master-cooks | Deluxe Cheeseburger Bowl With Special Sauce Recipe

The Deluxe Cheeseburger Bowl with Special Sauce is a delightful twist on the classic cheeseburger, deconstructed into a satisfying and flavorful bowl. This recipe combines all the beloved elements of a cheeseburger, offering a healthier and more convenient way to enjoy this American staple. Start by browning ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder for enhanced flavor. While the beef cooks, prepare a base of crisp lettuce, such as Romaine or iceberg, in a large bowl. Add a generous layer of freshly sliced tomatoes, diced onions, and crunchy pickles for that authentic burger taste. Once the beef is ready, sprinkle it over the vegetables, followed by a generous helping of shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt slightly from the warmth of the meat. The star of this dish is the special sauce, a creamy blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and a hint of pickle juice, which ties all the flavors together. Drizzle the sauce generously over the bowl, and for an extra touch, garnish with sesame seeds or crispy bacon bits. This dish offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Gather the ingredients for deluxe cheeseburger bowl with special sauce

These cheeseburger bowls are quick and simple to prepare, and you can even make them ahead of time using ingredients you probably already have at home. The croutons made from hamburger buns are created by cutting the buns into cubes, tossing them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and baking until they are crispy and golden. The special sauce is a delightful mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, Sriracha, and Worcestershire sauce, seasoned with kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper, resulting in a tangy, sweet, and savory topping that brings all the elements together. You can adjust the Sriracha to suit your preferred level of spiciness.

For the base of the bowls, crunchy Iceberg lettuce provides that classic texture, paired with tomatoes, red onion, and dill pickle chips for extra freshness. Sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich, cheesy flavor, but you can easily substitute it with any cubed cheese you like. The bowl is topped off with browned ground beef, seasoned with kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to enhance the meat's natural flavors.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Set the oven temperature to 375°F.

Step 2: Prepare hamburger bun croutons

Make hamburger bun croutons: On a small baking sheet, mix together the cubes of hamburger bun, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Bake

Toast for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown. Put aside.

Step 4: Prepare special sauce

Make the special sauce: In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the special sauce and mix well. Set it aside.

Step 5: Heat a skillet

Preheat a large skillet on medium heat.

Step 6: Cook ground beef

Place ground beef in the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and fully cooked.

Step 7: Assemble the bowls

Prepare the bowls: Divide the lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cheddar cheese, dill pickle chips, ground beef, and croutons among 4 bowls.

Step 8: Top and serve

Drizzle with the special sauce and serve right away.

How can I change up these cheeseburger bowls?

These cheeseburger bowls are not only easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, but they can also be tailored to your personal preferences or the ingredients you have available. For a twist on the traditional, you can omit the hamburger bun croutons or replace them with whole-grain or gluten-free buns, depending on your taste. Alternatively, consider adding some baked sweet potato fries for an extra burst of flavor. If you want to switch up the protein, ground turkey or plant-based options work wonderfully as alternatives.

Feel free to try out various cheeses, such as pepper Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss, or any other type you enjoy. For a different base, you can replace iceberg lettuce with arugula or spinach, or enhance your bowl with additional toppings like ripe avocado, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for a nutritious boost. You can even substitute the special sauce with a homemade aioli or any dressing you prefer from the store. The possibilities are limitless!

Can I prepare any elements of the cheeseburger bowls ahead of time?

The ingredients for these bowls can be easily prepared in advance, making them an excellent choice for meal prepping during a hectic week. Follow the instructions to prepare each component, then store them in separate airtight containers or zip-top bags in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keeping the beef, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and other ingredients stored separately will help preserve their textures and flavors. For the hamburger bun croutons, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to ensure they stay crispy.

When you're ready to enjoy your meal, reheat the ground beef on the stovetop until it's warmed through. Assemble the bowls by layering the prepared ingredients and drizzling with the special sauce. If you're taking these bowls to the office for lunch, you can skip reheating the ground beef—just assemble the bowls and pack the dressing in a separate container, then drizzle it on top before digging in.

Deluxe Cheeseburger Bowl With Special Sauce Recipe