Burger in a Bowl

Why We’re Obsessed with this Burger Bowl Recipe

• No need to fire up the grill — just grab a skillet and get cooking on the stovetop!
• Just a sprinkle of spices turns ordinary ground meat into a flavor explosion. And hey, chances are, you’ve already got these goodies in your spice stash!
• Let’s talk about the sauce — it’s my legendary special sauce, the same one I slather on classic burgers, now pulling double duty as a mouthwatering dressing! Trust me, it’s so good, you’ll be licking the bowl clean.
• Customization is key! Load up with all your favorite veggie toppings or let the picky eaters in your life choose their own adventure. The whole family wins with these healthy burger bowls!
• And here’s the kicker – they’re straight up meal prep magic! Cook, chop, and mix ahead of time, then simply assemble when hunger strikes for a lightning-fast lunch or easy dinner.

Ingredients Needed

• Ground beef. Opt for a lower fat variety, 85/15 or 90/10 are the best option. You want flavor without too much grease so it doesn’t make the dish watery. You can choose ground turkey or ground chicken for fewer calories, but the flavor will be different.
• Seasonings. A tasty burger blend of paprika, onion powder, oregano, and salt add so much to this dish.
• Toppings. The meat mixture is served on a bed of Romaine lettuce and topped with cherry tomatoes, cooked bacon, pickle slices or relish, red onion, and cheddar cheese. You can change things up with Iceberg lettuce or another type of cheese, like blue cheese.
• Secret Sauce. Whip up this easy sauce to take your burger bowls (and Hamburgers) over the top.

How to Make a Burger Bowl

Please see the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and more detailed instructions.

1. Make the Meat

Add the olive oil or avocado oil to a large skillet. Over medium heat, cook the ground beef for 5 to 6 minutes. It should no longer be pink.

In a small bowl, whisk together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and salt. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the ground beef and stir until everything is coated.

2. Make the Secret Sauce

While the beef is cooking, make up the secret sauce. Whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, and salt in a medium-sized or small bowl.

You can use the sauce right away, or keep it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

3. Build the Salad

After the meat is cooked and the secret sauce is whipped up, it’s time to build your salad. 

Start by layering chopped Romaine lettuce in a bowl, then add the meat, cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, pickle slices, sliced red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Drizzle the homemade burger sauce on top. You can use any of your favorite burger toppings, though.

Serve right away.

Other Topping Ideas

If you’re looking for something special for this burger in a bowl, there are a few things that really take it over the top.

Pickled Onion, Pickled Garlic, or Pickled Jalapeños are perfect for loaded burger bowls.

Of course, other sauces like Homemade Ranch, Avocado Ranch, Thousand Island, and even Chick Fil A Sauce are delicious.

Are Burger Bowls healthy? 

Yes! Burger bowls can be super healthy, depending on the toppings you choose. Sticking with lean ground beef, lettuce, and low-calorie dressings or sauces ensures a good-for-you dish.

Can burger bowls be made ahead of time?

Yes! Burger bowls are a great recipe to make ahead of time. It’s super simple to whip up the seasoned ground beef and slice the veggies and toppings. Wait to build the burger bowl until you’re ready to serve.

FAQs

What to Serve with a Burger in a Bowl

Just like a hamburger, there are some side dishes that make this dinner amazing.

If you love fries, try Garlic Parmesan Fries, Air Fryer French Fries, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, or Baked Sweet Potato Fries.

Keep it a little healthier with Air Fryer Zucchini Fries or Oven-Baked Asparagus Fries.

More Low Carb Dinner Recipes

Just like this Burger in a Bowl, these dinners are low in carbs but high in flavor. 

• Egg Roll in a Bowl
• Reuben in a Bowl
• Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
• Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers
• Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken.
• Zucchini Lasagna
• Spaghetti Squash Carbonara
• Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai