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- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or plant-based substitute) - 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped - 1 large tomato, diced - 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup pickles, sliced Ground beef gives the bowls a rich flavor. You can switch to a plant-based option if you prefer. Fresh veggies add crunch and color. Romaine lettuce is perfect as a base, while tomatoes and cucumbers give freshness. Red onions add a little zing. Cheese brings everything together, and pickles add a nice tang. - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup sugar-free barbecue sauce The olive oil helps cook the beef and adds flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder make it tasty and aromatic. Season the beef well with salt and pepper for the best results. Sugar-free barbecue sauce gives the bowl a sweet kick without the carbs. - 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream For a creamy finish, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream. Greek yogurt is thick and healthy, while sour cream gives a classic taste. Both options add creaminess and balance the flavors in your burger bowl. {{ingredient_image_2}} Preparing the skillet First, grab a large skillet. Place it on the stove over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Let the oil heat up for a minute. You want it hot but not smoking. Seasoning the beef Now, take one pound of ground beef and add it to the hot skillet. Use a spatula to break the beef into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly. Sprinkle one teaspoon of garlic powder and one teaspoon of onion powder over the beef. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well as it cooks. Cook for about 7 to 10 minutes until the beef is brown and cooked through. Layering the base with romaine lettuce While the beef cooks, take a large mixing bowl. Chop one cup of romaine lettuce and place it at the bottom. This will be your fresh and crunchy base. Adding cooked beef and toppings Once the beef is ready, scoop it onto the lettuce. Use a spoon to spread it evenly. Next, add your toppings. Dice one large tomato, slice half a cucumber, and thinly slice a quarter cup of red onion. Sprinkle half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese and a quarter cup of sliced pickles on top. This creates a colorful and tasty mix. Adding sauces and creamy toppings Now, drizzle a quarter cup of sugar-free barbecue sauce over the bowl. This adds flavor and a bit of sweetness. For creaminess, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top. Mixing vs. layering presentation You have two choices now. You can gently mix all the ingredients together for a tasty blend. Or, you can leave it layered for a beautiful look. I love serving these in clear bowls to show off the colors! To ensure the beef is cooked perfectly, use a large skillet. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Season well with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If you want leaner options, try ground turkey or chicken. These meats are lower in fat. They fit well in a low-carb diet. You can also use plant-based meats for a veggie twist. Serve your burger bowls in clear glass bowls. This lets the colorful layers shine through. It makes the meal look more appealing. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This adds flavor and brightness. For low-carb add-ons, consider avocado or olives. They bring healthy fats and extra taste. You can also add jalapeños for a kick. For seasoning variations, try smoked paprika or cumin. These spices add depth to the beef. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors. Explore different combinations to find what you love! Pro Tips Use Lean Meat: Opt for 85% lean ground beef for a balance of flavor and lower fat content. This helps keep your burger bowls satisfying without being overly greasy. Fresh Vegetables: Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the toppings. They not only add color but also contribute crunch and nutrition to your burger bowls. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to mix and match toppings based on your preferences. Avocado, jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of bacon bits can elevate the dish. Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the beef and chop the vegetables ahead of time for a quick assembly during busy weeknights. Store them separately to maintain freshness. {{image_4}} You can switch out ground beef for other proteins. Chicken or turkey work well. They both have less fat and still taste great. Just cook them the same way as the beef. For those who prefer plant-based options, try using lentils or black beans. They add protein and fiber. You can also use store-bought veggie patties. These are easy and quick to prepare. Romaine lettuce is a great base, but you can try other greens. Spinach or kale add different flavors and textures. They also boost vitamins in your meal. Feel free to add more toppings for flavor. Avocados give creaminess. Bell peppers add crunch and color. You can also toss in olives or jalapeños for a spicy kick. Homemade dressings can personalize your burger bowls. Mix Greek yogurt with herbs for a fresh taste. You can also make a simple vinaigrette with olive oil and vinegar. Explore different flavors by using sauces like mustard or hot sauce. These can change the taste of your meal. Experiment until you find your perfect combination. To store leftover burger bowls, place them in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You should eat them within 3 days for the best taste and texture. The beef stays good for about 2-3 days. Fresh veggies like lettuce and tomatoes can last 1-2 days. Keep the toppings separate to maintain crunch. Yes, you can freeze burger bowls! Just store the beef and veggies separately. Use freezer-safe containers. The beef can last up to 3 months in the freezer. But the veggies will lose their crispness. So, add them fresh when you reheat. Reheat the beef in a skillet over low heat. This keeps it juicy. You can also use the microwave, but avoid overheating. It can make the beef tough. For veggies, add them fresh after reheating. This keeps them crisp. Avoid using high heat when reheating to ensure the best texture. These burger bowls are low-carb because they use fresh veggies instead of a bun. The base of romaine lettuce provides crunch without carbs. Ground beef is a great option as it has no carbs. The toppings, like tomatoes and cucumbers, add flavor with few carbs. You can also use sugar-free barbecue sauce. This sauce keeps your meal tasty while staying low-carb. Yes, you can prepare this recipe in advance. Cook the ground beef and store it in the fridge. You can chop the veggies ahead of time too. Keep the toppings, like cheese and pickles, separate. This helps keep everything fresh. When ready to eat, just combine and serve. You can store the cooked beef for up to three days. There are many low-carb sides that go well with burger bowls. Here are some ideas: - Roasted cauliflower - Zucchini fries - Steamed broccoli - Cabbage slaw - Grilled asparagus These sides will add variety and keep your meal low in carbs. You learned how to create delicious low-carb burger bowls from fresh ingredients. We covered choosing the right proteins, layering your bowl, and adding tasty sauces. Remember, you can swap ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later, and don't hesitate to try new flavors. With these tips, you can make satisfying meals that inspire you to cook more. Enjoy experimenting with your unique twists on this recipe!

Low-Carb Burger Bowls

A delicious and healthy alternative to traditional burgers, served in a bowl with fresh vegetables and toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 0.5 cup cucumber, sliced
  • 0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.25 cup pickles, sliced
  • 0.25 cup sugar-free barbecue sauce
  • 0.25 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and use a spatula to break it apart into smaller pieces.
  • Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the beef. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and fully cooked through—this should take about 7-10 minutes.
  • While the beef is cooking, take a large mixing bowl and layer in the chopped romaine lettuce to create a fresh, crunchy base for your burger bowls.
  • Once the beef is cooked to perfection, use a spoon to generously heap the beef mixture over the chopped romaine.
  • On top of the beef, arrange the diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, thinly sliced red onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and pickles.
  • Drizzle the sugar-free barbecue sauce evenly over the assembled ingredients.
  • For an added layer of creaminess, finish off with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top.
  • At this point, you can gently toss all the ingredients together or leave it layered for an eye-catching presentation.

Notes

Serve in clear glass bowls for a bright display and garnish with fresh herbs.
Keyword burger, healthy, low-carb