Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. I often prep rice and brown the beef in the morning or the night before. Keep toppings separate and assemble just before serving to keep textures fresh.

Is this recipe good for picky eaters?

Absolutely. Everyone assembles their own bowl. If someone rejects pickles, that is fine. The bowl is forgiving and customizable.

Can I freeze the assembled bowl?

I recommend freezing only the rice and cooked beef. Lettuce and tomatoes do not freeze well and become watery when thawed.

What if I want less sodium?

Use low-sodium ketchup and smaller amounts of pickles. Rinse pickles briefly to remove extra brine if you want an even milder flavor.

How long does it take to make from start to finish?

From start to finish, plan about 30 to 40 minutes if you cook rice fresh. If rice is already done, you can build bowls in 10 to 15 minutes.

Easy Burger Bowls 2026 Cook That Dish

Name: Burger Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 2 cups cooked brown rice; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 cups shredded lettuce; 1/2 cup sliced pickles; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tbsp mustard; Real butter (optional for rice)

Description

Quick and customizable burger bowls that offer comforting flavors without the bun, perfect for busy families.

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups shredded lettuce
1/2 cup sliced pickles
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp mustard
Real butter (optional for rice)

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Instructions

Prepare brown rice according to package instructions (approximately 30 minutes). Fluff with a fork and stir in a small pat of butter for extra depth.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook lean ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper until browned (about 8 minutes). Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks.
Drain excess fat from the beef.
While the beef is cooking, chop cherry tomatoes, shred lettuce, and slice pickles.
Assemble your bowl: layer cooked brown rice, ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and cheese. Start with the rice as the base.
Mix ketchup and mustard in a small bowl; drizzle over assembled ingredients.
Serve immediately or allow everyone to add toppings of their choice.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored separately to avoid sogginess and are great for meal prep. For an even easier weeknight meal, prep the rice the night before.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: American