Cheeseburger Cups -

Name: Cheeseburger Cups
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (85/15 is recommended); 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Kosher salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup crumbled bacon; ¼ cup chopped pickles; ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; ranch dressing and chives for garnish (optional)

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These quick and easy Cheeseburger Cups are juicy, cheesy and packed with flavor and texture. They’re the perfect tasty high protein, low-carb lunch, dinner, or snack idea made in just 30 minutes using a muffin tin.

Burger Bowls drizzled with ranch dressing on a checkered serving board

Any mash-up on a burger is a recipe my family is sure to love. These delicious, fully-loaded Cheeseburger Cups are a crave-worthy, low-carb twist on the traditional sandwich – enjoy everything you love about a burger, without the bun! Super simple to make and fun to eat thanks to the muffin tin, they’re ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and entertaining.

Made with juicy, seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and all the fresh burger toppings you love, these Burger Bowls are full of flavor, and they’re customizable, just like a regular burger — build them however you’d like! We love that you get that char-grilled goodness without grilling, making them convenient all year round.

If you like these burger creations, try some of our other favorites using a muffin tin. These easy Mini Meatloaf Muffins are a tasty twist on the classic comfort food and these Salmon Sushi Cups are a fresh and flavorful shortcut idea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All The Burger Flavors, Without The Bun: This recipe has all the signature, mouth-watering flavors and textures you love in a classic burger, just without the bun – perfect for someone trying to eat low carb.
Quick and Easy to Make in 30 Minutes: Using just a handful of ingredients and a simple process, these come together fast, with ease.
Customizable: Easily adapt these burger bowls with different proteins, cheeses and seasonings depending on your preferences, different diets, and who you’re serving them to.
Great for Meal Prep: These are ideal to prep in advance and make once you’re ready to eat for an easy time-saving meal.
Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the flavors of a burger, kids and adults alike, so these burger bowls are requested by the whole family. They’re definitely a fan favorite in our home!

Bowls of shredded cheese, bacon, and veggies

Ingredients

For The Burger Bowls:

Ground Beef: Juicy and flavorful, we recommend using 85/15.
Worcestershire Sauce: A savory umami note that pairs so perfectly with beef.
Salt and Pepper: Season the beef generously, it can handle it.
Garlic Powder: Seasoning to add even more flavor.
Breadcrumbs: To help bind the burger bowl and hold its form.

For The Toppings:

Crumbled Bacon: Crisp, smokey and ultra flavorful. A classic burger topping.
Chopped Pickles: Dill and zesty, a must-have for a burger.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grate your own for the best flavor and melt.
Ranch Dressing & Chives: Optional, delicious finishing touches to garnish.

How To Make Cheeseburger Cups

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Crumble beef in a large bowl and add Worcestershire sauce, seasonings, and bread crumbs, then work together with your hands.
3. Once combined, work the beef into each well of a muffin pan until it forms a bowl. The meat will shrink slightly while cooking, so I recommend ensuring the beef raises higher than the lip.
4. Fill the bowls with the toppings of your choice, such as onion, bacon, and pickles. Then top with cheese.

5. Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
6. Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes and serve.

7. Garnish with a drizzle of ranch dressing and diced chives.

Burger Bowls drizzled with ranch dressing and garnished with veggies

Watch How to Make It

Expert Tips

Don’t Overcook the Beef: To keep the burger bowl moist and juicy, bake until they’re just cooked through and no longer pink — overcooking can lead to a dry, tough texture.
Season Well: Ground beef can handle it, so season with salt and pepper generously for the best flavor.
Use Fresh, Crisp Lettuce: For the best refreshing crunch and fresh flavor.
Customize Toppings: Just like a traditional burger, easily change the toppings you use based on preference.
Make Extra Sauce: Simply scale the recipe x2 — it’s the best part! Keep extras on hand for future uses, too.

Variations

Try Another Protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a slightly lighter burger bowl.
Make it Low-Carb/Keto: Easily follow these dietary preferences and with no sugary sauces.
Add Grilled Onions or Mushrooms: Classic and delicious burger toppings, add these for even more flavor.
Make It Spicy: Make a kicked-up version with freshly diced or pickled jalapeños.

Cheeseburger cups on a checkered wooden board

Storage

Store any leftover burger bowl components separately, in airtight containers, in the fridge for up to 3 days for maximum freshness. Reheat the beef in the oven until warmed through, and enjoy with any fresh toppings.

We recommend assembling these burger bowls fresh and enjoying right after cooking for the best flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?

We recommend making these and enjoying them fresh for the best flavor and texture, but you can prep the ingredients in advance.

What’s the best meat to use?

We like 85/15 ground beef for the best juicy flavor and texture.

How do I keep it from getting soggy?

Avoid overloading the burger bowls with too many toppings or sauces, which can make them overly soft and soggy.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, simply eliminate the cheese and use a dairy-free alternative, or skip it all together.

What sauce works best?

We love ranch dressing, but any classic “special sauce” or Russian dressing would be delicious.

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