Deconstructed Burger Bowls
A quick and customizable take on burgers served over crisp salad greens, combining seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and tangy sauce for a lighter, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 for flavor; use 90/10 for leaner
- 1/4 cup burger sauce Store-bought or homemade
- Salt and pepper to taste
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 each avocado, sliced Slice just before serving to prevent browning
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese Optional (cheddar, American, or pepper jack)
Instructions
Cooking the Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains and edges start to brown, about 7–9 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper; taste and adjust.
Assembling the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Toss gently.
- Slice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning and arrange on top of the greens.
Finishing Touches
- Spoon the hot cooked beef over the salad. Drizzle 1/4 cup burger sauce evenly across the bowls.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the warm beef if using—let it soften or briefly melt from the heat.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Store components separately to keep the salad fresh. To reheat, warm the beef and assemble fresh. Variations include turkey or ground chicken for the beef, add pickles or roasted pepitas for crunch, or stir in smoked paprika for a twist.