Elevate your burger game with these tasty and nutritious Burger Bowls! Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, it’s the perfect meal for a balanced and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Burger Bowls: A Flavorful, Customizable, and Satisfying Meal
If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make, and highly customizable meal, look no further than this delicious Burger Bowl recipe! This dish captures all the classic flavors of juicy burgers on a bun but transforms them into a fresh and vibrant rice bowl. It’s perfect for those who love the taste of a burger but prefer a lighter alternative.
With seasoned ground beef, soft rice, tangy pickles, and a creamy special sauce, this meal is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re making a quick dinner for the family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual get-together, these burger bowls are a fantastic option. Let’s dive into how to prepare this flavorful dish and explore different ways to tweak it to suit your preferences.
Video Tutorial: Burger Bowls
Ingredients
For the Beef
- ½ lb. ground beef
- ⅓ tsp. sea salt, or to taste
- ⅓ tsp. garlic powder, or to taste
- ¼ tsp. black pepper, or to taste
The Dressing
- ¼ cup mayo
- 2 tbsp. ketchup
- 1 tbsp. dill relish
- ½ tbsp. Dijon mustard (or your preferred type)
The Bowls
- 2 cups cooked rice
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- ½ cup dill pickles, sliced
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed (or your favorite cheese)
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
How to make Burger Bowls
1. Cook the Beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Allow it to brown for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and continue cooking for another minute or two. Once fully cooked, remove from heat and set aside.
2. Make the Dressing. In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayo, ketchup, mustard, and relish. Stir until smooth and well blended. This dressing brings all the flavors together, making each bite taste like a classic burger.
3. Assemble the Bowl. Begin by placing the rice on a serving platter or individual bowls. Arrange the cooked beef, tomatoes, pickles, onion, and cheese on top. Drizzle the dressing over the bowl and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love These Burger Bowls
One of the best things about these burger bowls is their versatility. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, need a gluten-free option, or just want a fresh take on a classic burger, this recipe delivers. It’s easy to prepare and allows you to adjust the ingredients to match your personal preferences. Plus, the dressing ties everything together with a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet taste.
These bowls work for lunch or dinner and are great for meal prep. If you love hearty meals with bold flavors, you’ll adore this dish.
Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients – The freshness of the ingredients will greatly enhance the taste and texture of your burger bowl. Freshly cooked rice, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy pickles make all the difference.
- Drain Excess Grease – If your ground beef releases a lot of grease while cooking, drain it to keep the bowl from becoming too oily.
- Customize the Seasoning – Adjust the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your liking, or try adding smoked paprika or onion powder for extra depth of flavor.
- Prepare the Dressing in Advance – If you’re meal prepping, mix the dressing ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for quick and easy assembly later.
- Serve Warm or Cold – The beef can be served hot, warm, or even cold, making this dish great for any season.
Recipe Variations
One of the best parts about this dish is how easy it is to modify. Here are some fun ways to change it up:
- Protein Options – Swap ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Cheese Choices – Experiment with different cheeses such as Swiss, pepper jack, or blue cheese for a unique twist.
- Extra Toppings – Add crispy bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or avocado slices for more flavor and texture. Use your favorite burger toppings!
- Rice Alternatives – Rice is great, but you can also use quinoa, bulgur, or even romaine lettuce to turn it into a salad.
- Low-Fat Dressing – Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter, protein-packed dressing.
- Spicy Kick – Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the beef for extra heat.
With these simple swaps, you can enjoy a different version of this meal every time you make it!
How to store these Burger Bowls
If you’re planning to make these burger bowls in advance, here’s how to store them properly:
- Beef Storage – Keep the cooked beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before assembling the bowl.
- Dressing Storage – Store the dressing separately in a sealed container in the fridge. It should last for about a week.
- Vegetables Storage – If meal prepping, keep the tomatoes, pickles, and onions separate from the beef and dressing to maintain freshness. Store the veggies in individual containers and assemble them just before eating.
- Freezing – While ground beef and rice can be frozen for up to 3 months, the rest of the ingredients are best enjoyed fresh.
Serving Suggestions
These burger bowls are a fantastic meal on their own, but you can also pair them with various sides and drinks for a complete dining experience. Here are some great ideas:
- Side Dishes – Serve with a side of crispy roasted sweet potatoes, Parmesan zucchini, or roasted Brussels sprouts for a delicious contrast in texture.
- Bread Option – If you’re not avoiding carbs, a side of garlic bread or toasted brioche rolls can complement the dish beautifully. Try my Air Fryer Garlic Bread!
- Beverages – Enjoy with homemade lemonade, iced tea, or a classic milkshake for that true burger-joint feel. This Tropical Smoothie would make a great fit!
- For a Crowd – If serving a group, consider setting up a burger bowl bar with different toppings so guests can build their own custom bowls.
Final Thoughts
Burger bowls are a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a fresh and nutritious way. They’re easy to make, packed with bold flavors, and endlessly customizable to fit your taste and dietary needs. Whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with fun variations, I’m sure this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Give these burger bowls a try and let us know how you like to customize them! Happy cooking!
More bowl recipes you’d like:
Burger Bowls
Elevate your burger game with these tasty and nutritious Burger Bowls! Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, it’s the perfect meal for a balanced and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the beef
- ½ lb. ground beef
- ⅓ tsp. sea salt or to taste
- ⅓ tsp. garlic powder or to taste
- ¼ tsp. black pepper or to taste
For the Dressing
- ¼ cup mayo
- 2 tbsp. ketchup
- 1 tbsp. dill relish
- ½ tbsp. Dijon mustard
For the Bowls
- 2 cups cooked rice
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- ½ cup dill pickles, sliced
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
-
Cook the Beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Allow it to brown for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and continue cooking for another minute or two. Once fully cooked, remove from heat and set aside.
½ lb. ground beef, ⅓ tsp. sea salt, ⅓ tsp. garlic powder, ¼ tsp. black pepper
-
Make the Dressing. In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayo, ketchup, mustard, and relish. Stir until smooth and well blended. This dressing brings all the flavors together, making each bite taste like a classic burger.
¼ cup mayo, 2 tbsp. ketchup, 1 tbsp. dill relish, ½ tbsp. Dijon mustard
-
Assemble the Bowl. Begin by placing the rice on a serving platter or individual bowls. Arrange the cooked beef, tomatoes, pickles, onion, and cheese on top. Drizzle the dressing over the bowl and enjoy!
2 cups cooked rice, ½ cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half, ½ cup dill pickles, sliced, ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed, ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Notes
Recipe Variations
One of the best parts about this dish is how easy it is to modify. Here are some fun ways to change it up:
- Protein Options – Swap ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Cheese Choices – Experiment with different cheeses such as Swiss, pepper jack, or blue cheese for a unique twist.
- Extra Toppings – Add crispy bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or avocado slices for more flavor and texture. Use your favorite burger toppings!
- Rice Alternatives – Rice is great, but you can also use quinoa, bulgur, or even romaine lettuce to turn it into a salad.
- Low-Fat Dressing – Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter, protein-packed dressing.
- Spicy Kick – Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the beef for extra heat.
Nutrition
Calories: 854kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 32gFat: 54gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 14gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 121mgSodium: 1309mgPotassium: 639mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 644IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 279mgIron: 3mg
