Cheesy Burger Bowls with Bacon and Secret Sauce

A bunless burger has never tasted so good! This burger bowl recipe is loaded with caramelized onions, crisp bacon, and all the cheeseburger fixings to make a low carb, gluten-free dinner the whole family loves. This easy weeknight meal served in under 30 minutes has seasoned ground beef mixed with freshly grated cheddar for a classic cheeseburger taste, served over fresh greens and toppings.

burger bowl Recipe with Cheese

If you’re feeling let down by enjoying another bunless burger, it’s time to tantalize your taste buds! Cheeseburger bowls marries the taste of a classic American burger, but with a fresh and equally tasty spin!

When I don’t have the time to make homemade gluten-free buns, or want to enjoy a low carb option, burger bowls are the way to go. The cheesy ground beef mixture comes together in minutes and I can still load on all my favorite burger fixings in a giant salad bowl.

If you love bacon cheeseburgers, fry the bacon before beginning the rest of the recipe. Then you may use some of the bacon drippings for cooking golden, caramelized onions in. Once you have those optional components made, brown the beef and stir in cheese to finish.

However, cheeseburger salads are completely adaptable based on your preference and time restraints! You may use precooked bacon or omit the sautéed onions to shave off cooking time. Plus, mixing together the burger sauce may be swapped out with drizzle of ranch dressing to finish.

Below I share more tips for making easy burger bowls, such as ingredient swaps, modifying for dietary needs, suggested toppings, and how to make the “secret” special sauce! Just like these easy egg roll bowls, the flavor is so satisfying you won’t miss the wrapping!

Ingredient Notes

When making a burger bowl recipe, the key is to incorporate all the classic cheeseburger flavors without the bun, making it safe for a gluten-free diet. The ground beef mixture and special sauce were inspired by cheeseburger casserole, another spin on a “bunless” burger dinner!

• Bacon – If you are not a fan or prefer to not buy an extra ingredient, the bacon may be omitted. Simply start the recipe by sautéing the onions or browning the ground beef.
• Ground beef – Any preferred ground beef or ground turkey may be used. For a healthier version use ground sirloin or a meatless substitute, which also saves the step of draining excess grease.
• Onions – Also an option to skip if you aren’t a fan or want to save a step. If you use precooked bacon, saute the onions in a little butter or oil. Otherwise they can be cooked in a little bacon grease.
• Lettuce – Iceberg or romaine lettuce works best for burger salads because it holds up to the ground beef and toppings.
• Veggies – Just like loaded cheeseburgers, the sky is the limit for burger bowls. Chopped tomatoes, sauted mushrooms, dill pickles, avocado, peppers, or red onions are some favorites to choose from.
• Cheese – Sharp cheddar cheese adds the best cheesy flavor, but use any preferred cheese or leave off entirely. Mix some cheese with the cooked ground beef to replicate a cheesy burger patty.

how to make Burger Bowls

(Below shows step-by-step photos and modified instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.)

1. Begin by cooking the bacon, if using. This can be done by whatever method you prefer, but if cooking on the stove top, reserve some of the bacon grease to cook the onions in.
2. Drain off bacon grease until about 1 tablespoon is left in the pan. If you haven’t cooked the bacon in the pan, melt a pat of butter over medium heat. Add the onions and sprinkle with a little salt. Stir to separate onion slices. Cover with a lid and cook for 5 minutes. The salt and steam “sweats” the onions to soften them. Remove the lid and continue cooking for 5 minutes more, or until golden and caramelized. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan brown the ground beef, breaking up with a spoon. To the beef add the Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Cook until no longer pink. Then drain off the grease.
4. Turn off the heat and stir in the 1 cup cheddar cheese. Set aside while assembling the salad bowls and preparing the burger sauce.
5. Dive the lettuce and burger bowl toppings between 4 serving bowls. Top with the cheeseburger mixture and drizzle with special sauce or ranch dressing.

Burger Sauce

The “secret” burger sauce was inspired by another popular recipe – homemade oven fries with copycat Raising Cane’s fry sauce. The original recipe combines ketchup and mayo with seasonings, but adding a little pickle relish adds a “Big Mac” twist to the sauce.

Instead of mayo, you may swap out greek yogurt or sour cream for less calories. Also, instead of relish, a little pickle juice adds flavor and makes the sauce thin enough to drizzle on the salads.

toppings, modifications, and Serving Ideas

• Have leftover burger patties? Chop it up and add to the salads instead of browning the ground beef.
• Just because you are enjoying bunless burger bowls doesn’t mean you have to skip the fries! Make extra burger sauce dressing and use it as a dip for french fries, tater tots, or sweet potato fries.
• Need a dairy-free recipe? Skip the cheese or swap out a non-dairy substitute.
• Instead of sautéing onions, diced red onions can be added to the salad.
• If you are enjoying burger bowls as a low carb dinner option, the burger sauce can be swapped out with BBQ ranch, traditional ranch dressing or any preferred salad dressing.
• When making this as a gluten-free dinner option, be careful choosing your Worcestershire brand because some contain wheat starch. I recommend Lea & Perrin’s Original, but for other brands read the label to make sure it’s safe.
• While this is a meal on it’s own, if you are looking for what to serve with it, check out these easy burger side dishes!

Make-ahead and freezing

This easy ground beef dinner recipe also makes a great option for meal prep, especially when cooking for one or two!

Prepare the onions and cheeseburger mixture and cool completely. For serving-size portions divide between 4 freezer ziplock bags. I add the onions to the ground beef.

When ready to enjoy, thaw the beef mixture overnight in the refrigerator. Warm briefly on the stove top or in the microwave. Prepare the salads, sauce, and then top with the beef. Enjoy a quick and easy dinner!

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