Burger Bowls

This Low-Carb Burger Bowl recipe captures the classic flavor of a juicy cheeseburger, minus the bun. Packed with savory seasoned beef, crisp romaine, fresh tomatoes, sharp cheddar, and crunchy dill pickles, each bite offers the full burger experience. Topped with a creamy, tangy special sauce, this bowl is both indulgent and nourishing.

Perfect for keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diets, this burger bowl is endlessly customizable. Add avocado slices, swap out the beef for turkey or plant-based meat, or spice it up with jalapeños. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or pulling together a last-minute dinner, this dish satisfies every time with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (85/15)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup dill pickle slices

• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

For the Special Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp yellow mustard

• 1 tbsp dill pickle relish

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a bowl, mix ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Form beef into small patties or crumble and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.

3. In a separate bowl, mix all ingredients for the special sauce until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.

4. Assemble the bowls: Start with a base of chopped romaine, then top with cherry tomatoes, red onion, cheddar cheese, dill pickles, and cooked beef.

5. Drizzle generously with special sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.

6. Serve immediately or store each component separately for meal prep.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Ultimate Guide to Low-Carb Burger Bowls with Special Sauce

In a world where fast food reigns supreme, it can be difficult to find a meal that satisfies your cravings without compromising your health goals. That’s where the Low-Carb Burger Bowl swoops in as the hero of quick, nutritious, and flavor-packed weeknight dinners. This dish combines the best parts of a classic burger, juicy seasoned beef, tangy pickles, crisp lettuce, rich cheddar, and a drool-worthy sauce, into a deconstructed bowl that skips the bun but keeps every ounce of satisfaction. Whether you’re following a keto, Whole30, gluten-free, or simply low-carb lifestyle, this recipe delivers both nutrition and indulgence.

Why Burger Bowls Are So Popular

The rise of burger bowls in recent years is no coincidence. As more people embrace low-carb eating, either for weight management, blood sugar control, or general wellness, traditional carb-heavy meals are being reimagined in creative ways. And let’s be honest: the bun is rarely anyone’s favorite part of the burger. By ditching it, you make room for more nutrient-dense ingredients while keeping the spotlight on the juicy, protein-rich core of the meal.

Another reason for its popularity? Customizability. This dish is incredibly versatile. You can tweak the seasoning, choose your toppings, and switch up the sauce to cater to your preferences or dietary needs. It’s also great for meal prep. All the components can be stored separately and assembled when you’re ready to eat, making it ideal for busy weekdays or on-the-go lunches.

Nutritional Benefits

Let’s take a closer look at some of the health benefits this meal offers:

1. High in Protein

Using 85/15 ground beef ensures a balance of moisture and flavor while keeping the protein content high. Protein is crucial for muscle maintenance, hormone production, and overall energy.

2. Low in Carbohydrates

Removing the bun eliminates unnecessary carbs, making this meal suitable for keto and low-carb diets. The primary sources of carbohydrates here are lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, all of which are nutrient-rich and low on the glycemic index.

3. Rich in Healthy Fats

The use of olive oil, cheese, and the mayonnaise-based sauce adds monounsaturated and saturated fats, which are important for brain health, hormone regulation, and energy.

4. Full of Fiber and Antioxidants

Vegetables like romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and red onions are packed with dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, supporting immune health and digestion.

5. Gluten-Free and Grain-Free

By default, this recipe is gluten-free, making it safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It’s also free of refined grains, making it suitable for paleo or grain-free lifestyles.

Toppings & Variations

One of the best things about burger bowls is the freedom to personalize. Here are some delicious variations and topping ideas to switch things up:

• Avocado Slices – Add creaminess and heart-healthy fats.

• Crispy Bacon – For a smoky crunch and added protein.

• Pickled Jalapeños – Introduce a spicy kick.

• Sautéed Mushrooms – Bring in earthy, umami flavors.

• Fried or Boiled Egg – Turn it into a breakfast burger bowl!

• Coleslaw Mix – Adds texture and extra veg.

For the sauce, you can switch out the classic special sauce with options like:

• Spicy Sriracha Mayo

• Garlic Aioli

• Tahini Dressing

• Honey Mustard (for non-keto eaters)

You can also use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative like Beyond Meat or lentil patties to make it vegetarian or even vegan with dairy-free cheese and eggless mayo.

Why the Special Sauce Matters

Let’s not overlook the hero of this dish: the Special Sauce. It’s creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet and savory. The combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, dill relish, and a touch of smoked paprika makes this sauce incredibly flavorful. It’s inspired by classic fast-food burger sauces but made at home with clean ingredients and zero additives.

This sauce ties the bowl together, acting like a creamy dressing that complements the salty beef and fresh vegetables. You can make a batch and keep it in the fridge for up to a week, it’s also amazing as a dip for fries, a sandwich spread, or a drizzle on roasted vegetables.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

Burger bowls are meal-prep friendly and a great option if you like to cook once and eat multiple times. Here’s how to store the components:

• Cooked ground beef: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Chopped vegetables: Keep in separate containers lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

• Special sauce: Store in a jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Assemble your bowl fresh for each meal to maintain the texture of the veggies and keep everything crisp.

Serving Suggestions

Although this dish is filling enough to stand on its own, you can also serve it alongside:

• Zucchini fries or baked sweet potato wedges

• Cauliflower rice for an even heartier base

• Simple cucumber salad or slaw to lighten the palate

And don’t forget a refreshing drink! Think unsweetened iced tea with lemon, cucumber mint water, or even a keto-friendly sparkling soda.

When to Serve Burger Bowls

This dish is appropriate for nearly any occasion:

• Weeknight family dinners

• Meal prep Sundays

• Picnic or outdoor lunches (just pack sauce separately!)

• Game-day spreads with a healthier twist

• Impressive but easy weeknight guest meals

Since the ingredients are so straightforward and the cooking is minimal, it’s also a great dish for beginner cooks or teens learning their way around the kitchen.

A Final Note on Ingredients

Using quality ingredients truly elevates this meal. Choose grass-fed beef for a richer flavor and better nutritional profile. Go for organic vegetables when possible, and don’t skimp on the cheese, shredding your own cheddar makes a big difference in texture and taste compared to pre-shredded options.

For mayo, you can opt for an avocado oil-based variety for a healthier fat profile. And don’t underestimate the power of a crispy lettuce base, chop it just before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy.

Conclusion

The Low-Carb Burger Bowl with Special Sauce is more than just a trend, it’s a delicious, flexible, and health-conscious way to enjoy everything you love about burgers without the bun. From its high protein content and low carbs to its flavor-packed toppings and creamy sauce, this dish offers a complete and satisfying meal in a bowl. It checks every box for convenience, taste, and nutrition.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, cooking dinner in a pinch, or serving guests a fun twist on a classic favorite, burger bowls deliver big flavor with zero guilt. Add them to your weekly rotation and enjoy a meal that makes clean eating feel indulgent.