles, bacon, relish, and jalapeño slices—use as much or as little as you like. Drizzle plenty of homemade burger sauce all over the top. Dig in and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Cheeseburger Bowls
- Ultimate Burger Sauce: Mix your burger sauce ahead of time and let it chill—it gets even richer as the flavors meld!
- Crisp Lettuce is Key: Keep shredded lettuce chilled until ready to serve for that ultra-refreshing, restaurant-style bite.
- Drain That Beef: After browning, always drain off excess fat so your bowls don’t get soggy.
- Prep Bar for Families: Lay out toppings in separate bowls and let everyone build their own—kids love making their Cheeseburger Bowls just the way they want!
How to Serve Cheeseburger Bowls
Garnishes
The right garnish makes these bowls pop! Sprinkle with fresh chives, diced green onions, or a handful of extra cheddar for pure comfort. For a bold touch, a few more pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of extra burger sauce really takes these Cheeseburger Bowls over the top.
Side Dishes
These bowls are filling, but a side of oven-baked sweet potato fries, classic kettle chips, or crunchy veggie sticks works perfectly. If you want to round out your meal, try a simple corn salad or a quick batch of air fryer tater tots—always a crowd-pleaser next to Cheeseburger Bowls!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn dinnertime into a “burger bar” by serving toppings in small bowls, or layer ingredients in mason jars for a fun picnic or lunchbox twist. Mini individual bowls are perfect for parties, and you can even make Cheeseburger Bowls “slider” style by using smaller plates and bite-sized toppings for an appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover ground beef, toppings, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When stored this way, everything stays fresh for up to 3–4 days—just assemble right before eating to keep your lettuce nice and crisp.
Freezing
The cooked ground beef freezes beautifully! Cool completely, portion into freezer bags or containers, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as needed; fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles are best added just before serving.
Reheating
Reheat the ground beef gently in a skillet over medium heat or in brief bursts in the microwave—just until warmed through. Never reheat the lettuce or fresh toppings; simply assemble your Cheeseburger Bowls with rewarmed beef and chilled, crunchy toppings for the best texture every time.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of meat for Cheeseburger Bowls?
Absolutely! Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes for a lighter or vegetarian take. Just cook as you would ground beef and season well for the best flavor.
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What’s the best lettuce for Cheeseburger Bowls?
Shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce bring a perfect crisp crunch—just like a classic burger! Spinach or mixed greens also work if you want to add a little nutrition boost or a different texture.
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Can I prepare Cheeseburger Bowls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the beef, sauce, and toppings in advance. Store everything separately in the fridge, then build your bowls right before eating to keep the lettuce and veggies fresh and crisp.
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Is the burger sauce spicy, and can I adjust the heat?
The burger sauce is flavorful but not hot. For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or more smoked paprika, or sprinkle chopped fresh jalapeños right into your bowl!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that delivers all the classic cheeseburger happiness—without the bun and with a fun, fresh spin—Cheeseburger Bowls are it! They’re simple, endlessly customizable, and absolutely joyful to eat. Gather your favorite toppings, let everyone build their own, and watch smiles appear around the table. Enjoy!
Print
Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
These Cheeseburger Bowls are a deconstructed take on a classic cheeseburger, served in a bowl for a fun twist. Layers of seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, cheese, and a flavorful burger sauce come together for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef
- 1 lb
Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 1 pint
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup
Pickled Red Onions
- 1/2 cup (can substitute regular, raw red onions too)
Sliced Pickles
- 1/2 cup
Relish
- 2 tbsp
Pickled Jalapeno Slices
- 1/4 cup
Crumbled, Cooked Bacon
- 1/2 cup
Lettuce (shredded)
- 4 cups
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
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Sauce – In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, relish, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef – In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper to your preference. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula so it will cook evenly. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Assemble Cheeseburger Bowls – In individual serving bowls, start with shredded lettuce. Add a serving of the cooked ground beef. Top with your favorite burger toppings (cherry tomatoes, red onions, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, etc). Drizzle with burger sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
