This loaded Burger Bowl recipe has everything you love about a classic cheeseburger in bowl form! Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy pickles, and shredded cheese – plus golden, crispy fries, all tossed with a creamy, flavor-packed burger sauce!
There is literally nothing I love more than a loaded burger! I happen to think I have the best grilled burger recipe, but sometimes, and especially during the work week, I’d rather keep things simple with these cheeseburger bowls. You’re still getting all those classic, crave-worthy burger flavors, just in bowl form for an easy dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Drizzle everything with a special burger sauce and it’s over-the-top delicious.
These bowls are also perfect for meal prep (I love them for lunches!). I like to serve mine with homemade French fries for that full burger experience, but you could swap in sweet potato fries or skip them altogether if you’re watching your starch intake, or keep low-carb.
ingredients in this burger bowl recipe
These deconstructed burger bowls are completely customizable with your favorite burger toppings. They’re gluten-free, grain-free and perfect for meal prep.
Burger Meat:
- ground beef: I use 85/15 for flavor, but you can use a 93/7 blend.
- yellow onion: to add flavor and aromatics to the ground meat.
- olive oil: to sauté onions.
- spices: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
Toppings for Burger Bowls:
- lettuce: I like a mix of iceberg if I’m craving similar tastes from a Bic Mac in bowl form, but I almost always have romaine, so just use whatever lettuce base you like here.
- tomatoes: diced roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes.
- pickles: You could even make a quick batch of refrigerator pickles, but for an easy weeknight dinner, store-bought is the way to go.
- cheese: shredded cheddar for that ultimate cheeseburger flavor.
- French fries: optional but adds to the bowl. Could also use sweet potato fries. Make homemade or frozen in a pinch.
- burger sauce: a special to tie all the flavors together.
CAN I USE TURKEY OR PLANT-BASED MEAT INSTEAD?
Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even chopped burger patties all work well. You could also use plant-based ground meat if you prefer.
Special Burger Sauce:
Instead of tossing this bowl with a traditional dressing, we make a quick burger sauce that you can prep ahead and keep in the fridge until you’re ready to drizzle. It’s creamy, tangy, and ties everything together – especially with the fries.
For the burger sauce:
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that gives the sauce that classic, rich burger flavor.
- Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and that signature “burger joint” taste (think: Big Mac Bowls)
- Mustard (Dijon or yellow): Dijon adds a little depth, while yellow keeps it classic; use what you love.
- Pickle juice: The secret ingredient! It thins the sauce and adds a bright, tangy kick.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings a subtle savory, umami depth that makes the sauce feel extra special.
- Dried spices (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt & pepper): The same seasoning used for the burger meat, which helps everything taste cohesive and super flavorful.
How to Meal Prep, Store & Reheat Burger Bowls
- TO STORE: Store everything separately, like you would a salad, to keep the textures fresh. Keep the lettuce, toppings, cooked beef, fries, and burger sauce in individual airtight containers in the fridge. Assembled bowls are best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, they’ll keep for about 1 day. Stored separately, the components will last 3–4 days.
- TO REHEAT: Reheat the ground beef and fries (if using) in a skillet, air fryer, or microwave until warmed through and crispy. Then assemble your bowl with the fresh toppings and finish with a drizzle of burger sauce.
Burger Bowls with cheese, drizzled in a special sauce
Ingredients
Burger Bowls
- 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 lb ground beef, 85/15 or 93/7 - can also use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 head lettuce, shredded - can use iceberg or romaine
- 2-3 small roma tomatoes, diced - can also use cherry tomatoes, halved
- pickle chips or spears, chopped - homemade or store-bought
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese - about 2 tbsp per bowl
- 2 cups French fries - homemade fries or frozen cooked to package directions can also use sweet potato fries
- burger sauce, to drizzle
Burger Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – or yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Burger Bowl
- If serving with French fries, prepare these first.
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking up the meat with a spatula, add spices and Worcestershire and brown until cooked through. Drain and discard any excess liquid and grease.
- Assemble bowls with a layer of shredded iceberg lettuce, 3-4 ounces of ground beef, diced tomatoes, pickles, cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of fries.
- Drizzle with burger sauce and mix well. Dig in and enjoy!
Burger Sauce
- To a jar, add all ingredients and mix well to combine. Can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator in a jar with an airtight lid.
Notes
Nutrition
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Delicious. The potatoes really fill this bowl out
So glad to hear it! Thanks for your review, Amanda!