If you’re craving a juicy, comforting burger but want to skip the bun without sacrificing any flavor, the Burger Bowls with Seasoned Ground Beef and Fresh Veggies Recipe is your new go-to! This dish brings together perfectly spiced ground beef patties nestled on a vibrant bed of crunchy lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Topped with melty cheddar, tangy pickles, and a creamy homemade sauce, each bite bursts with balanced textures and flavors that feel indulgent yet fresh. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend treat, these burger bowls are a fantastic way to enjoy all the goodness of a burger in a lighter, colorful, and fun bowl format.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this burger bowl magic is all about simple, readily available ingredients that each elevate the dish with distinct taste, texture, or color. From the rich, seasoned ground beef to the crisp fresh veggies, every component plays a vital role in making these bowls irresistibly satisfying.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty, flavorful base that makes these bowls feel like a true burger experience.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps cook the beef evenly while adding a subtle richness.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, savory depth to the seasoning mix.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the beef’s flavor with a mild sweetness.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a smoky hint that’s utterly addictive.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) & Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Essential seasonings to balance and amplify all the flavors.
- Lettuce leaves (4 large): Provide the crisp, refreshing bed that contrasts perfectly with the warm beef.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Juicy and slightly sweet, they brighten the bowl.
- Cucumber (½ cup, diced): Adds cool crunch and freshness.
- Red onion (¼ cup, thinly sliced): Offers a sharp, zesty bite that wakes up the palate.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup): Melts over the patties, adding creamy richness.
- Pickles (¼ cup, sliced): Gives a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness.
- Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise (¼ cup each): Combined into a luscious sauce that ties everything together.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds umami and a subtle tang to the sauce for depth.
How to Make Burger Bowls with Seasoned Ground Beef and Fresh Veggies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Skillet and Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the olive oil. This step ensures your beef will sizzle and brown beautifully, creating that irresistible crust every burger needs.
Step 2: Season the Ground Beef
While the skillet warms up, place the ground beef into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, then use your hands or a spoon to mix it all thoroughly. This blend infuses the meat with a burst of savory and smoky flavor that is crucial for the Burger Bowls with Seasoned Ground Beef and Fresh Veggies Recipe.
Step 3: Shape and Cook the Patties
Form the seasoned ground beef into 4 equal-sized patties. Carefully place them in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your preferred doneness. The cooking time locks in the juices and lets the spices deepen their magic.
Step 4: Prepare the Fresh Veggies
While the patties cook, wash and dry the large lettuce leaves and arrange them in individual bowls. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. Scatter these fresh veggies over the lettuce to create a crisp, colorful foundation bursting with freshness.
Step 5: Final Assembly of Burger Bowls with Seasoned Ground Beef and Fresh Veggies Recipe
Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them rest a few minutes to keep them juicy. Slice pickles into thin rounds and shred the cheddar cheese. Place each patty on top of the veggie-loaded lettuce, then sprinkle the cheddar and arrange the pickle slices over the top.
Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Signature Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Drizzle this creamy, tangy sauce generously over each burger bowl to finish it off perfectly.
How to Serve Burger Bowls with Seasoned Ground Beef and Fresh Veggies Recipe
Garnishes
For extra pop, add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a few slices of avocado on top. They lend freshness and creaminess that balance the seasoned beef and vibrant veggies beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve the bowls alongside crispy sweet potato fries or a simple coleslaw to keep things light but indulgent. A chilled pickle spear also makes a lovely crunchy sidekick that pairs perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the ingredients in mason jars for portable lunches or build a family-style platter where everyone assembles their own bowl. This interactive presentation makes the Burger Bowls with Seasoned Ground Beef and Fresh Veggies Recipe both fun and visually stunning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover cooked beef patties and prepped veggies separate in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps preserve freshness and allows for quick reassembly.
Freezing
The cooked beef patties freeze well individually wrapped and stored in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to enjoy later.
Reheating
Reheat patties gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying them out. Add fresh veggies and sauce after reheating to maintain crispness and flavor vibrancy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work wonderfully in this Burger Bowls with Seasoned Ground Beef and Fresh Veggies Recipe with slight flavor differences. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Is this recipe low carb or keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbs since the bun is replaced by fresh veggies and lettuce. It’s a great option for anyone following keto or low-carb lifestyles.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
Definitely! Substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free version and omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative to keep the dish dairy-free.
What are good veggie substitutions here?
Feel free to swap in bell peppers, shredded carrots, or radishes for extra crunch and color. The fresh veggies are flexible and can be tailored to your preferences or seasonal produce.
How can I meal prep these bowls for busy weeknights?
Cook and season the beef patties ahead of time, chop veggies in advance, and keep the sauce ready in the fridge. Then assembly takes just a few minutes after work for a quick, nourishing meal.
Final Thoughts
The Burger Bowls with Seasoned Ground Beef and Fresh Veggies Recipe truly brings burger night into a fresh, healthy, and delicious new light. With every flavorful bite combining juicy seasoned beef, crisp vegetables, melty cheese, and tangy sauce, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. I can’t wait for you to dive into these vibrant bowls and make them your own!
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Burger Bowls with Seasoned Ground Beef and Fresh Veggies Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
These Burger Bowls provide a fresh, low-carb twist on classic burgers by serving juicy seasoned beef patties atop a bed of crisp lettuce and fresh vegetables. Topped with shredded cheddar cheese, pickles, and a tangy homemade sauce, this recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying meal without the bun.
Ingredients
Beef Patties
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Bowl Ingredients
- 4 large lettuce leaves
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil to prepare for cooking the patties.
- Season the Ground Beef: Place the ground beef into a mixing bowl and add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all seasonings evenly.
- Form Patties: Once the skillet is hot, form the seasoned beef into 4 equal-sized patties for even cooking.
- Cook Patties: Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they reach your preferred level of doneness.
- Prepare Bowl Base: While the patties are cooking, wash and dry the lettuce leaves, then distribute them evenly at the bottom of individual bowls. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion; add all these vegetables on top of the lettuce.
- Rest Patties: Remove cooked patties from the skillet and allow them to rest for a few minutes to retain juices.
- Prep Toppings: While the patties rest, slice the pickles into thin rounds and shred the cheddar cheese to have ready for assembly.
- Assemble Burger Bowls: Place each beef patty atop the lettuce and veggie base. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and add pickle slices over the patties.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well until smooth.
- Serve: Drizzle the prepared sauce generously over the burger bowls and serve immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- The sauce can be adjusted to taste by adding hot sauce or extra Worcestershire sauce for more tang.
- Leafy greens like romaine or iceberg lettuce work well as a base for the bowls.
- Can be served warm or slightly cooled, making it a versatile meal for different preferences.
- Leftover patties can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for quick meals.
