Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the special sauce by combining sugar-free ketchup, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, dill pickle juice, garlic powder (1/4 tsp), smoked paprika (1/4 tsp), and liquid stevia in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate while preparing other ingredients to let flavors meld.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula into small crumbles.
- Season the beef with garlic powder (1 tsp), smoked paprika (1 tsp), salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Remove skillet from heat and immediately sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the hot beef. Let it sit for 30-60 seconds to melt slightly, then gently stir to combine.
- While the beef is resting, prepare your vegetables. Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the pickles if not pre-sliced, and dice the red onion into small pieces.
- To assemble each bowl, start with about 1.5 cups of chopped lettuce as your base. This creates a sturdy foundation for the other ingredients.
- Add about 4 ounces (1/4 of the total) of the warm cheesy beef mixture on top of the lettuce.
- Top with 1/4 cup cherry tomato halves, 2 tablespoons sliced pickles, and 1 tablespoon diced red onion, distributing evenly across the bowl.
- Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of the special sauce over the top of each bowl, or serve sauce on the side for those who prefer to control the amount.
- Serve immediately for the best texture contrast between warm beef and cold, crisp vegetables. If meal prepping, keep all components separate in compartmented containers and assemble just before eating.
Nutrition
Notes
This diabetic-friendly Cheeseburger Salad Bowl contains only 8g net carbs per serving, making it excellent for blood sugar management. The high protein content (28g) helps stabilize glucose levels and promotes satiety, while the healthy fats from beef, cheese, and mayonnaise slow digestion and prevent blood sugar spikes. By eliminating the traditional burger bun, you save 30-40g of refined carbohydrates. The fiber from vegetables aids digestion and further helps regulate blood sugar. This recipe is compatible with keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diets. Always monitor your individual blood sugar response and consult with your healthcare provider about incorporating new recipes into your meal plan.
