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Savory Keto Smash Burger Bowl with Bacon and Cheese

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A quick and easy keto-friendly smash burger bowl featuring crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and smashed beef patties served over fresh greens. Perfect for a low-carb, satisfying meal without the bun.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 6 strips bacon, cooked until crispy
  • 4 ounces (115 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or sliced
  • 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • 4 cups (about 120 g) romaine lettuce or mixed greens
  • Sliced pickles (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or keto-friendly sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place 6 strips of bacon in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally until crispy (about 8–10 minutes). Transfer to paper towels to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet for cooking the burger patties.
  2. Prepare the ground beef: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound (450 g) of ground beef with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Mix gently to combine without overworking the meat.
  3. Smash the patties: Heat the skillet with the reserved bacon fat and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Divide the beef into four equal portions (about 4 ounces or 115 g each). Place one portion in the skillet and immediately press down firmly with your spatula to form a thin patty, roughly 4 inches (10 cm) wide. Repeat for remaining portions, cooking 2 at a time to avoid overcrowding.
  4. Cook the patties: Let the patties cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until the edges are dark brown and crispy. Flip carefully and add 1 ounce (28 g) of shredded cheddar cheese on top of each patty. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts and the patties are cooked through.
  5. Assemble the bowl: In serving bowls, arrange about 1 cup (30 g) of chopped romaine lettuce or mixed greens as the base. Add two smashed burger patties topped with melted cheese, then crumble the crispy bacon strips on top. Garnish with sliced pickles and a dollop of mayonnaise or your favorite keto sauce if desired.
  6. Final touches: Season the bowl lightly with extra salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy immediately while warm and melty.

Notes

Do not press down on the patties after flipping to keep them juicy. Cook patties in batches if skillet gets crowded to maintain crispy edges. Use cast iron skillet for best crust. Keep beef cold until cooking and mix gently to avoid tough patties. Bacon fat adds smoky flavor when cooking patties.

Nutrition

Keywords: keto, smash burger, low carb, bacon, cheese, keto bowl, easy recipe, quick dinner, gluten-free

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/savory-keto-smash-burger-bowl-with-bacon-and-cheese-easy-recipe/