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Ingredients
For the bowls
Rice and beef
Fresh toppings
Creamy burger sauce
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2. Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the rice
Cook rice according to the package directions. Fluff with a fork and divide between four glass bowls. For extra protein and fiber, use brown rice.
Step 2: Cook the ground beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook for 7–10 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles. Add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F). Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Make the burger sauce
Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, pickle juice, paprika and garlic powder in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the mustard or pickle juice to your preference.
Step 4: Assemble the bowls
Layer each bowl with rice, shredded lettuce, seasoned beef, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese and sliced pickles. Add onion if desired.
Step 5: Add the sauce and serve
Drizzle the creamy burger sauce over each bowl. Serve immediately, or keep the sauce separate for meal prep so the lettuce stays crisp.
3. Homemade burger sauce
For a lighter version, replace half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
Ingredient
Quantity
Mayonnaise
½ cup
Ketchup
2 tbsp
Yellow mustard
1 tbsp
Pickle relish
1 tbsp
Pickle juice
1 tsp
Paprika
½ tsp
Garlic powder
¼ tsp
Mix everything until smooth. Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes for the flavors to blend. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator and use within 3–4 days.
4. Nutrition information
Estimated nutrition per bowl, assuming four servings and the standard mayonnaise-based sauce.
Estimated values per serving
650–750 kcal
Protein
35–42 g
Carbohydrates
45–60 g
Total fat
35–45 g
Fiber
3–5 g
Other estimated nutrients per serving
Saturated fat
10–15 g
Sugars
5–9 g
Sodium
800–1,300 mg
Actual values depend on beef fat percentage, rice quantity, cheese brand and the amount of sauce used.
5. Is this recipe good for weight loss?
Yes, it can fit into a balanced weight-loss plan. To reduce calories without sacrificing too much flavor:
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Use 95% lean ground beef or lean ground turkey.
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Replace half the rice with extra lettuce or cauliflower rice.
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Use Greek yogurt in place of half or all of the mayonnaise.
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Measure the cheese and sauce instead of pouring freely.
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Add more tomatoes, lettuce and other vegetables for volume and fiber.
A lighter version may contain approximately 400–500 calories and 30–40 g of protein per serving, depending on portions and substitutions.
6. Allergens and dietary information
Dietary consideration
Information
Gluten
May be present in sauces or seasonings; check labels
Dairy
Cheddar cheese contains milk
Egg
Regular mayonnaise usually contains egg
Nuts
Typically nut-free if all ingredients are free from nut cross-contact
Vegetarian
Replace beef with plant-based mince or seasoned lentils
Lower carbohydrate
Replace rice with cauliflower rice and reduce ketchup
Nut information: This recipe does not normally require peanuts or tree nuts. However, check every packaged ingredient’s allergen statement, particularly mayonnaise, sauces, cheese and seasonings, if cooking for someone with a nut allergy.
7. Meal-prep and storage tips
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Refrigerate cooked beef and rice within two hours of cooking.
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Store rice, beef, fresh vegetables and sauce in separate airtight containers.
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Refrigerate leftovers at 4°C (40°F) or below and use within 3–4 days.
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Reheat the beef and rice to 74°C (165°F); keep lettuce and sauce cold until serving.
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For the freshest texture, assemble the bowls just before eating.
Serving suggestion: Add a few extra pickle slices and a light sprinkle of sesame seeds for a cheeseburger-inspired finish.
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