Burger In A Bowl Recipe
If you love the classic flavors of a cheeseburger but want to skip the bun without missing any of the fun, this Burger In A Bowl is about to become your new favorite meal. It combines juicy, seasoned beef patties with fresh, crunchy veggies and fluffy quinoa, all layered in a bowl for a satisfying, low-carb twist on a traditional burger. This dish is bursting with flavor, texture, and that comforting cheeseburger vibe you crave, but with the added freshness and healthfulness of wholesome ingredients. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy all the best parts of a burger without the bread, making it a welcome addition to any weeknight dinner or casual lunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Burger In A Bowl lies in its simplicity and the balance of ingredients that deliver that classic burger taste in a fresh, new way. Each ingredient is chosen not just for flavor but for how it adds texture, color, or nutrition to the dish.
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose 80/20 for juiciness and rich flavor in your patties.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory note to deepen the beef’s flavor without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural taste of all ingredients.
- 4 slices cheddar cheese: Melted over the patty for that gooey, irresistible cheeseburger element.
- 2 cups cooked quinoa: A fluffy, nutty base that adds protein and an interesting texture contrast.
- 1 cup lettuce, chopped: Fresh and crisp, it lightens up the bowl while adding vibrant green color.
- 1 tomato, sliced: Juicy and slightly tangy slices to balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
- 1/2 cup pickles: Adds a punch of acidity and crunch to brighten every bite.
- 1/4 onion, sliced: Offers subtle sharpness that complements the savory ingredients.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or your favorite sauce: Creamy, tangy finishing drizzle that brings everything together.
How to Make Burger In A Bowl
Step 1: Prepare the Patty
Start by mixing your ground beef with garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl until just combined. This simple seasoning is all you need to elevate the beef flavor without overpowering it. Form the mixture into four equal patties, shaping them just right so they’ll cook evenly and stay juicy.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat to get a nice sear on your patties. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes per side, allowing that flavorful crust to develop. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover the skillet to melt the cheese perfectly, creating that irresistible gooey layer.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowl
Once your patties are ready, it’s time to build your Burger In A Bowl. Start with a generous scoop of cooked quinoa at the bottom. Layer on chopped lettuce, fresh tomato slices, pickles, and onion for that classic burger topping mix. Each component adds freshness and crunch, making every bite exciting.
Step 4: Add the Patty and Sauce
Place the cheesy burger patty right on top of your veggie and quinoa base. Finish with a drizzle of mayonnaise or your favorite sauce to add creaminess and a punch of flavor that ties all the elements together beautifully.
Step 5: Enjoy
This is the best part! Grab a fork and dive into your hearty, satisfying Burger In A Bowl. It’s perfect any time you want a burger experience without the bun, packed with flavor and enough protein to keep you energized.
How to Serve Burger In A Bowl

Garnishes
To make your Burger In A Bowl even more special, try adding some fresh garnishes like chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and subtle herbal freshness. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a gentle kick if you like a bit of heat, or a few extra pickle slices for that tangy crunch everyone loves.
Side Dishes
This bowl is satisfying on its own, but if you want to make it extra special, consider serving it alongside crispy sweet potato fries or a simple green salad. Both options keep the meal light but add a bit of variety and fun textures. A small cup of your favorite soup could also turn this into a cozy, comforting feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve your Burger In A Bowl in a mason jar for a casual picnic vibe or build mini versions in small bowls for a party platter. You can even layer the ingredients in clear glass bowls to showcase the beautiful colors and layers, turning a simple dish into a real eye-catcher.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply transfer the components to an airtight container and refrigerate. Keep the beef patties and cooked quinoa separate from the fresh veggies to preserve their texture and freshness. Stored properly, everything should stay delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Ground beef patties freeze beautifully, so if you want to meal prep, cook and cool the patties, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. The quinoa can be frozen as well, but fresh veggies and sauces are best added after thawing to maintain their flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the patties and quinoa in the microwave or on the stovetop until just heated through. Add fresh veggies and sauce after reheating to keep everything crisp and creamy. Avoid overcooking during reheating to maintain the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! Brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even couscous would work great and add their own unique texture and flavor to your Burger In A Bowl.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Just store cooked components separately and assemble fresh each day for maximum freshness and taste.
Can I swap the mayonnaise for a healthier option?
Definitely! Greek yogurt, avocado spread, or even a light vinaigrette make delicious and healthier alternatives that complement the flavors well.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This Burger In A Bowl is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your ground beef and sauces don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
What’s the best way to get meltier cheese on the patties?
Covering the skillet with a lid during the last minute of cooking traps steam and helps melt the cheese perfectly without drying out the patty.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comfort and satisfaction of a burger, and the Burger In A Bowl gives you all the best parts in a fresh, nutritious package that’s easy to make and delicious to eat. Whether you’re watching carbs, want a quick weeknight meal, or just love a great burger experience without the bread, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy a classic! Happy cooking and even happier eating!
PrintBurger In A Bowl Recipe
A healthy and protein-packed Burger In A Bowl that combines juicy ground beef patties with fresh vegetables and quinoa, perfect for a low-carb, nutritious meal without the bun.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Beef Patty
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
Bowl Base and Toppings
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup lettuce, chopped
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1/2 cup pickles
- 1/4 onion, sliced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or your favorite sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Patty: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and form the mixture into evenly sized patties suitable for your bowl servings.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty to melt.
- Assemble the Bowl: In individual serving bowls, start by adding a base of cooked quinoa. Then layer on chopped lettuce, sliced tomato, pickles, and sliced onion evenly over the quinoa.
- Add the Patty: Place the hot, cheese-topped burger patty over the vegetables in each bowl. Drizzle with mayonnaise or your preferred sauce to add creaminess and flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and nutritious burger in a bowl, a perfect low-carb alternative to a traditional burger.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a different protein option.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter sauce alternative.
- Adding avocado slices can enhance creaminess and provide healthy fats.
- For extra flavor, toast the cooked quinoa with a bit of garlic or herbs before adding it to the bowl.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: burger bowl, low carb burger, quinoa salad, ground beef recipe, healthy burger alternative, bunless burger