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Ultimate Smash Burger Bowl: Low Carb Fast Food Makeover

Close-up of a smash burger bowl featuring three charred patties over lettuce, drizzled with sauce and topped with bright yellow pickle slices.
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Make your favorite smash burger without the bun! This deconstructed cheeseburger bowl delivers all the flavor of a crispy-edged patty with fresh toppings and a creamy secret sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner bowl recipe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce or cauliflower rice (for base)
  • 1/2 cup dill pickle chips
  • 1/4 cup finely diced white onion
  • For the Best Burger Sauce Bowl: 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and smoked paprika until fully combined. Set aside.
  2. Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces each). Gently roll them into loose balls. Season the balls lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Do not add oil.
  4. Place four beef balls onto the hot surface. Immediately place a piece of parchment paper over each ball and use a sturdy spatula or burger press to smash them very thin, creating a wide, flat patty with crispy edges.
  5. Cook for 1.5 to 2 minutes until the edges are brown and crisp.
  6. Flip the patties. Immediately place one slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty. Cook for 30 seconds more, or until the cheese is melted. Remove from heat.
  7. Assemble your Low Carb Burger Bowl: Divide the lettuce or cauliflower rice base among four bowls.
  8. Top the base evenly with the cheesy smash burger patties.
  9. Distribute the pickle chips and diced white onion over the patties.
  10. Drizzle generously with the prepared Best Burger Sauce Bowl sauce. Serve immediately for a healthier burger night idea.

Notes

  • For the secret smash burger technique, make sure your pan is ripping hot before smashing. This creates the desirable crispy edges.
  • If you prefer a warmer bowl, lightly sauté your shredded lettuce in a dry pan for 30 seconds before assembling.
  • This recipe works well as a Quick Ground Beef Skillet Meal if you skip the individual bowls and layer everything in the skillet.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/smash-burger-bowl-recipe-no-bun/