Cheeseburger Bowls

Cheeseburger Bowls

4 servings
Easy cheeseburger bowls loaded with customizable toppings, and a delicious big mac sauce. They never get old with the topping options.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup onion

    diced

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

    or ground turkey

  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ⅓ cup cheddar cheese

    shredded

  • 4 cups romaine or butter lettuce
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes sliced
  • ⅓ cup pickles

    *any flavor of pickles!

  • 9 oz french fries

    frozen or fresh made

  • 4 Tbsp mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp yellow mustard
  • 2 Tbsp sweet relish
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp pepper

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather ingredients. Chop up toppings (tomatoes, pickles, bacon and set them to the side). If you are using fries, bake them now according to the package or follow my Homemade Crispy Fries Recipe.

  2. 2

    Make the Big Mac Sauce. In a small bowl whisk together ingredients. (4 Tbsp mayonnaise, 2 Tbsp yellow mustard, 2 Tbsp sweet relish, ¼ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp pepper) . To thin the sauce a little, add 1 tsp of water to the mix until desired consistency.

  3. 3

    Dice the onion. In a medium sized pan, add a spritz of olive oil and heat on medium heat Add the onions and season with a pinch of salt/pepper. Sauté for about 3 minutes or until browned and sweating. 

  4. 4

    Cook the Beef. Add the ground beef to the pan on medium heat. Season the beef (½ tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp cracked black pepper, 1 tsp dried thyme). Continue to cook until beef is browned. Soak up the excess grease with a paper towel. Once the grease is soaked up, add in the Worcestershire Sauce and balsamic, simmer for 1 minute and top with shredded cheese. Let it melt a tad and take the beef off the heat. 

  5. 5

    In a bowl, add lettuce, hamburger meat, toppings (pickles, onions, tomatoes, cheese, fries) and drizzle optional big mac sauce over the bowl.

Cheeseburger Bowls

Cheeseburger Bowls

30 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving the classic taste of a cheeseburger without the bun? These easy Cheeseburger Bowls deliver all the satisfying flavors you love, loaded with customizable toppings and a delicious big mac sauce, making them a fantastic option for a weeknight meal.

What makes these cheeseburger bowls truly special is the flexibility and that incredible homemade sauce. You get all the juicy, seasoned ground beef you'd expect, but paired with fresh, crisp lettuce, vibrant tomatoes, and crunchy pickles. Plus, the signature big mac sauce ties everything together, transforming simple ingredients into a nostalgic, comforting dish that never gets old.

When you dive into a Cheeseburger Bowl, expect a delightful medley of textures and tastes. You'll encounter savory, well-seasoned ground beef or turkey, complemented by the sharp zest of diced onion and the herby notes of thyme. The creamy, tangy big mac sauce—made from mayonnaise, mustard, relish, and a touch of paprika—drapes over everything, mimicking your favorite drive-thru classic. Crisp romaine or butter lettuce provides a refreshing base, while juicy cherry tomatoes and tart pickles add bright pops of flavor. And for that ultimate burger experience, crispy fries are the perfect addition, adding a welcome crunch to every bite.

Customization is key with these bowls! Feel free to swap the lean ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option. Don't be afraid to experiment with different pickle flavors—the recipe explicitly encourages it—whether you prefer dill, bread and butter, or spicy varieties. You can also easily adjust the quantity of cheese or add extra vegetables like bell peppers or avocado to make it your own.

These versatile Cheeseburger Bowls are perfect for a casual family dinner or a satisfying lunch. They shine as a standalone meal, providing all the components of a classic burger in a fun, deconstructed way that keeps things fresh and exciting.

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