Burger Bowls

ByJaclyn Shimmel On01/26/202601/28/2026 Updated01/28/2026

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When I’m craving a burger, this burger bowl recipe is my go-to. It’s fast, flavorful, and easy to customize with whatever toppings I have on hand.

Overhead view of two burger bowls filled with cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, crinkle-cut pickles, sliced red onion, chopped lettuce, and drizzled creamy dressing. Surrounding the bowls are a bottle of Coca-Cola, containers of pickles and onions, salt and pepper shakers, and a blue gingham napkin.

You get everything you love about a classic cheeseburger: juicy beef, crisp lettuce, melty cheese, pickles, onions, and that tangy special sauce. No grilling required.

The ground beef is seared in a skillet for that crave-worthy burger texture, and the creamy sauce brings it all together.

They taste just like a Big Mac in a bowl.

Whether you’re cutting carbs or just want an easy, satisfying dinner, this hamburger in a bowl hits the spot. Looking for another high-protein, meal-prep–friendly bowl? Try these Chicken Gyro Bowls next.

A burger bowl with ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, dill pickles, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and lettuce, all topped with a creamy homemade burger bowl sauce.

Why you’ll love this recipe

All the burger flavor, none of the bun.
Ready in 25 minutes—great for busy nights.
Totally customizable with your favorite toppings.
That best creamy, tangy burger sauce.

Burger Bowl Ingredients

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Flat lay of labeled ingredients for burger bowls including: lettuce, dill pickles, onion, tomato, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, paprika, garlic seasoning, salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, and raw ground beef.

Ground Beef – I prefer lean ground beef but ground chuck could be used as well. Searing the meat helps gives it that grilled burger patty taste.
Burger Seasoning – This recipe uses a simple mix of salt, garlic powder, and black pepper for classic burger flavor. You can also use your favorite store-bought blend if you prefer.
Burger Bowl Sauce – A creamy mix of mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, and spices that gives you that familiar fast-food burger flavor in every bite.
Lettuce – I usually go with crisp chopped romaine, but iceberg or a blend works too. It forms the base of your burger salad bowl.
Pickles & Onions – Classic burger toppings that add crunch and zip. Red onion adds color, but white or sweet onions work too.
Cheese – Shredded cheddar is classic, but pepper jack or colby are great swaps.
Tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes are juicy and sweet—slice them in half for bite-size pieces.
Fries (optional) – Add French fries or roasted potato wedges for a more indulgent burger bowl.
Sesame seeds (optional) – A light sprinkle of sesame seeds gives a subtle crunch and a fun burger-inspired finishing touch.

How to Make Burger Bowls

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

Step 1: Stir together the sauce ingredients and chill until ready to use.

Split image showing the preparation of burger bowl sauce. Left side shows unmixed ingredients in a bowl: mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, paprika, garlic seasoning, salt, and pepper. Right side shows the same ingredients blended into a creamy orange dressing.

Step 2: Add ground beef to a hot skillet and let it sear undisturbed for a few minutes to develop flavor and browning, then break it apart and cook through. Once cooked through, drain excess grease and season the meat.

Jaclyn’s Kitchen Faves

I use a meat chopper to break up ground meat while it cooks—it makes the process so quick and easy! If you don’t have one yet, it’s a total game-changer for perfectly crumbled sausage or ground beef.

Ground meat chopper kitchen tool with 5 blades, labeled Faberware.

Side-by-side images of ground beef cooking in a pan, seasoned with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Assemble the burger bowls with lettuce, toppings, and sauce. Serve immediately.

Side-by-side images showing a burger bowl before and after dressing is added. Both bowls contain ground beef, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced dill pickles, shredded cheddar cheese, red onion slices, and chopped lettuce arranged in sections. The left image shows the ingredients undressed; the right image shows the same bowl with creamy dressing drizzled over the top and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Pro Tip:

Prep toppings ahead of time so bowl assembly is quick and easy at meal time.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers separately – keep the beef mixture, homemade sauce, and veggies in separate airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Refrigerate: Cooked beef and sauce will keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm the beef in a skillet or microwave before assembling.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked beef, but avoid freezing the sauce or fresh veggies.

Tips for the Best Burger Bowls

Sear the beef in batches if needed, depending on your pan size. This prevents overcrowding and helps develop the best flavor and browning.
Let the beef sear undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring. It’s tempting to move it, but leaving it alone helps build a better crust.
Chill the sauce for at least 10 minutes before serving. It can also be made up to a day ahead for even better flavor.
Use cold, crunchy lettuce like romaine or iceberg to contrast with the warm beef and creamy sauce.

A burger bowl with crinkle-cut French fries, seasoned ground beef, sliced red onions, dill pickles, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, and a side of creamy special sauce. The bowl is surrounded by dishes of cooked beef, shredded cheese, pickles, tomatoes, and extra fries.

Additions and variations

Bacon Cheeseburger Bowl – Top with crispy bacon crumbles.
Avocado – Add sliced or diced avocado for extra creaminess.
Burger Bowls with Potatoes – Mix in bite-sized, seasoned, roasted potatoes.
Pickle Juice – For more tang, stir a teaspoon or two of dill pickle juice into the sauce.