Bunless Beef Burger with Blue Cheese and Spinach

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A juicy keto-friendly beef burger served without a bun, topped with melted blue cheese and sautéed spinach for a savory, nutrient-packed meal. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 22 minutes pairs ground beef (80/20), salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Form into four equal 4-inch diameter patties.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 4 minutes per side for medium doneness, or longer to desired doneness.
  3. Step 3: During the last minute of cooking, sprinkle 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese evenly over the patties and cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in another pan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 cups fresh spinach leaves to the garlic butter and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still bright green.
  6. Step 6: Serve each blue cheese-topped burger with a generous portion of sautéed spinach on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bunless Beef Burger with Blue Cheese and Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bunless Beef Burger with Blue Cheese and Spinach?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef (80/20) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bunless Beef Burger with Blue Cheese and Spinach?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bunless Beef Burger with Blue Cheese and Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Bunless Beef Burger with Blue Cheese and Spinach keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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