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Delicious burger bowls served with fresh vegetables and toppings

Burger Bowls

All the satisfying flavors of a burger assembled into a fresh, portable bowl without the bun drama. Perfect for family meals or meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15) You can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
  • 1 tsp kosher salt Adjust to taste.
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Adds savory depth; can substitute with soy sauce.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder Or use 2 cloves minced garlic for fresher flavor.
  • 1 tsp onion powder Or use 1 small minced onion.
  • 1–2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or olive) For searing the meat.
  • 4 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens Or 2 cups cooked rice/quinoa per 4 bowls.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese Or vegan cheese alternative.
  • 1 large tomato, diced For freshness.
  • ½ cup diced red onion For brightness.
  • ½ cup sliced pickles or pickled jalapeños For tang.
  • ½ cup ketchup For sauce.
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard For sauce.
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise Or blend into a burger sauce with a squeeze of lemon.
Optional Toppings
  • to taste sliced avocado Optional.
  • to taste crumbled bacon Optional.
  • to taste chopped pickled red onion Optional.
  • to taste sesame seeds Optional.
  • to taste chopped fresh herbs Optional.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prep your base and toppings first (mise en place).
  2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Add the ground beef, breaking it into chunks with a spatula; season with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder.
  4. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and let it cook for 1–2 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low, sprinkle shredded cheese over the meat and let it melt.
Assembly
  1. Assemble bowls: place your lettuce or rice in bowls first, spoon warm beef-cheese mixture over the base.
  2. Top with diced tomato, onion, pickles, avocado slices, and a drizzle of ketchup-mustard-mayo or your favorite burger sauce.
  3. Finish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon if using, and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve burger bowls with crunchy kettle chips or a simple green salad. Refrigerate components separately for up to 3–4 days.