Burger Bowl recipe

When I’m craving a burger but want something lighter, this Burger Bowl hits the spot every time. It has all the juicy, cheesy, savory goodness I expect—ground beef, melted cheddar, pickles, fries, and special sauce—but without the bun. Instead, it’s served over a crisp bed of lettuce and topped with fresh veggies. This recipe gives me the best of both worlds: comfort food flavors in a lighter, customizable, and completely satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bun-Free but Full of Flavor: I still get the bold burger taste without the heaviness of bread.
• Low-Carb and Gluten-Free: Perfect when I want something clean, fresh, and easy on the carbs.
• Customizable: I switch up the protein, toppings, or sauce depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge.
• Great for Meal Prep: I prep everything in advance and assemble it in minutes throughout the week.
• Family Friendly: Even picky eaters love building their own burger bowls.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Bowl:
Lean ground beef
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Paprika
Kosher salt
Fresh cracked black pepper
Romaine lettuce (or substitute with iceberg, spinach, or baby greens)
Cherry or grape tomatoes
Red onion, sliced
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Dill pickle chips
French fries (frozen or homemade, optional but recommended)

For the Special Sauce Dressing:
Mayonnaise
Ketchup
Diced dill pickles (or a splash of pickle juice)
Yellow mustard (or Dijon for more bite)

Directions

1. Prepare the Fries
I cook the frozen French fries according to the package directions or make a batch of crispy Air Fryer French Fries while I prep the rest of the bowl.

2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. I season it with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

3. Make the Special Sauce
In a small bowl, I whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, diced dill pickles (or pickle juice), and mustard. I taste and adjust to my liking—sometimes I add a pinch of paprika or hot sauce if I want a little kick.

4. Assemble the Bowls
I start with a bed of chopped romaine lettuce, then layer on ground beef, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, shredded cheddar cheese, pickle chips, and a handful of crispy fries.

5. Drizzle and Serve
To finish, I drizzle the special sauce dressing over everything. Then I grab a fork and dig in!

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings and takes about 25 minutes total from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and easily scaled for meal prep or gatherings.

Variations

• Different Proteins: I’ve used ground turkey, chicken, and even plant-based crumbles like tempeh or Beyond Meat.
• Lighter Version: I skip the fries or use roasted sweet potatoes for a healthier twist.
• Add Avocado: For creaminess and healthy fats, avocado slices are a perfect add-on.
• Spice It Up: I mix in hot sauce or jalapeños when I want extra heat.
• Cheese Options: I swap cheddar for pepper jack or provolone for a new flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

I store the ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat the ground beef and fries, I use the microwave or a quick skillet reheat. I add the lettuce and fresh toppings just before serving to keep things crisp and fresh.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. I cook the beef and fries ahead, store them separately, and assemble the bowl fresh when I’m ready to eat.

What lettuce works best?

I love romaine for the crunch, but iceberg, baby spinach, or spring mix all work great too.

Is this keto-friendly?

Yes—just skip the fries and go light on the ketchup in the sauce to reduce carbs.

Can I use leftover burgers?

Definitely. I chop up leftover grilled patties and toss them right into the bowl.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

I add hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or chopped jalapeños for a kick.

Conclusion

This Burger Bowl recipe is a flavorful, feel-good way to enjoy all the classic burger elements—without the bun. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, which makes it one of my favorite go-to dinners. Whether I’m looking for a low-carb option or just something fresh and satisfying, this bowl always hits the mark.

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