Burger in a Bowl Recipe
If you’re craving all the delicious, juicy flavors of a cheeseburger but want to skip the bun, Burger in a Bowl is a total game-changer. Imagine a fresh, colorful salad layered with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, smoky bacon, and a creamy burger sauce that ties it all together. With just 15 minutes and one skillet, you’ll have a low-carb, gluten-free meal that tastes indulgent but feels refreshingly light. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or throwing together a quick weeknight dinner, Burger in a Bowl is about to become your new go-to dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Burger in a Bowl is in its simplicity. Each ingredient pulls its weight by providing crunch, savory flavor, or creamy richness, creating that classic burger experience—no bun necessary!
- Lean ground beef: The star of the show; use 85-90% lean for the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.
- Olive oil: Just a drizzle is all you need to help brown the beef and add a hint of richness.
- Garlic powder: A sprinkle adds savory depth you’d expect in any great burger.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor; the classic burger companion in every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple, essential seasonings to make all the other flavors pop.
- Chopped romaine lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, it holds up perfectly under hearty toppings.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved: Little pops of juicy sweetness that contrast the savory beef.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Creamy and melty—because no burger bowl is complete without cheese!
- Diced dill pickles: Brings that essential tangy, briny kick reminiscent of your favorite burger.
- Diced red onion: Adds bite and crunch, balancing the richness of the meat and cheese.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon (optional): For a smoky, salty upgrade that makes everything better.
- Burger sauce: The magical blend of mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and paprika—creamy, tangy, and totally irresistible.
How to Make Burger in a Bowl
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Heat up your favorite large skillet over medium-high heat and add that generous glug of olive oil. Toss in the ground beef along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the meat, letting it brown and get deliciously crisp around the edges for about 5 minutes. Once everything is cooked through, check for extra fat and drain if needed, so your Burger in a Bowl stays fresh and light.
Step 2: Prep the Salad Base
Grab your biggest, prettiest salad bowls and divide the chopped romaine lettuce evenly among them. The lettuce isn’t just a vehicle—it’s the crunchy foundation that holds up under all those decadent burger toppings, so don’t skimp!
Step 3: Add Toppings
Spoon the hot, seasoned beef right over the bed of lettuce in each bowl. Then scatter the cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, diced pickles, red onion, and—if you’re feeling fancy or extra hungry—some crispy bacon bits. Each topping brings its own distinct texture and flavor to your Burger in a Bowl, making every forkful unique.
Step 4: Drizzle with Burger Sauce
Don’t be shy with the sauce! Drizzle that crave-worthy burger sauce generously over the top of each bowl. Its creamy, zippy goodness is what brings all the flavors together and turns this simple salad into a totally satisfying meal.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Burger in a Bowl is ready to be devoured! Serve immediately while the beef is warm, letting the cheese get just a little melty. Scoop up a bit of everything in each bite and savor how a bunless burger can taste so unexpectedly amazing.
How to Serve Burger in a Bowl
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives can add a little color and freshness on top. If you’re a fan of heat, toss on some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up! You can also lay a few thin avocado slices across the bowl for extra creaminess or a finishing flurry of sesame seeds for a fun, “burger shop” feel.
Side Dishes
While Burger in a Bowl is plenty filling on its own, it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Consider a side of sweet potato fries, a pile of crunchy carrot sticks, or a tangy vinegar-based slaw. If you want to keep things extra light, a sparkling water with lime or a homemade lemonade makes the perfect refreshing companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Burger in a Bowl into a taco-style lettuce wrap by serving the components in large romaine leaves. For parties or meal prep, try layering ingredients in mason jars for a portable take. Or set up a “burger bowl bar” with toppings in small bowls so everyone can customize their own masterpiece—it’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Burger in a Bowl, store all the components separately to keep everything fresh. Place the cooked beef in an airtight container, refrigerate the chopped veggies and toppings in their own containers, and keep the sauce in a small jar or squeeze bottle. This prevents the lettuce from getting soggy and keeps each element at its best.
Freezing
While the veggies and sauce won’t take kindly to freezing, the cooked beef portion absolutely will! Let it cool fully, then scoop it into a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll be ready to grab for last-minute bowls and stays good in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating
To bring your Burger in a Bowl back to life, simply warm the refrigerated or thawed beef gently in a skillet or microwave until piping hot. Then assemble your bowl with fresh veggies, cheese, and sauce. Since the lettuce and toppings are best served cold and crisp, always add them after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein in my Burger in a Bowl?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground alternatives work wonderfully. Just be sure to season them well so you don’t lose out on that classic burger flavor.
What’s the best way to make Burger in a Bowl for meal prep?
Keep everything separated until you’re ready to eat: store the cooked beef, chopped lettuce, toppings, and sauce in individual containers. Assemble just before serving for optimal crispness and flavor.
Is Burger in a Bowl keto-friendly or low-carb?
Yes, Burger in a Bowl is naturally low in carbs and can easily fit keto diets, especially if you swap out the ketchup in the burger sauce for a low-sugar version and skip the carrots or high-sugar veggies.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Just leave out the cheddar cheese or use your favorite plant-based cheese alternative. You’ll still get plenty of flavor from the seasoned beef and zesty burger sauce.
Can I add extra veggies or different toppings?
Of course! Sliced avocado, sautéed mushrooms, grilled peppers, or even roasted corn can add new flavors and textures. Think of Burger in a Bowl as a delicious foundation you can build your own way.
Final Thoughts
I just know that once you try Burger in a Bowl, it’ll find its way onto your regular dinner rotation. It’s savory, fresh, endlessly customizable, and ready in a flash—the perfect meal for busy nights or anytime a burger craving strikes. Dive in and make it your own!
Print
Burger in a Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a healthier, low-carb format with this delicious Burger in a Bowl recipe. It’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and perfect for those following a keto or gluten-free diet.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced dill pickles
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide lettuce among four bowls. Top with beef, tomatoes, cheddar, pickles, red onion, and bacon if using.
- Add Sauce: Drizzle burger sauce over each bowl.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a low-carb twist, use pepper jack cheese and add avocado slices.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef.
- If meal prepping, store ingredients separately until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: Stovetop, Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
