Bunless Burger Bowl
All the juicy, savory flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger, served in a fresh, crisp bowl without the bun. A satisfying low-carb meal ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
For 4 servings
Cook the bacon.
Place the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble into pieces.
TIPYou can cook the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes for less mess.Make the special sauce.
In a small bowl, whisk together the light mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle relish, and garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
Form and season the burger patties.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions.
- Gently form each portion into a patty about 1/2-inch thick.
- Press a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.
- Season both sides of the patties generously with salt and black pepper.
TIPAvoid overworking the meat when forming the patties, as this can make them tough.Cook the patties and melt the cheese.
- Heat the vegetable oil in the same skillet used for the bacon over medium-high heat.
- Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes per side for medium, or until cooked to your desired doneness (160°F for well-done).
- During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with shredded cheddar cheese and cover the skillet to help it melt.
Assemble the burger bowls.
Divide the chopped romaine lettuce among four bowls. Top with the diced tomatoes, sliced red onions, and dill pickles.
Serve the bowls.
Place a warm cheeseburger patty in the center of each salad. Sprinkle with the crumbled bacon and drizzle with the special sauce. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra flavor, you can add a splash of pickle juice to the special sauce.
- 2Let the cooked patties rest for a couple of minutes before placing them on the salad to keep the lettuce crisp.
- 3Feel free to add other toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or sautéed mushrooms.
- 4To meal prep, cook the patties and bacon ahead of time and store them separately from the fresh vegetables and sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Keto
This recipe is naturally keto-friendly. Ensure your ketchup and pickle relish are sugar-free to keep the net carbs as low as possible.
dairy freeDairy free
Omit the cheddar cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. Check that your mayonnaise is dairy-free.
quickQuick
Use pre-cooked bacon crumbles and pre-shredded lettuce and cheese to assemble these bowls in under 15 minutes.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the ground beef portion to 6 oz per serving and add a sliced hard-boiled egg to each bowl for an extra protein boost.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Lean ground beef and bacon provide a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall satiety.
Low in Carbohydrates
By removing the bun, this meal is very low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for those following a keto, low-carb, or diabetic-friendly diet.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and onions offer essential vitamins like C and K, while the beef is a great source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, a bunless burger bowl can be very healthy. It's high in protein and nutrients from the beef and fresh vegetables, while being low in carbohydrates by eliminating the bun. Using lean beef and a light mayonnaise helps manage the fat content.
