Craving a burger but forgot to grab a pack of burger buns at the store? That’s okay – make your own burger bowl instead! Made with juicy ground beef, crispy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and homemade special sauce, this burger bowl recipe is a delicious and healthier alternative to a traditional burger.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Option
“Enjoy all the deliciousness of a classic burger without the extra carbs! This burger in a bowl is a great option for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, letting you indulge guilt-free while staying on track with your goals.”
Perfect for Meal Prep and Busy Nights
“Short on time? This recipe comes together in minutes, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep. Simply cook the beef, prep your toppings, and store everything separately for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week!”
Fully Customizable to Your Taste
“One of the best things about this burger bowl is how versatile it is! Whether you prefer classic cheeseburger flavors, a spicy kick, you can mix and match ingredients to make it exactly the way you like it.”
A Satisfying and Filling Meal
“Who says healthy meals can’t be hearty? With protein-packed beef, crunchy veggies, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, this burger in a bowl is just as satisfying as the real thing—without leaving you feeling overly stuffed or sluggish.”
Healthier Than a Traditional Burger
“By ditching the bun and skipping processed ingredients, you get a fresh, wholesome meal made with real food. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food while adding more nutrients and flavor to your plate!”
Ingredients Needed
This burger in a bowl recipe is made up of three main components: the beef, fresh toppings, and the creamy special sauce.
Here’s a quick breakdown of everything you’ll need!
Bowl:
- Ground Beef: I love using a mix of 80% lean and 20% fat ground beef to keep the meat juicy without being overly greasy. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Lettuce: Romaine lettuce works best for its crisp texture, but iceberg, spinach, or mixed greens are great alternatives.
- Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes bring a burst of juiciness. Cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, or even heirloom tomatoes all work well.
- Cheese: A good burger needs cheese! Cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack are great choices, but feel free to use your favorite.
- Red Onion: Adds a bit of crunch and a mild spice to each bite. You can also sauté yellow onions for a sweeter, caramelized flavor.
- Pickles: A must-have for that classic burger tang! Dill pickles, bread-and-butter pickles, or even pickled jalapeños can be used for extra flavor.
- Avocado (Optional): If you love creamy textures, sliced avocado adds richness and healthy fats.
Special Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: The base of the sauce—use classic mayo, avocado mayo, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
- Ketchup: Adds a hint of sweetness and balances the sauce. Go for sugar-free ketchup if you’re keeping it low-carb.
- Mustard: A spoonful of yellow mustard gives the sauce a sharp, tangy kick. Dijon or spicy mustard work well too.
- Pickle Juice: A splash of pickle juice ties everything together with a subtle tangy finish.
- Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper add depth and a little heat.
👩🍳 Grandma Mary Wilson’s Expert Tip
“The secret to an unforgettable burger bowl? It’s all in the seasoning! My trick is to mix a pinch of smoked paprika and garlic powder into the ground beef before cooking. It brings out a deep, savory flavor that reminds me of the burgers I used to make for my grandkids on summer afternoons. And don’t skip the pickle juice in the special sauce—it’s the ingredient that makes all the flavors pop!”
Kitchen Tools Required
Here’s a quick list of the essential tools you’ll need to make these delicious burger bowls at home:
- Skillet or Saute Pan – Perfect for browning the ground beef and sautéing onions to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife – For chopping lettuce, slicing tomatoes, and dicing onions with ease.
- Mixing Bowls (Large & Small) – A large bowl for assembling the burger bowl and a small one for mixing the special sauce.
- Whisk or Spoon – To blend the special sauce ingredients into a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – You’ll need a 1-cup, 1/3-cup, tablespoon, teaspoon, and 1/4 teaspoon for precise ingredient measurements.
How to Make Burger Bowls with Special Sauce
Making your own burger bowl is incredibly simple and comes together in just a few steps!
- Cook the Beef – Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil and sauté the diced onion until softened. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Prepare the Toppings – While the beef is cooking, chop the lettuce, slice the tomatoes, and get the pickles and cheese ready.
- Make the Special Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and spices until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bowls – Divide the lettuce evenly into serving bowls. Add the cooked beef and onions, followed by the tomatoes, pickles, and shredded cheese.
- Drizzle and Enjoy – Spoon the special sauce over each bowl, mix everything together, and enjoy a delicious, bun-free burger experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions about making a burger in a bowl—plus some helpful tips to make sure yours turns out perfectly every time!
1. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This burger bowl is perfect for meal prep. Cook the ground beef in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the toppings and special sauce separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness. When ready to serve, just reheat the beef and assemble your bowl in minutes!
2. What’s the Best Meat for a Burger in a Bowl?
For the juiciest, most flavorful bowl, I recommend using 80/20 ground beef—this means 80% lean meat and 20% fat, which keeps it moist and tasty. However, if you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work great too!
3. How Can I Make This More Kid-Friendly?
If your kids love burgers but aren’t big on salads, try serving the ingredients deconstructed! Give them a plate with the beef, cheese, tomatoes, and pickles separately, and let them dip everything into the special sauce—it turns mealtime into a fun, interactive experience!
4. Are There Any Vegetarian or Vegan Alternatives?
Yes! Swap out the ground beef for seasoned lentils, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based meat substitute. For the sauce, use vegan mayo and dairy-free cheese to keep it fully plant-based. You’ll still get all the delicious burger flavors—just in a meat-free version!
5. How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
To keep everything fresh, store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The cooked beef will last up to 4 days, and the special sauce can be stored for up to a week. When reheating, warm the beef in a skillet or microwave before assembling your bowl. Avoid reheating the lettuce to keep it crisp!
Conclusion
A burger in a bowl is the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic burger—without the bun! Whether you’re following a low-carb diet, looking for a quick and easy meal, or simply craving something fresh and satisfying, this recipe has you covered.
With juicy seasoned beef, crisp lettuce, fresh toppings, and a creamy special sauce, every bite is packed with flavor. Plus, it’s fully customizable, so you can make it exactly how you like it—spicy, cheesy, loaded with toppings, or even plant-based!
The best part? It’s super simple to make and great for meal prep, making busy weeknights a breeze. So next time you’re craving a burger but want something lighter, skip the bun and give this burger bowl a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Now, grab your ingredients, whip up this delicious bowl, and enjoy a burger experience like never before! 🍔🥗🔥
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Burger in a Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This delicious Burger in a Bowl is the perfect low-carb and keto-friendly meal! Packed with juicy seasoned beef, crisp lettuce, fresh toppings, and a creamy special sauce, it’s a bun-free burger that’s just as satisfying. Quick, easy, and fully customizable for your taste!
Ingredients
- Bowl: Ground beef, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, red onion, pickles, avocado (optional)
- Special Sauce: Mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Beef – Sauté diced onions in a skillet, then add ground beef and cook until browned. Season to taste.
- Prepare Toppings – Chop lettuce, slice tomatoes, and get the pickles and cheese ready.
- Make the Special Sauce – Mix mayo, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pickle juice, and spices in a small bowl.
- Assemble the Bowls – Divide lettuce into bowls, add beef and onions, then top with tomatoes, pickles, and cheese.
- Drizzle & Enjoy – Spoon the special sauce over each bowl and serve immediately!
Notes
- Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative.
- For extra flavor, mix smoked paprika and garlic powder into the beef before cooking.
- Store leftovers separately and assemble fresh for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Burger in a Bowl