Ingredients
For the Beef
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Rice & Bowls
- 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 large tomato, diced
- ½ cup dill pickles, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or green onion
Creamy Burger Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp dill pickle relish
- 1 tsp pickle juice
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and ground beef. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking the beef into small crumbles.
- Season: Add garlic, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook another 1–2 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, pickle juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Prepare the bowls: Divide warm rice between 4 bowls.
- Layer: Add the seasoned beef, then sprinkle cheddar over the hot beef so it begins to melt.
- Add toppings: Add lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, red onion, and fresh herbs.
- Finish: Drizzle generously with the creamy burger sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the beef and cheese are warm.
Nutrition & Allergen Info
Approx. per serving:
- Calories: 550–650 kcal
- Protein: 30–35 g
- Carbohydrates: 45–55 g
- Fat: 28–35 g
- Fiber: 3–5 g
Allergens:
- Peanuts: None
- Tree nuts: None
- Dairy: Yes — cheddar cheese
- Egg: May be present in mayonnaise
- Wheat/Gluten: Possible in Worcestershire sauce; check labels
- Soy: May be present in Worcestershire sauce/mayonnaise
- Sesame: Usually none
Q/S — Quick Substitutions
Q: Can I use ground turkey?
Yes. Ground turkey works well instead of beef.
Q: Can I use cauliflower rice?
Yes. Replace regular rice with cooked cauliflower rice for a lower-carb bowl.
Q: Can I use another cheese?
Yes—American, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack all work.
Q: What if I don’t have pickle relish?
Finely chop 2 tbsp dill pickles and mix them into the sauce.
Q: Can I meal prep these?
Yes. Keep the beef and rice separate from lettuce, pickles, and sauce. Refrigerate for about 3–4 days and assemble after reheating.
Optional toppings: avocado, jalapeños, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or extra pickles.