If you love the hearty flavors of a classic burger but want to skip the bun and carb overload, then you will absolutely adore this Loaded Burger Bowls Recipe. It captures all the savory goodness of a cheeseburger—juicy seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, tangy pickles, and creamy ranch—layered irresistibly in a bowl. It’s comfort food made simple, satisfying, and perfect for those nights when you want a meal that feels indulgent without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Loaded Burger Bowls Recipe is fantastic because it relies on straightforward, familiar ingredients that come together beautifully. Each item brings its own texture and flavor to the table, making every bite a joyful experience without any complicated prep.
- 2 lb lean ground beef: The star protein that delivers rich flavor and juicy texture when cooked just right.
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance the beef’s natural taste and keep everything balanced.
- 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, this cheese adds that gooey cheeseburger vibe everyone craves.
- 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: Adds a smoky crunch that perfectly complements the softness of the beef and cheese.
- Ranch dressing, for serving: Creamy and tangy, ranch brings all the elements together in a luscious finish.
- Chopped chives, for garnish: A bright herbaceous touch that brightens and freshens each bowl.
- Bread and butter pickles, for serving: Sweet and tangy crunch that cuts through the richness and adds a delightful zip.
How to Make Loaded Burger Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s thoroughly browned and there’s no pink left. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as it cooks. If there’s any excess fat pooling in the pan, drain it off to keep the texture just right. This step is crucial because the cooked beef forms the delicious base of your Loaded Burger Bowls Recipe.
Step 2: Assemble the Bowls
Once the beef is perfectly cooked and seasoned, divide it evenly into four serving bowls. Immediately sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the warm beef so it starts to melt into those juicy bites. Then scatter the crumbled cooked bacon on top, adding that irresistible smoky crunch that makes every mouthful exciting.
Step 3: Add the Fixings
Drizzle each bowl with creamy ranch dressing. This adds a cool contrast to the warm beef and cheese and introduces that classic burger sauce vibe with a fresh twist. Finish by sprinkling chopped chives over everything for a pop of fresh green and flavor, then nestle in a few bread and butter pickle slices on the side or atop the bowl to give just the right tangy balance.
Step 4: Serve Warm
The Loaded Burger Bowls Recipe is best enjoyed right away while the cheese is melty and the beef is warm. You can serve it just as is for a fulfilling, carb-conscious meal. Or if you want to add a little extra crunch and freshness, serve it over a bed of shredded lettuce—it adds a nice contrast that makes the bowl even more delightful.
How to Serve Loaded Burger Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes in this recipe take your bowl from tasty to next-level delicious. Besides the basic chopped chives and pickles, consider adding sliced jalapeños for heat or a handful of crispy fried onions for crunch. Fresh tomato slices or avocado chunks work beautifully too, adding vibrant color and additional texture while complementing the rich flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
The beauty of the Loaded Burger Bowls Recipe is that it can stand on its own, but you can easily round it out with some classic sides. Think crispy sweet potato fries, a crisp garden salad with vinaigrette, or even a simple coleslaw to add that cool crunch. These sides provide contrast and keep the meal balanced and satisfying without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Loaded Burger Bowls in mason jars for casual gatherings or family-style dinners. Layer the ingredients so guests can see all the colors and textures, then give them a spoon to dig in. You could also create mini individual portions stuffed into bell pepper halves or hollowed-out tomatoes to elevate the presentation while keeping the flavors front and center.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bowls can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the ranch dressing separate when possible to prevent sogginess. When ready to eat, just reheat the beef and cheese mixture gently on the stove or microwave before adding fresh toppings.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked beef portion of this Loaded Burger Bowls Recipe, but not the full assembled bowl because the fresh toppings and dressing don’t freeze well. Portion the beef into freezer-safe containers or bags, pressing out the air, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat leftover beef, warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep it juicy and prevent drying out. Add the shredded cheese during the last minute of reheating so it melts beautifully. Avoid overheating, which can toughen the meat. After reheating, add fresh bacon, chives, ranch, and pickles for that just-made taste.
FAQs
Can I make Loaded Burger Bowls Recipe with ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just be sure to season it well and cook it thoroughly to keep it flavorful and moist. The rest of the bowl remains the same and still delicious.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, this Loaded Burger Bowls Recipe is naturally low in carbs, especially if you serve it without any bread or sugary sauces. The rich fats from the cheese, bacon, and ranch dressing make it a perfect option for many low-carb and keto diets.
Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?
While the traditional recipe centers around beef and bacon, you can substitute cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative for the beef and use vegetarian bacon or omit it altogether. That way, you still get the vibe of the Loaded Burger Bowls Recipe with a meat-free twist.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic and melts beautifully, but feel free to experiment! Pepper jack adds some heat, Swiss delivers nuttiness, and even mozzarella offers a super melty texture. Choose what you love most or what you have on hand.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped onions, bell peppers, or even mushrooms sautéed with the beef add extra flavor and nutrition. Adding a layer of shredded lettuce or tomato slices just before serving also gives a fresh touch and crunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and satisfying about this Loaded Burger Bowls Recipe that instantly makes any mealtime feel special. It’s simple yet packed full of flavor, and easily adaptable to your tastes or dietary needs. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy every hearty, cheesy, bacon-studded bite as much as I do!
Print
Loaded Burger Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Loaded Burger Bowls are a quick and satisfying low-carb alternative to traditional burgers. This recipe features seasoned ground beef topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, ranch dressing, chopped chives, and tangy bread and butter pickles, all served in a bowl for easy assembly and enjoyment. Ideal for a casual dinner that’s packed with classic burger flavors without the bun.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 2 lb lean ground beef
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- Ranch dressing, for serving
- Chopped chives, for garnish
- Bread and butter pickles, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned and no longer pink. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary to keep the beef from becoming greasy.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked beef evenly into serving bowls, creating a hearty base for your burger bowl. Top each portion with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon to add rich, savory flavors and textures.
- Add the fixings: Drizzle each bowl with creamy ranch dressing to add moisture and tang. Garnish with freshly chopped chives for a pop of color and mild onion flavor. Add bread and butter pickles on the side or on top for a sweet and tangy contrast that complements the beef and cheese.
- Serve warm: Serve the loaded burger bowls immediately while warm. They are perfectly delicious on their own or can be served over a bed of shredded lettuce if you prefer a fresh, crunchy element to the dish.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (such as 90% lean) to reduce excess fat but keep the burgers juicy.
- For a lower carb option, serve without bread and butter pickles or replace them with sliced jalapeños.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- Feel free to customize toppings such as adding sautéed onions, mushrooms, or avocado slices.
- To make it gluten free, confirm ranch dressing ingredients or use a certified gluten-free brand.
