Meet your new favorite, weeknight-friendly dinner: this Burger Bowls Recipe brings all the rich, juicy satisfaction of a classic burger, minus the bun! It’s a fresh, crave-worthy bowl layered with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, vibrant veggies, creamy avocado, and a tangy burger sauce that will have you scraping your bowl clean. Whether you’re craving something quick, want a wholesome low-carb option, or just love the fun of building your own bowls, this recipe totally delivers on both taste and comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here—just a handful of humble ingredients, each playing a starring role. Their vibrant colors and flavors guarantee every bite of the Burger Bowls Recipe is as delightful as the last. Grab these kitchen staples and get ready for a fuss-free meal that checks every box!

1 lb ground beef (85/15 or lean): The juicy, meaty foundation for your bowl; feel free to swap in ground turkey or a plant-based option if you prefer.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Just enough to bring warm, savory notes that wake up the beef’s natural flavor.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds gentle sweetness and makes the seasoning extra tasty without chopping an onion.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essentials for dialing up the flavor of your beef base—season generously!
4 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce: The crisp, refreshing bed for your bowl; choose your favorite for maximum crunch.
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Their natural sweetness and juiciness balance the savoriness of the meat.
½ cup red onion (sliced): For a zippy, slightly sharp bite that keeps each forkful interesting.
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp, and totally classic—don’t skip it or feel free to blend in some Monterey Jack.
½ cup dill pickles (sliced): Snappy and tangy, they recreate that classic burger vibe in every bite.
1 avocado (sliced): Creamy and buttery, the perfect balance to the salty, savory ingredients.
¼ cup ketchup: The sweet and tangy anchor of your creamy burger sauce—use sugar-free for keto.
¼ cup mayonnaise: Makes the sauce irresistibly smooth, blending all the other flavors together.
1 tablespoon yellow mustard: A pop of signature burger zing with every dollop.
1 teaspoon pickle juice: The secret ingredient—this little splash makes your sauce taste just like your favorite diner burger!

How to Make Burger Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Beef

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. While it’s warming up, season your ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, mixing until the spices are nicely distributed. Add the beef to the hot skillet and use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. You want those juicy, golden-brown crumbles, so keep stirring for about 6 to 8 minutes, until the meat is fully cooked and irresistibly fragrant. If there’s any extra fat, just drain it off—this keeps your Burger Bowls Recipe fresh and never greasy.

Step 2: Make the Burger Sauce

While the beef cooks, make the burger sauce that brings the whole bowl together. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and pickle juice. This quick sauce delivers a tangy, creamy punch reminiscent of your favorite burger joint, taking every bite of your Burger Bowls Recipe over the top.

Step 3: Prep the Veggies

Grab your largest food prep bowl and chop the romaine (or iceberg) lettuce, halve those cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion, and thinly slice the dill pickles and avocado. Having everything ready to go makes assembly a breeze and keeps all the colors bright and beautiful.

Step 4: Layer the Bowls

Divide the chopped lettuce among four bowls—it’s your fresh, crunchy base. Pile on a generous scoop of seasoned beef, then scatter the tomatoes, red onion, cheddar cheese, pickles, and avocado around the edges for eye-catching color and great texture. This setup invites everyone to dive in with their fork and mix it up just how they like!

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

Just before serving, spoon or drizzle the burger sauce over each bowl. The sauce ties the whole Burger Bowls Recipe together, mingling with the toppings in every forkful. Serve immediately for the best balance of hot and cold, creamy and crisp.

How to Serve Burger Bowls Recipe

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle a few extra pickle slices or a scattering of sesame seeds over the top. Chopped chives or a handful of fresh herbs add color and lift the flavors, making each bowl look extra inviting. A little extra shredded cheese is always a welcome addition for cheese lovers, too!

Side Dishes

These bowls are hearty enough to stand alone, but if you’re craving a little something extra, a side of oven-baked sweet potato fries or crunchy veggie sticks rounds out the meal deliciously. For a little heat, offer a few slices of jalapeño or even a dollop of spicy homemade salsa alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to take your Burger Bowls Recipe to party mode? Arrange all the toppings buffet-style and let everyone build their own custom bowl! Or, for meal-prep magic, assemble single-serving jars ahead of time and keep the sauce on the side until lunchtime. If you have mini cast-iron skillets, you can even broil the cheese-topped beef before adding to the bowls for a gooey, melted surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Burger Bowls Recipe components, simply store each element separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The cooked beef will keep well for up to 3 days, and the fresh veggies and sauce will stay crisp and delicious.

Freezing

Feel free to freeze the cooked, seasoned ground beef for up to 2 months—portion it in resealable bags for easy thawing! Just be sure to avoid freezing the fresh veggies and sauce, as they don’t respond well to the cold and can turn mushy.

Reheating

Reheat leftover cooked beef in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a microwave until steaming. Once warm, assemble your bowls with fresh veggies and a drizzle of burger sauce for a meal that tastes as good as new.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this Burger Bowls Recipe, delivering a lighter, yet still satisfying, base. Just watch the cooking time and season liberally to maximize flavor.

Is this recipe keto or low-carb?

Yes, with a simple tweak—skip the ketchup or use a sugar-free alternative to keep your Burger Bowls Recipe keto and low-carb friendly. Every other ingredient is naturally low in carbs, so you’re set!

How can I make this vegetarian?

Plant-based ground meat substitutes are a fantastic swap for beef in this Burger Bowls Recipe. Cook and season them just as you would the beef for a hearty vegetarian meal.

Can I prepare this ahead for meal prep?

You bet! Cook the beef, chop the veggies, and keep the sauce in a separate container. When you’re ready to eat, assemble everything fresh for a super quick, make-ahead lunch or dinner.

What other toppings can I add?

Go wild! Try crumbled bacon, sautéed mushrooms, grilled corn, crispy onions, or even a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. The beauty of this Burger Bowls Recipe is its adaptability—make it yours!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a happy medium between classic burgers and refreshing, veggie-loaded bowls, the Burger Bowls Recipe is your next must-try meal. It’s simple, fun, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—give it a go and make it your own!

Burger Bowls Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Burger Bowls are a deconstructed twist on a classic burger, served in a bowl for a healthier, low-carb alternative. Packed with all your favorite burger toppings and a delicious burger sauce, this recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Burger Bowls:

1 lb ground beef (85/15 or lean)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
½ cup red onion (sliced)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup dill pickles (sliced)
1 avocado (sliced)

For the Burger Sauce:

¼ cup ketchup
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon pickle juice

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Season ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until fully browned, about 6–8 minutes.
Make the Burger Sauce: Whisk together ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, and pickle juice in a small bowl.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide lettuce among 4 bowls. Top with ground beef, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cheese, pickles, and avocado. Drizzle with burger sauce before serving.

Notes

For a low-carb or keto version, skip the ketchup or use sugar-free alternatives.
Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles can be used as a beef substitution.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American