What the heck is this?
Imagine everything you love about a juicy, loaded cheeseburger—minus the bun and the mess. Now picture it all piled into a bowl: seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, pickles, maybe even a drizzle of burger sauce. It’s like a deconstructed Big Mac got a healthy-ish glow-up and moved into a bowl because it’s got main character energy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– All the burger vibes without the carb coma
– Super customizable—great for picky eaters or meal prep
– Comes together in 20 minutes flat
– Naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly if that’s your thing
– You can eat it with a fork, which means fewer napkins and more dignity
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Beef:
– 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or lean, your call)
– 1 tsp salt
– ½ tsp black pepper
– ½ tsp garlic powder
– ½ tsp onion powder
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Bowls:
– 4 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– ½ cup sliced red onion
– ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ cup dill pickle slices
– 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
– Optional: avocado, sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños
For the Sauce (a.k.a. “Burger Sauce”):
– ½ cup mayo
– 2 tbsp ketchup
– 1 tbsp mustard
– 1 tbsp pickle juice or finely chopped pickles
– ½ tsp paprika
– Pinch of garlic powder
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Brown that beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat if needed, then stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Let it sizzle for another 2–3 minutes to soak up all that flavor.
Step 2: Mix up the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, paprika, and garlic powder until smooth. Taste and adjust—more mustard for tang, more ketchup for sweetness.
Step 3: Build your bowl
Start with a bed of lettuce in each bowl. Top with warm ground beef, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cheese, bacon, pickles, and anything else your burger-loving heart desires. Drizzle with the burger sauce and prepare to fall in love.
Step 4: Devour
Fork in, head down, game over. These bowls are that good.
Serving Suggestions
– Serve with a side of sweet potato fries or roasted zucchini
– Make mini versions for a party bar situation (DIY burger bowl night, anyone?)
– Want it even heartier? Add a scoop of cooked rice or cauliflower rice underneath
Switch It Up
– Swap the beef for ground turkey or grilled chicken
– Use shredded lettuce and crushed tortilla chips for a cheeseburger taco vibe
– Add a fried or poached egg on top for brunch burger energy
– Turn it into a salad with balsamic or ranch dressing if you’re not feeling the sauce
Make-Ahead Tips
Cook the beef and mix the sauce ahead of time—they’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Chop veggies and store separately for easy, grab-and-go assembly. The bowls taste great warm or cold, so they’re perfect for meal prep.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Totally—use plant-based ground meat or swap in black beans or lentils. The burger sauce still slaps.
Q: Is this good for meal prep?
A: Absolutely. Store everything separately and assemble when ready. Just keep the lettuce crisp and the sauce on the side until it’s go-time.
Q: What’s a good low-carb swap for ketchup?
A: Try a no-sugar-added ketchup or mix tomato paste with a bit of vinegar and sweetener to taste.
Burger Bowls: All the Flavor, None of the Bun (And Zero Regrets)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Imagine everything you love about a juicy, loaded cheeseburger—minus the bun and the mess. Now picture it all piled into a bowl: seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, pickles, maybe even a drizzle of burger sauce. It’s like a deconstructed Big Mac got a healthy-ish glow-up and moved into a bowl because it’s got main character energy.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
– 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or lean, your call)
– 1 tsp salt
– ½ tsp black pepper
– ½ tsp garlic powder
– ½ tsp onion powder
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Bowls:
– 4 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– ½ cup sliced red onion
– ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ cup dill pickle slices
– 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
– Optional: avocado, sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños
For the Sauce (a.k.a. “Burger Sauce”):
– ½ cup mayo
– 2 tbsp ketchup
– 1 tbsp mustard
– 1 tbsp pickle juice or finely chopped pickles
– ½ tsp paprika
– Pinch of garlic powder
Instructions
Step 1: Brown that beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat if needed, then stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Let it sizzle for another 2–3 minutes to soak up all that flavor.
Step 2: Mix up the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, paprika, and garlic powder until smooth. Taste and adjust—more mustard for tang, more ketchup for sweetness.
Step 3: Build your bowl
Start with a bed of lettuce in each bowl. Top with warm ground beef, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cheese, bacon, pickles, and anything else your burger-loving heart desires. Drizzle with the burger sauce and prepare to fall in love.
Step 4: Devour
Fork in, head down, game over. These bowls are that good.
Notes
– Serve with a side of sweet potato fries or roasted zucchini
– Make mini versions for a party bar situation (DIY burger bowl night, anyone?)
– Want it even heartier? Add a scoop of cooked rice or cauliflower rice underneath
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~480 kcal per serving
- Fat: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~8g
- Protein: ~30g