If you love the satisfying flavors of a classic burger but want a fresh, low-carb spin, this Burger in a Bowl Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. It’s all the juicy, savory goodness of a cheeseburger, minus the bun, served atop a crisp bed of romaine and topped with creamy avocado, tangy pickles, and a luscious homemade sauce that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a delicious way to enjoy your favorite burger flavors without the carbs, this dish is as versatile as it is crave-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward, everyday ingredients come together in a way that’s simply irresistible. Each one plays a crucial part: the lean ground beef brings hearty flavor and protein, while the fresh veggies add crunch and color, and the sauce gives that perfect creamy, tangy finish.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Choose lean for healthier nutrition while keeping juicy flavor intact.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth to the beef seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Provides a gentle sweetness that complements the garlic perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings a mild herbaceous note to the meat.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt): Creates a creamy, tangy sauce base that’s light and refreshing.
- 2 tbsp ketchup: Adds sweetness and classic burger flavor to the sauce.
- 1 tsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos): Introduces just the right amount of umami without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Boosts the sauce’s savory qualities.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Continues the subtly sweet theme in the sauce.
- 1 tsp maple syrup (or sugar-free alternative): Balances the tang and salt with a touch of sweetness.
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped: Provides the crisp, fresh base to hold all those delicious toppings.
- 1 avocado, sliced: Adds creamy texture and rich flavor that perfectly complements the beef.
- 1/4 red onion, sliced: Offers a sharp, zesty crunch for balance.
- 1/2 cup pickles, sliced: Gives a briny punch that lifts the entire bowl.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Brightens the dish with juicy bursts of sweet acidity.
How to Make Burger in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beef
First, heat your skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. As it cooks, break the meat apart with a spoon to ensure it browns evenly and stays juicy. This forms the hearty base of your bowl, packed with all that classic burger flavor.
Step 2: Season the Beef
Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the browning beef. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the spices fully infuse, building that mouthwatering aroma and depth of flavor.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the beef finishes cooking, whisk together the sour cream, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and maple syrup in a small bowl until smooth. This sauce is the magic touch that brings creaminess, tang, and a hint of sweetness—truly the perfect companion to your Burger in a Bowl Recipe.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
Grab a large bowl and place the chopped romaine lettuce as your fresh, crisp base. This not only adds a vibrant green color but also a satisfying crunch that balances the richness of the beef and sauce beautifully.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Layer the cooked, seasoned beef over the lettuce, then top with creamy avocado slices, sharp red onion, tangy pickles, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Each element adds a unique texture and flavor, making every bite exciting.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
Finally, drizzle your homemade sauce generously over the bowl and serve immediately. This Burger in a Bowl Recipe shines best when fresh, with all the contrasts of warm, cool, creamy, and crunchy harmonizing on your plate.
How to Serve Burger in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness. A dash of shredded cheese or crispy bacon bits also make incredible additions for those craving extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
Since this recipe is already packed with flavor and texture, simple sides like roasted sweet potato fries or a crisp cucumber salad complement it perfectly without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Burger in a Bowl Recipe inside a hollowed-out tomato or bell pepper for a colorful presentation. Alternatively, layer it in mason jars for a portable, picnic-ready meal that still delivers all those burger flavors you love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover beef and sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the fresh veggies and lettuce separate to prevent sogginess and maintain their crisp texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked seasoned beef for up to two months in a freezer-safe container or bag. The fresh components and sauce don’t freeze well, so plan to prepare those fresh when ready to eat.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the beef in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, then reassemble your bowl with fresh lettuce and toppings. Adding the sauce fresh ensures the best flavor and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well if you prefer a leaner option. Just be mindful that it cooks a bit faster and can dry out, so keep an eye on it while cooking and consider adding a little olive oil for moisture.
Is this Burger in a Bowl Recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for keto as it replaces the bun with leafy greens and includes healthy fats from avocado and sour cream or Greek yogurt while staying low in carbs.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated in a sealed container. Give it a quick stir before serving to refresh its texture.
What if I don’t have soy sauce or coconut aminos?
You can substitute with Worcestershire sauce or simply omit it. The sauce will still be delicious thanks to the other flavorful ingredients.
How can I add cheese to this dish?
Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese on top while the beef is still warm, so it gently melts into the meat for that classic burger experience.
Final Thoughts
This Burger in a Bowl Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone craving burger night without the carb overload. It’s quick, fresh, and packed with all those familiar flavors you love, reimagined in a way that feels light and satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite weeknight meal!
Print
Burger in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 13 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Burger in a Bowl recipe offers a delicious, low-carb twist on the classic burger by serving all the favorite flavors over a fresh bed of romaine lettuce. Ground beef is seasoned and cooked on the stovetop, then combined with a creamy, tangy sauce and fresh toppings like avocado, red onion, pickles, and cherry tomatoes for a satisfying and quick meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp maple syrup (or sugar-free alternative)
Vegetables and Toppings
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Beef: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to meld into the meat.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and maple syrup until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Bowl: Place the chopped romaine lettuce as the base in a large bowl to serve as a fresh and crisp bed for the burger ingredients.
- Add Toppings: Top the lettuce with the cooked and seasoned beef, followed by slices of avocado, red onion, pickles, and halved cherry tomatoes for a colorful and flavorful mix.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the prepared sauce over the bowl and serve immediately, ensuring every bite is packed with savory and tangy flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat content.
- For a sugar-free option, use a sugar-free maple syrup alternative in the sauce.
- Add shredded cheese if you prefer more traditional burger flavors.
- Store leftovers separately to keep the lettuce crisp and fresh.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free if using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
