Picture this: you’re craving a hearty cheeseburger loaded with crispy bacon and gooey cheese, but you’re committed to staying on track with your low-carb lifestyle. Enter keto bacon cheeseburger bowls. This recipe takes all the juicy flavors of a classic burger, removes the bun, and layers everything into a neat, bowl-style meal that’s perfect for quick lunches or relaxed dinners. If you want a simple recipe that brings all that savory goodness without packing on carbs, you’re in the right place.
You’ll love how easy these bowls are to assemble. They’re also super flexible, so you can customize the toppings based on what’s already in your fridge. Ready to load up your own bowl of cheesy, bacon-topped goodness?
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for flavor)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- 1 cup chopped lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
- 1 medium tomato, diced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons mustard (or your favorite burger sauce)
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup (optional)
Feel free to swap or add favorites like pickles, diced onions, or avocado slices. Just keep an eye on carb counts if you’re strictly watching each gram.
Directions
Brown the beef
- Warm a skillet over medium-high heat, then add ground beef.
- Season with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the meat into crumbles until it’s nicely browned.
Prepare the bacon
- If you don’t have cooked bacon on hand, fry or bake your slices until crispy.
- Once cool enough to handle, crumble or chop the bacon into bite-size bits.
Assemble your bed of lettuce
- In a large bowl, add chopped lettuce as your base.
- Top with spoonfuls of cooked ground beef.
Add cheese and bacon
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the warm beef so it melts slightly.
- Scatter the bacon bits over the cheese.
Customize with toppings
- Drizzle with mustard or sugar-free ketchup.
- Add diced tomatoes, pickles, or any other favorite burger toppings.
You can serve your cheeseburger bowl warm or chill it for a later meal. Either way, it’s burger night without the bun.
Nutrition Facts
While exact numbers may vary based on brands and additions, one serving (approximately one bowl) generally comes in at:
- Calories: ~400–450
- Total Fat: ~30 g
- Protein: ~25 g
- Net Carbs: ~5 g
This estimate assumes you’re using full-fat ground beef, a moderate amount of cheese, bacon, and lettuce. If you add extras like avocado or heavier sauces, adjust the numbers accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Making these bowls is a breeze, and you get all the satisfaction of a classic cheeseburger in a way that supports a keto-friendly plan. If you’re looking for a quick meal that you can easily adapt to your favorite flavors, this dish checks all the boxes. Swap in turkey or chicken if you prefer, or take it spicy by tossing in jalapeños.
Whether it’s for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch, these bowls bring the best of both worlds: savory taste and a guilt-free carb count. Give it a try, or whip up a batch for your next get-together, and you’ll see just how simple and satisfying a bun-free burger can be.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes. Cook the ground beef, fry the bacon, and store them separately. Then, assemble your bowls just before eating to keep the lettuce fresh and crisp.
What can I use instead of beef?
- Ground turkey, chicken, or pork all work well. If you’re vegetarian, consider using a meat substitute that aligns with your keto goals.
How do I store leftovers?
- Keep ingredients in separate containers with lids in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the beef and bacon, then assemble a fresh bowl when you’re ready to eat.
Is there a good sauce to use?
- Mustard is natural for a burger flavor. Sugar-free ketchup or a quick keto-friendly sauce (like mayonnaise mixed with a dash of hot sauce) can also jazz up your bowl.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, seasonings, and garnishes. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!
Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for flavor)
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
1 cup chopped lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
1 medium tomato, diced (optional)
2 tablespoons mustard (or your favorite burger sauce)
2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup (optional)
Directions
- Brown the beef
- Warm a skillet over medium-high heat, then add ground beef.
- Season with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the meat into crumbles until it’s nicely browned.
- Prepare the bacon
- If you don’t have cooked bacon on hand, fry or bake your slices until crispy.
- Once cool enough to handle, crumble or chop the bacon into bite-size bits.
- Assemble your bed of lettuce
- In a large bowl, add chopped lettuce as your base.
- Top with spoonfuls of cooked ground beef.
- Add cheese and bacon
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the warm beef so it melts slightly.
- Scatter the bacon bits over the cheese.
- Customize with toppings
- Drizzle with mustard or sugar-free ketchup.
- Add diced tomatoes, pickles, or any other favorite burger toppings.