Keto Smash Burger bowls

Ingredients:

For the Smash Burgers:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
• Cheese slices (cheddar, American, or your choice, optional)
• 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced (optional, for caramelized onions)

For the Bowl:

• 4 cups lettuce (romaine, iceberg, or mixed greens)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 cup pickles, sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup avocado, sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional, for extra topping)

For the Keto-friendly Sauce (optional):

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
• 1 tbsp pickle relish (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce (optional):
   In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, mustard, sugar-free ketchup, pickle relish (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Cook the Smash Burgers:
   Heat the olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, form the ground beef into 4 equal-sized balls (about 4 oz each). Place them in the pan, then use a spatula to smash the beef down firmly into a flat patty. You can use a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap between the spatula and beef to avoid sticking.
3. Season and Cook:
   Season the patties with salt and pepper. Let the burgers cook for about 2-3 minutes without moving them so they get a crispy crust. Flip the burgers and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they reach your desired doneness. If using cheese, add a slice to each burger during the last minute of cooking and cover the pan to melt the cheese.
4. Optional Caramelized Onions:
   If you want caramelized onions, in the same pan, add the thinly sliced onions after you cook the burgers. Stir occasionally and cook them over medium-low heat until soft and golden (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Assemble the Bowl:
   In a large bowl, arrange the lettuce as the base. Top with sliced tomatoes, cucumber, pickles, avocado, and shredded cheese (if using). Add the smash burgers on top of the veggies.
6. Drizzle the Sauce:
   If you’re using the keto-friendly sauce, drizzle it over the top of the burgers or serve on the side.
7. Serve:
   Enjoy your Keto Smash Burger Bowl immediately!

Tips:

• You can customize the veggies in the bowl based on your preferences. Avocado adds a great creamy texture and healthy fats.
• For extra flavor, you can also add a few crispy bacon strips on top of the burgers.
• If you prefer to make the burgers on a grill, you can do so, but the “smash” method works really well on the stovetop for that crispy, flavorful crust.

This Keto Smash Burger Bowl is the perfect satisfying meal that combines all the flavors of a burger without the carbs! Enjoy!