assembled burger bowl with special sauce — Makes: *1 Serving*
Per Serving: *40g Protein | 340 Cal*

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There’s just something about a burger that just screams “summer.” And while a burger can definitely be a healthy meal, this quick and easy twist lightens up a traditional burger, putting the focus on protein and fiber. The best part is that you don’t even need to fire up the grill in order to get this burger variation on the table. When that burger craving hits, but you’re looking to keep things light and packed with protein, this cheeseburger bowl is just what you need.

A deconstructed version of your favorite classic, this burger bowl is packed with all the flavor of the meal you love, without the heaviness of the bun—an ideal meal for when you need your burger fix, but want to stick with your health goals. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this bowl is ready in under 20 minutes and has only 340 calories. Plus, it's super versatile—use ground beef, or opt for roast beef deli meat for an even quicker version. Looking to switch up the classic burger? Try adding in different toppings, swapping the beef for a different meat, using a different sauce, and more. The possibilities are endless with this delicious burger bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy & Satisfying: Low in carbs but high in protein, keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Customizable: Swap out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients

5 oz lean ground beef (or roast beef deli meat for a quicker option)
1 egg (if you’re making a patty)
2-3 romaine lettuce leaves, chopped into small pieces (butter lettuce would also be good!)
1 oz or a slice fat-free or low-fat cheese of your choice
1 small tomato, chopped (or a handful of cherry tomatoes, or about 1/4 cup grape tomatoes)
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 dill pickle, chopped
Seasonings: Paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste

For the Homemade Burger Sauce:

2 tbsp lite mayo
2 tbsp ketchup
1/2 tsp mustard

Instructions

Cook the Meat: If using ground beef, season it with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and mix gently to combine, then form a burger patty. Heat 1 tsp of olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add your burger patty and cook until browned and to your desired doneness (if you’re using turkey or chicken, make sure you completely cook your burger). For extra flavor, add a splash of pickle juice while cooking. Add your cheese and continue to cook until melted. If you're using roast beef deli meat, place it on a plate, top with cheese, and warm it in the oven or microwave until the cheese melts.
Prep the Veggies: While the meat is cooking, chop the lettuce, tomato, red onion, and dill pickle.
Assemble the Bowl: Start with a bed of fresh lettuce in your bowl. Add the cooked beef or warmed roast beef to one side. Pile on the juicy tomatoes, red onion, and tangy dill pickles. If you have other favorite burger toppings, feel free to add them!
Mix the Sauce: Using a rubber spatula, combine the lite mayo, ketchup, and mustard in a small bowl for a homemade special sauce. Drizzle the sauce all over your burger bowl.
Enjoy! Dig in and savor all the flavors of a burger in this light, fresh deconstructed burger bowl. Add some roasted sweet potato fries on the side if you'd like.

recipe title graphic - close-up photo of loaded burger bowl and recipe title

Variations to Try

Classic burgers always hit the spot, but if you’re looking for a different kind of burger bowl, try one of these variations:

Southwest Style: Add some black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of chili powder to your bowl (or even use it to season your ground beef). Top with a dollop of salsa or guacamole for a Tex-Mex twist.
Bacon Lover’s Bowl: Crumble some crispy bacon (turkey is my favorite!) on top for an extra smoky flavor. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms for a savory touch.
Greek-Inspired Bowl: Swap out the ketchup and mustard sauce for a tzatziki sauce. Add some kalamata olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese to give your bowl a Mediterranean flair.
Veggie-Packed: Load up on additional fresh veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots. This not only adds crunch but also gives you an added fiber boost.
Low-Calorie Option: Make a turkey burger instead of beef and opt for a fat-free cheese. You can also replace the mayo in the sauce with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 340
Carbohydrates: 11 grams
Protein: 40 grams
Fat: 15 grams

FAQs

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute works great in this recipe.
Pepper jack, cheddar cheese, and more are all wonderful. Prefer something like goat cheese? That's fine too! You can use anything that you have on hand.
Use pre-chopped veggies from the grocery store to save time. You can also swap in your favorite veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers.
Yes! Prepare the meat and chop the veggies in advance. Assemble the bowl and add the sauce just before serving for maximum freshness.

This Burger Bowl is perfect for anyone who loves a cheeseburger but wants a healthier, low-carb option. This recipe is a great, healthier option with endless possibilities, the whole family is sure to find their favorite version. Give it a try and let me know how you customize yours!