Oh, boy.

Last week flew by with all the goodness a week could have. We had a snow day with snow play. We baked bread and other good eats. We visited with friends and family, took a bike ride, went to swimming lessons, and flew through the air on our swing. We planted our tiny garden and visited the fish at Bass Pro Shop. We had so much fun in just seven short days! Be sure to scroll down to catch some of our pics of the week.

Sometimes when we get busy, meals become the drive-thru variety.

Even though there are many good options to choose from at most places, I tend to go for the good old comfort food. It seems silly when I know eating well makes me feel well. After a few days of the comfort choices, I feel quite the opposite. I feel BLEH. I begin to crave the veggies I’ve been editing from my diet. This week, I’m adding back fruits, veg, and whole grains to some good quality protein. I know it will really make me feel happy and comfortable and well.

Cheeseburger Bowls are a good compromise to its fast-food counterpart. Our family enjoys it a lot. you can add whatever burger toppings you enjoy. Taking the bun away and opting for low-fat ingredients and loads of vegetables, you have a very satisfying dish.

Side note: Last time I served this, I made air-fried baby potatoes. Some of the people around my table used them like croutons on their bowls. It’s a great idea I will incorporate in the future.

Cheeseburger Bowls with Fry Sauce

Serves Four

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped, reserve 1 tablespoon to mince for sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon dill pickle brine
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Pince of cayenne
• 6 cups chopped iceberg or romaine lettuce
• 1 pint of grape tomatoes, cut in half
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ dill pickle slices
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is tender. Drain fat off, if needed. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Mince reserved onion.
3. Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pickle brine, paprika, cayenne, and minced onion in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
4. To assemble: divide lettuce between bowls. Top with the beef mixture, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and cheese. Drizzle with Fry Sauce.
5. Enjoy!

“Eat your vegetables, have a positive outlook, be kind to people, and smile.”

~ Dan Buettner

Have a great week.

Thanks for stopping by!