Cheeseburger in a Bowl: A Family-Friendly Low-Carb Dinner Win

Looking for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner that skips the bun but keeps all the flavor? Let me introduce you to our new favorite meal: Cheeseburger in a Bowl. It’s everything you love about a classic cheeseburger: juicy beef, crispy lettuce, zesty pickles, melty cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, served up in a bowl for an easy, low-carb twist.

This simple dinner recipe is kid-approved, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy families who need something delicious on the table in 30 minutes or less. Whether you're trying to cut carbs, eat more whole foods, or just shake up your dinner routine, this deconstructed cheeseburger salad is a total win.

Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger in a Bowl

Fast and Easy: Less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

Budget-Conscious: Uses affordable ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Kid-Friendly: Serve it build-your-own style so even picky eaters can customize their bowls.

Great for Meal Prep: Perfect for prepping lunches ahead of time.

Low-Carb Alternative: All the flavor of a cheeseburger without the bun.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to build the ultimate Cheeseburger in a Bowl:

1 lb ground beef

1 tbsp Lawry’s Seasoned Salt

4 cups shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine work great)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite blend)

1/2 cup dill pickle slices

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing (homemade or store-bought)

Optional:

Diced avocado

Crumbled bacon

Jalapeños for a spicy twist

How to Make Cheeseburger in a Bowl

Step 1: Cook the Seasoned Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Sprinkle in Lawry’s Seasoned Salt while cooking to infuse the meat with classic burger flavor. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and fully browned. Drain excess grease if needed, and set aside.

Pro tip: If you're meal prepping, make a double batch of beef and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Step 2: Prep Your Bowl Ingredients
While the beef is cooking, wash and chop your veggies. Shred your lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion, and get your pickles ready. Set out your shredded cheese and dressing.

Step 3: Build Your Bowl
Start with a generous bed of shredded lettuce. Then pile on the seasoned ground beef, followed by cheese, tomatoes, red onion, pickles, and a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing. Top with any extras your family loves, my kids always vote for bacon!

Family Tips & Swaps

Picky eater in the house? Serve the components separately and let your child build their own bowl. It’s like DIY takeout!

Make it vegetarian: Swap the beef for a plant-based ground or black bean mixture.

Dairy-free version? Use vegan cheese and dressing alternatives.

Craving crunch? Add a handful of air-fried onions or crushed tortilla chips on top.

Why Cheeseburger in a Bowl is a Busy Mom’s Secret Weapon

As a working mom juggling school drop-offs, grocery budgets, and bedtime routines, I’m always on the hunt for meals that check all the boxes: fast, flavorful, flexible, and kid-friendly. Cheeseburger in a Bowl hits the mark every time.

Not only does it taste just like your favorite drive-thru burger, but it’s also much healthier. There’s no deep fryer, no mystery ingredients, and no waiting in line. You’re in total control of what goes in the bowl and that’s a win in any mom’s book.

Freezer & Meal Prep Tips

Freeze the beef: You can cook the hamburger meat ahead of time and freeze it in individual portions. Just thaw and reheat as needed.

Chop once, eat all week: Prepping all your toppings in advance can turn this into a 5-minute meal.

Lunchbox hack: Pack all the ingredients in a bento box with the dressing on the side. Great for older kids and teens.

Try This Recipe Tonight!

Whether you're feeding toddlers, tweens, or tired grown-ups, Cheeseburger in a Bowl is a surefire way to make dinnertime more fun and less stressful. It's a dish that brings all the comfort of a cheeseburger, without the guilt or the grease.

If you give this recipe a try, tag me on Instagram @diana_chastain_ or Pinterest @diananchastain, I’d love to see your creations! And don’t forget to pin this post so you can come back to it anytime.

PIN IT FOR LATER!

📌 Save this easy Cheeseburger in a Bowl recipe to your “Weeknight Dinners” board for your next meal plan.

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Written by Diana Chastain from Nanny to Mommy

Nanny to Mommy