Burger Bowls

Burger Bowls bring all your favorite burger flavors together in one satisfying dish without the bun. I still remember the first time I served these at a family gathering; my grandkids couldn’t believe they were eating a “burger” with a fork, and they loved picking their favorite toppings to pile high in their bowls.

There’s something special about taking a classic comfort food and giving it a fresh twist. Growing up in the Midwest, burgers were a staple at our summer cookouts and Sunday suppers. But as life got busier and we all started looking for healthier options, I discovered that layering all those beloved burger ingredients in a bowl created something even better – a meal that’s easier to customize, packed with fresh vegetables, and just as satisfying as the original. The best part? Everyone can build their bowl exactly how they like it, from my son who loads up on pickles to my daughter who goes light on the sauce. Time to get cooking!

What Makes This Burger Bowl So Special

I’ve been making Burger Bowls for years now, and they’ve become one of my most-requested meals. This recipe combines the hearty satisfaction of a classic burger with the flexibility modern families need.

Here’s why this dish works every time:

• Ready in 40 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast
• Highly customizable – Each family member can adjust toppings to their preferences
• Lower carb option – Skip the rice for a lighter meal without sacrificing flavor
• Meal prep friendly – Components store separately for easy lunch packing throughout the week
• Restaurant-quality presentation – Layered ingredients create an eye-catching dish that looks as good as it tastes
• 40 grams of protein per serving – Keeps everyone satisfied and energized

Ingredient Spotlight

Lean ground beef forms the hearty foundation of these bowls, and I always choose 90/10 or 93/7 lean beef to keep the dish lighter while still delivering that classic burger flavor we all crave.

Brown rice adds wholesome texture and helps make the meal more filling; in my kitchen, I prefer cooking a big batch on Sundays so weeknight assembly goes even faster.

Cherry tomatoes bring bright, juicy bursts of freshness that balance the richness of the beef, and halving them ensures every bite gets that garden-fresh flavor.

Shredded lettuce provides the crisp, cool crunch that’s essential in any good burger, and I’ve learned that shredding it into thin strips rather than chopping creates the perfect texture.

Sliced pickles deliver that tangy, briny punch that makes you think “burger” with every forkful – I use dill pickles because they’re what my grandmother always had on hand at family cookouts.

Shredded cheddar cheese melts slightly into the warm beef and rice, creating those irresistible cheesy pockets throughout the bowl.

Ketchup and mustard combine into a simple sauce that ties everything together with that familiar burger flavor; Betty always mixes hers fresh for each meal because it takes just seconds and tastes so much better than store-bought burger sauce.

How to Make Burger Bowls Step by Step

Step 1. I always start by getting the brown rice going first since it takes about 40-45 minutes to cook properly, and this way everything finishes around the same time for a hot, fresh meal.

Step 2. While the rice cooks, I heat my skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, seasoning it generously with salt and pepper; Betty’s tip: don’t be shy with the seasoning since it flavors the entire bowl.

Step 3. Break up the beef with a wooden spoon as it cooks, stirring occasionally until it’s nicely browned all over – this takes about 8 minutes and you’ll know it’s ready when there’s no pink remaining.

Step 4. After years of making this, I discovered that draining the excess fat after cooking is essential, even with lean beef, because it keeps the bowls from getting greasy and lets the other flavors shine through.

Step 5. While the beef browns, I prep all the vegetables: halving cherry tomatoes, shredding the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, and slicing pickles if they’re not already sliced – this multi-tasking makes the whole process much faster.

Step 6. In a small bowl, I whisk together the ketchup and mustard until smooth; through trial and error, I learned that mixing them creates a better sauce than drizzling them separately.

Step 7. To assemble each bowl, Betty always starts with a generous layer of brown rice at the bottom, which soaks up all the delicious juices from the toppings.

Step 8. Add the seasoned ground beef on top of the rice while it’s still warm, then layer the shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and pickles in whatever order you prefer.

Step 9. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top – I like to add it while the beef is hot so it gets slightly melty and delicious.

Step 10. Drizzle the ketchup-mustard sauce over everything and serve immediately; my family prefers when I bring the bowls to the table so everyone can see that beautiful presentation before diving in.

Keeping This Burger Bowl Fresh

I typically store leftover components separately in airtight containers, which keeps everything fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The key I’ve discovered is keeping the lettuce and tomatoes in their own container, as they stay much crisper this way, and storing the sauce separately until you’re ready to eat.

Through trial and error, I learned that Burger Bowls aren’t ideal for freezing because the fresh vegetables don’t hold up well to thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked rice and seasoned beef separately if you’d like to prep ahead – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For the best texture, I reheat the rice and beef in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, then add all the cold, fresh toppings just before serving. Betty’s method works well because it keeps the vegetables crisp and refreshing while the base is hot and comforting, giving you that perfect temperature contrast.

Perfect Partners for Burger Bowls

Sweet potato fries make an excellent side because their natural sweetness balances the savory beef and tangy pickles, plus they add that satisfying crunch everyone loves with burgers.

Classic coleslaw brings a cool, creamy contrast that cuts through the richness of the cheese and beef – I always use my grandmother’s vinegar-based recipe for a lighter option.

Dill pickle spears served on the side let pickle lovers (like my son) get their extra fix without overwhelming the bowl itself.

Crispy onion rings add a fun, indulgent touch that makes these bowls feel like a real treat, perfect for weekend dinners or casual entertaining.

Simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette rounds out the meal with extra vegetables and freshness – I typically toss together mixed greens, cucumber, and tomatoes with a tangy dressing.

For more hearty meal ideas, try pairing your Burger Bowls with Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl for variety, or if you’re looking for similar deconstructed favorites, check out my Big Mac Style Smash Burger Tacos recipe. And if you love the concept of loaded bowls, my Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls offers another delicious option.

Storage and Variations

Making It Your Own: The beauty of Burger Bowls is how easily they adapt to different tastes and dietary needs. For a low-carb version, simply skip the rice and add extra lettuce or use cauliflower rice instead – many home cooks find success with this substitution. If you want a bacon cheeseburger experience, add crispy bacon bits on top. For Southwest flair, mix in black beans and corn with chipotle mayo instead of the ketchup-mustard sauce.

Meal Prep Strategy: These bowls are perfect for weekly meal prep. I cook the rice and beef on Sunday, portion them into separate containers, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the fresh vegetables and cheese prepped in their own containers, and pack the sauce separately. When you’re ready to eat, quickly reheat the rice and beef, then assemble with fresh toppings. This approach saves time during busy weekdays while ensuring every bowl tastes freshly made.

Similar bowl-style meals that work great for meal prep include my Korean Ground Beef Bowl and Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry.

Common Questions