This is everything you love about a juicy burger, minus the bun! A burger in a bowl is the ultimate low-carb meal, packed with flavor, fresh toppings, and a satisfying crunch. It’s quick to throw together, perfect for meal prep, and customizable to your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- All the burger flavor, no bun! You get that classic burger taste without the extra carbs.
- Customizable toppings – Load it up with your favorite fixings.
- Quick and easy – Great for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Light but satisfying – You won’t miss the bread!
Ingredients
For the Burger Meat:
ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
salt
black pepper
garlic powder
onion powder
Worcestershire sauce (optional)
olive oil or butter (for cooking)
For the Burger Bowl:
romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
cherry tomatoes, halved
red onion, thinly sliced
shredded cheddar cheese
pickles, sliced
avocado, diced (optional)
For the Burger Sauce:
mayonnaise
sugar-free ketchup
mustard
pickle juice or vinegar
paprika
garlic powder
Directions
Cook the Beef
Brown the ground beef in a pan over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
Prep the Bowl
Chop up fresh lettuce and place it in your serving bowl. This is the base of your burger bowl.
Assemble the Toppings
Once the beef is cooked, spoon it over the lettuce. Add shredded cheese, sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, and any other toppings you love.
Drizzle with Sauce
A good sauce brings it all together. Use a mix of mayo, mustard, and ketchup, or go for a creamy burger sauce. Drizzle over the bowl and toss lightly.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use high-quality beef – It makes a difference in taste and texture.
- Don’t overcook the beef – Keep it juicy for the best flavor.
- Add a little crunch – Crispy bacon or toasted sesame seeds take this up a notch.
- Meal prep tip – Store toppings separately to keep everything fresh.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Make it spicy – Add jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce.
- Go protein-packed – Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Dairy-free option – Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Keto-friendly twist – Add avocado for extra healthy fats.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This burger bowl pairs well with a side of roasted veggies or crispy zucchini fries. If you’re not strictly low-carb, serve it with a handful of sweet potato fries for balance. For drinks, a light lemonade or iced tea works perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store the cooked beef separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the fresh toppings separate until ready to eat.
- Reheat the beef in a pan or microwave before assembling.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Just store the ingredients separately and assemble when ready to eat.
What’s the best lettuce to use?
Romaine or iceberg gives a great crunch, but any leafy greens work.
Can I use a different sauce?
Absolutely! Try ranch, BBQ sauce, or a homemade burger sauce.
Is this keto-friendly?
Yes! Just watch the sauce ingredients and keep the toppings low in carbs.
Conclusion
A burger in a bowl is a simple, satisfying, and low-carb way to enjoy a classic favorite. Whether you’re eating keto or just want a lighter meal, this dish is packed with flavor and easy to customize. Try it out and make it your own!
Print
Burger in a Bowl – The Low Carb Option
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Burger in a Bowl is the perfect low-carb alternative to a traditional burger, offering all the juicy, savory flavors without the bun! Packed with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, cheese, and a creamy burger sauce, this easy meal is keto-friendly, gluten-free, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Burger Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking)
For the Burger Bowl:
- 4 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced
- 1/2 small avocado, diced (optional)
For the Burger Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp pickle juice or vinegar
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
Cook the Burger Meat:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, paprika, and garlic powder. Set aside.
Assemble the Bowl:
- Divide the chopped lettuce into bowls.
- Top with cooked beef, cherry tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheddar, pickles, and avocado.
- Drizzle with burger sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add crispy bacon or roasted nuts.
- Make it dairy-free by omitting cheese or using a dairy-free alternative.
- Want a spicy kick? Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef or dressing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: ~750mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: ~750mg
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: ~95mg
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