Go Back

Keto Cheeseburger Bowl With Special Sauce – A Fast, Flavor-Packed Low-Carb Favorite

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for best flavor and juiciness)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a hint of grill flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil (if your beef is lean)
  • 6 cups chopped romaine or shredded iceberg
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped or sliced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Colby Jack (or 4 slices of your favorite cheese)
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for freshness)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (sugar-free)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 teaspoons dill pickle relish (or finely chopped pickles)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or dill pickle juice)
  • Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Method
 

  1. Make the special sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, onion powder, vinegar, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Chill while you prep the rest to let the flavors meld.
  2. Prep the veggies. Chop the romaine, slice tomatoes and red onion, and dice the pickles. If using avocado, dice it just before serving and toss lightly with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
  3. Season the beef. In a mixing bowl or right in the skillet, combine ground beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix gently—don’t overwork the meat.
  4. Cook the beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add oil if using lean beef. Cook the seasoned beef, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, but leave a little for flavor.
  5. Melt the cheese. Turn off the heat and scatter shredded cheese over the hot beef, letting it melt. If using sliced cheese, lay slices on top, cover the pan for a minute to soften.
  6. Assemble the bowls. Divide lettuce among bowls. Top with cheesy beef, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and avocado. Sprinkle with parsley if you like.
  7. Finish with sauce. Drizzle the special sauce over each bowl. Add extra pickles or a light dusting of black pepper if you’re feeling bold.