Go Back

Keto Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Bowls - All the Flavor, No Bun

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for best flavor and juiciness)
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 small head romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional if keeping carbs very strict)
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup dill pickles, sliced
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2–3/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1–2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup (to taste)
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp dill pickle juice
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • Pinch of granulated garlic (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Method
 

  1. Prep the produce. Chop the lettuce, slice the onions and pickles, halve the tomatoes, and dice the avocado. Set aside. This makes assembly quick later.
  2. Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, paprika, and a pinch of garlic. Season to taste. The sauce should be creamy, tangy, and slightly smoky.
  3. Crisp the bacon. Place the chopped bacon in a cold skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook, stirring, until crispy, 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate. Reserve 1–2 tablespoons bacon fat in the pan for the beef; discard the rest or save for later.
  4. Brown the beef. In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add butter or olive oil plus the reserved bacon fat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Let it sear for 2–3 minutes before stirring for better browning.
  5. Season well. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Melt the cheese. Reduce heat to low, sprinkle cheddar over the beef, and cover the pan for 1 minute to melt. Alternatively, keep cheese separate for topping if you prefer a cleaner presentation.
  7. Assemble the bowls. Divide lettuce among bowls. Top with cheesy beef, crispy bacon, onions, pickles, tomatoes (if using), and avocado.
  8. Finish with sauce. Drizzle your burger sauce over the bowls. Add a few cracks of black pepper and a pinch of salt over the avocado to make flavors pop.
  9. Optional add-ons. Add a fried egg, jalapeños, sautéed mushrooms, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a “burger shop” vibe.