All the Flavor of a Cheeseburger — No Bun Required!

Say hello to your new favorite weeknight dinner: Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli. This deconstructed burger skips the bun but keeps everything else you love — juicy seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, fresh toppings, pickles, and a rich, dreamy aioli made with slow-cooked caramelized onions. It’s a crave-worthy, low-carb, protein-packed meal that’s just as satisfying as a classic cheeseburger, but way more nourishing.

Whether you're following a low-carb lifestyle, looking for meal prep options, or just love a hearty salad with attitude — this bowl delivers.

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🍔 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the classic burger flavor, no bun needed
• Low-carb, high-protein, and gluten-free
• Great for meal prep or customizable family dinners
• That caramelized onion aioli is next-level delicious
• Ready in about 35 minutes, start to finish!

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🧺 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Burger Bowls:

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup dill pickle slices
• Optional: sliced avocado, cooked bacon, jalapeños

For the Caramelized Onion Aioli:

• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, add butter and olive oil.
2. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized.
3. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Aioli

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and the cooled caramelized onions.
2. Stir until well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Chill while you prepare the rest of the bowl.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

1. In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Assemble the Burger Bowls

1. Divide chopped romaine among four bowls.
2. Top with cooked ground beef, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, red onion, pickles, and any optional add-ins.
3. Drizzle generously with caramelized onion aioli or serve it on the side.

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Serve with sweet potato fries or zucchini chips on the side
• Turn it into lettuce wraps with butter lettuce leaves
• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner bowl
• Add sriracha to the aioli for a spicy kick

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✅ Tips & Variations

• Make the caramelized onions ahead of time — they store well for 3–4 days in the fridge
• Want to skip the aioli? Use your favorite burger sauce or ranch instead
• Add a soft- or hard-boiled egg on top for extra protein
• Use shredded iceberg for a classic diner-style feel

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🧾 Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approx.)

• Calories: 510
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 39g
• Carbs: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 580mg

Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients and optional toppings.

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💌 From Me to Your Site

These Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli are everything I love about comfort food — bold, hearty, and flavor-packed — but without the heaviness of fast food. It’s like eating your favorite cheeseburger, but reimagined into a fresh, nourishing bowl you’ll feel great about devouring.

Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep lunches that actually make you excited to open your container.