Burger Bowl
A deconstructed cheeseburger in a bowl! Juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar over a bed of fresh lettuce, all drizzled with a classic special sauce. All the flavor, none of the bun.
For 4 servings
Cook and crumble the bacon.
Place bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, turning occasionally, until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool enough to handle, crumble into small pieces.
TIPYou can cook the bacon in the oven for easier cleanup. Lay slices on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.Mix the special sauce.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, and dill pickle relish until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the ground beef.
- Wipe out most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about a teaspoon. Add the vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
TIPDon't overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook the beef in two batches to ensure it browns properly instead of steaming.Assemble the burger bowls.
- Divide the chopped romaine lettuce among four bowls.
- Top the lettuce with the cooked ground beef.
- Arrange the diced tomatoes, sliced red onions, and pickles over the beef.
Garnish and serve.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over each bowl. Drizzle with the special sauce and serve immediately.
TIPFor a classic burger feel, sprinkle a few sesame seeds on top.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded.
- 2To save time, you can use pre-cooked bacon crumbles.
- 3Feel free to add other favorite burger toppings like sliced avocado or sautéed mushrooms.
- 4For meal prep, store the cooked beef, chopped veggies, sauce, and toppings in separate containers. Assemble just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp.
Adapt it for your goals.
Keto
Ensure your ketchup is sugar-free and use a full-fat mayonnaise to make this recipe keto-friendly.
dairy freeDairy free
Omit the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.
spicySpicy
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the special sauce for a spicy kick.
quickQuick
Use pre-cooked bacon crumbles and pre-shredded lettuce to get this meal on the table in under 15 minutes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Lean ground beef and bacon provide a significant amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and keeping you feeling full.
Low in Carbohydrates
By eliminating the bun, this bowl is a great low-carb meal option that helps manage blood sugar levels and fits into various dietary plans.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and onions offer essential vitamins like Vitamin C and K, while the beef is a good source of iron and B12.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, a burger bowl can be a very healthy meal. It's high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and packed with fresh vegetables. Using lean ground beef and controlling the amount of cheese and sauce keeps it balanced.
