Burger Bowls combine the best of a juicy burger with fresh salad components, all in one delicious bowl. I was introduced to this recipe during a hectic weeknight when time was short, but the craving for a hearty meal still lingered. What makes Burger Bowls so special is their adaptability and ease; they are perfect for both busy evenings and relaxed family dinners. With fresh flavors packed into one bowl, it’s a dinner the whole family enjoys.
Reasons to try it
You’ll love the simplicity and versatility of this dish. Burger Bowls are a fantastic option when you’re looking for something quick, healthy, and budget-friendly. The combination of lean ground beef and colorful veggies not only satisfies your appetite but also gives you a nutritious meal that’s not dull. Moreover, kids adore them—nothing beats the fun of eating a burger in a new, creative format!
"These Burger Bowls have become a weekly favorite! My kids love customizing their bowls, and I love how easy they are to make!"
The cooking process explained
The beauty of making Burger Bowls lies in their straightforward assembly. First, you’ll cook your brown rice while browning the ground beef. As the beef sizzles, you can chop and prepare the fresh toppings. Once everything is cooked and prepped, it’s just a matter of layering your ingredients in a bowl for a beautiful presentation. Each step is quick and easy, meaning you can have dinner on the table in under an hour.
What you’ll need
To create these delicious Burger Bowls, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup sliced pickles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
Feel free to get creative with substitutions! You can use quinoa instead of brown rice or switch to ground turkey for a leaner option.
Step-by-step instructions
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Cook the Brown Rice: Begin by preparing the brown rice according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 30 minutes.
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Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, season 1 lb of lean ground beef with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, which will take about 8 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat.
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Prep Your Toppings: While the beef is cooking, slice your cherry tomatoes in half, shred the lettuce, and cut the pickles.
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Assemble the Bowls: Start layering your bowl with cooked brown rice, followed by the browned ground beef. Top it off with the shredded lettuce, halved tomatoes, pickles, and cheese.
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Add Condiments: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of ketchup and 2 tbsp of mustard. Drizzle this over your assembled Burger Bowls.
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Serve and Enjoy: Now it’s time to dig in! You can serve immediately or save for later—these bowls are just as delicious straight from the fridge.
Best ways to enjoy it
Burger Bowls are incredibly adaptable; you can serve them family-style for a casual dinner, or individually for a more polished lunch presentation. Pair them with a side of baked sweet potato fries for a complete meal, or keep it light with a fresh garden salad alongside. You can also offer various toppings like avocado or salsa for an extra flavor kick!
Storage and reheating tips
When it comes to storing your Burger Bowls, they can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you decide to freeze them, it’s best to store the components separately: the beef and rice can freeze well, but fresh toppings like lettuce and tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh. To reheat, simply microwave your beef and rice until hot and serve with the fresh toppings.
Helpful cooking tips
- Use High Heat for Browning: Make sure your skillet is hot enough when you add the ground beef; this helps achieve that desirable golden-brown crust and locks in flavors.
- Prep Ahead: For a quick weeknight meal, you can prep the toppings and cook the rice ahead of time. Simply heat the beef and assemble when you’re ready to eat.
Creative twists
For those looking to mix things up, consider some fun variations with your Burger Bowls. Swap out the lean beef for chicken or even plant-based protein for a veggie-loaded alternative. Add in some spices or cooked bacon for additional flavor. Going international? Try a Mexican twist with ingredients like black beans, corn, and avocado.
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prepare the Burger Bowls?
From starting the rice to assembling the bowls, you can expect a total time of about 40-45 minutes, which makes it perfect for weeknight dinners.
What is a good substitution for brown rice?
If you’re looking for a quicker option, you can use instant rice or quinoa. Both provide a fabulous base for your Burger Bowls.
Can I make Burger Bowls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all components ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Just assemble when you’re ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers properly?
Keep leftover components in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Ground beef and rice reheat beautifully!
Are these Burger Bowls kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love customizing their bowls, and you can let them choose their toppings to make it an interactive dinner.
Can I freeze these Burger Bowls?
You can freeze the beef and rice components but should avoid freezing fresh toppings. They are best enjoyed fresh!
What are some other toppings I can add?
Feel free to add avocado, jalapeños, or even barbecue sauce for different flavor profiles.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming that the sauces you select (ketchup and mustard) do not contain gluten-based ingredients.
Dive into the flavor-packed world of Burger Bowls and experience a deliciously new way to enjoy a classic dish. Happy cooking!
Print
Burger Bowls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Burger Bowls combine juicy burger flavors with fresh salad components in one delicious bowl, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup sliced pickles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
Instructions
- Cook the Brown Rice: Prepare the brown rice according to the package instructions (about 30 minutes).
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook seasoned ground beef until browned (about 8 minutes) and drain excess fat.
- Prep Your Toppings: Slice cherry tomatoes, shred lettuce, and cut pickles while the beef is cooking.
- Assemble the Bowls: Layer cooked brown rice with browned beef, followed by lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and cheese.
- Add Condiments: Mix ketchup and mustard in a small bowl and drizzle over the assembled Burger Bowls.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately or store for later.
Notes
Feel free to customize with different proteins or toppings. Kids love personalizing their bowls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
