If you’re a burger lover (who isn’t?!), but you’re looking for a way to enjoy all those juicy, cheesy, saucy flavors without the bun, this Loaded Burger Bowl is your new best friend. 🥰 Think of it as a deconstructed burger—perfectly seasoned ground beef, fresh crisp veggies, melty cheddar cheese, and a ridiculously good burger sauce that ties everything together. It’s like your favorite burger joint meal, but fresher, healthier, and completely customizable.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
Still on the fence? Here’s why this recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen:
✅ Low-Carb & Gluten-Free: All the burger goodness, none of the guilt!
✅ Super Customizable: Make it spicy, extra cheesy, loaded with toppings—your call! 🔥
✅ Meal-Prep Friendly: Cook the beef ahead of time and assemble bowls in minutes. ⏳
✅ Packed with Flavor: Juicy beef, crunchy veggies, creamy sauce—every bite is perfection. 🤤
✅ Fast & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes for a quick and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re making these for a weeknight dinner, meal prep lunches, or even a fun weekend meal with the family, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. 🎉
Ingredients 🛒
Here’s what you’ll need to create the ultimate burger bowl:
For the Beef:
- Ground Beef – Juicy, flavorful, and the star of the dish! You can also use ground turkey or chicken.
- Seasonings – A mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for that classic burger taste.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Adds depth and that signature umami flavor.
- Olive Oil – Helps get a nice sear on the beef.
For the Bowl:
- Lettuce (Romaine or Iceberg) – A crunchy base to replace the bun. 🥬
- Cherry Tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, perfect for that fresh contrast. 🍅
- Red Onion – A little bite to balance the richness.
- Dill Pickles – Adds that tangy, classic burger kick. 🥒
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Because cheese makes everything better. 🧀
- Avocado (Optional) – Extra creaminess and healthy fats. 🥑
- Crispy Bacon (Optional, but highly recommended!) – Because… bacon. Enough said. 🥓
For the Burger Sauce:
- Mayonnaise – The creamy base for the sauce.
- Ketchup & Mustard – The perfect sweet and tangy combo.
- Pickle Juice – Yes, it’s the secret ingredient that takes this sauce next-level!
- Garlic Powder & Paprika – Adds depth and a hint of smokiness.
🔥 Note: The exact ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of this article!
How to Make Loaded Burger Bowls
This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep option. Let’s break it down! ⏳✨
1️⃣ Cook the Beef
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula as it cooks.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce for that deep, rich flavor.
- Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7–10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the beef rest while you prepare the rest of the bowl.
👉 Pro Tip: Letting the beef sit for a couple of minutes before serving helps retain all those flavorful juices!
2️⃣ Prep the Veggies & Toppings
- Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces for the base of your bowl.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pickles into thin slices for that perfect crunch.
- Grate the cheddar cheese (or use pre-shredded for convenience).
- Cook the bacon (if using) until crispy, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
3️⃣ Make the Burger Sauce
This sauce is everything! It’s creamy, tangy, and gives you that Big Mac vibe. 😍
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Stir well until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
👉 Pro Tip: For extra flavor, make the sauce ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving!
4️⃣ Assemble the Burger Bowls
- Start with a bed of lettuce in your bowl.
- Add a scoop of cooked ground beef on top.
- Sprinkle on shredded cheddar cheese so it melts slightly over the warm beef.
- Top with tomatoes, onions, pickles, avocado, and crispy bacon (if using).
- Drizzle with burger sauce and get ready to dig in!
👉 Pro Tip: If you want a warm element to balance the cold, serve your bowl with roasted sweet potatoes or grilled mushrooms on the side!
Pro Tips for Making the Best Loaded Burger Bowls 💡
Want to make sure your burger bowls turn out next-level delicious every time? Follow these expert tips for maximum flavor and the best texture! 👇
1️⃣ Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients 🌿
Since this recipe is all about bold, fresh flavors, every ingredient counts! Choose crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, high-quality ground beef, and the best cheese you can find. It makes a huge difference.
2️⃣ Get That Beef Juicy & Flavorful 🍖
- Don’t overcook the beef! Keep it juicy by cooking until just browned.
- Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce enhances the umami factor.
- Let the beef rest for a couple of minutes before adding it to your bowl—this keeps it moist and flavorful.
3️⃣ Customize Your Bowl! 🎨
- Make it spicy 🌶️ – Add jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Go extra creamy 🥑 – Mix in some mashed avocado or extra cheese.
- Add crunch 🥒 – Toss in crispy onions, toasted nuts, or more pickles!
4️⃣ Make the Sauce Ahead of Time 🥄
Trust me—this sauce gets even better after chilling for 30 minutes. The flavors meld together beautifully, making every bite extra irresistible! 😍
5️⃣ Meal Prep for Busy Days ⏳
- Cook a big batch of ground beef and store it in the fridge for easy lunch or dinner assembly.
- Keep chopped veggies separate until you’re ready to serve, so they stay crisp.
- Store the sauce in a small jar and drizzle it on just before eating.
👉 Bonus Tip: Want to serve this bowl warm? Try sautéing the onions and pickles before adding them in for a unique, caramelized twist!
How to Serve Your Loaded Burger Bowls 🍽️
One of the best things about this recipe? It’s super versatile! You can keep it classic or switch things up depending on your mood. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
1️⃣ Keep It Classic (Bowl Style) 🥗
This is the ultimate way to enjoy all the burger flavors in a fresh, crisp bowl! Just layer everything up, drizzle with sauce, and dig in. Perfect for meal prep lunches or a quick, satisfying dinner.
2️⃣ Make It a Lettuce Wrap 🌯
Want something handheld? Wrap your ingredients in large romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a bun-free “lettuce wrap burger.” Drizzle the sauce inside and roll it up like a taco!
3️⃣ Serve with a Side 🍟
Even though this bowl is super satisfying on its own, sometimes you want that classic burger experience. Pair it with:
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries 🍠 – A slightly sweet and crunchy contrast.
- Roasted Veggies 🥦 – Keeps things light and nutritious.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob 🌽 – Adds a smoky, slightly charred bite.
4️⃣ Make It a Rice or Quinoa Bowl 🍚
Want to bulk it up? Swap the lettuce base for cauliflower rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a more filling meal. This is perfect if you need extra carbs post-workout! 💪
5️⃣ Serve Family-Style for DIY Fun 🎉
Got a family or hosting friends? Lay out all the toppings in bowls and let everyone build their own burger bowl masterpiece. It’s fun, interactive, and totally customizable!
👉 Pro Tip: If you love a smoky, grilled flavor, try charring the beef in a cast-iron skillet or grilling burger patties and crumbling them into the bowl. Next level! 🔥
Make Ahead & Storage Tips 🥡
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or saving leftovers, here’s how to keep everything fresh and delicious!
Storing Leftovers 🍱
To keep your burger bowls fresh and crisp, store the components separately in airtight containers:
✅ Cooked Beef – Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
✅ Chopped Veggies – Keep them in a separate container to stay crisp and fresh.
✅ Burger Sauce – Stays good in the fridge for up to a week (and it tastes even better the next day!).
👉 Pro Tip: If meal prepping, layer lettuce and veggies at the bottom, add beef in a separate section, and keep the sauce on the side to avoid sogginess.
Freezing the Beef ❄️
Got extra cooked ground beef? No problem!
- Let the beef cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
🔥 Bonus Tip: Portion the beef into single-serving freezer bags for easy grab-and-go meals!
Reheating Instructions ♨️
- Stovetop: Heat the beef in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place the beef in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Oven (for larger batches): Spread beef on a baking sheet and warm at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
👉 Pro Tip: Always assemble fresh! Reheated lettuce and toppings won’t have the same crunchy goodness. Keep them separate and add fresh each time.
FAQs 🤔❓
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even ground chicken works great if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just be sure to season it well, since turkey has a milder flavor than beef. You can even add a little extra Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika to boost the richness.
What’s the best sauce for a burger bowl?
The classic burger sauce in this recipe is a must-try—it’s creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced. But if you want to switch it up, try:
- Ranch dressing for a cool, herby twist.
- BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet kick.
- Spicy sriracha mayo if you love some heat! 🔥
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free, and you can use vegan mayo in the sauce for a fully dairy-free version.
How do I make this keto-friendly?
This recipe is already pretty low-carb and keto-friendly, but to keep it 100% keto:
- Use sugar-free ketchup in the sauce.
- Check the pickles for added sugars.
- Skip the onions or tomatoes if you need to reduce carbs further.
🔥 Bonus Tip: Add extra avocado or bacon for even more healthy fats! 🥑🥓
If you love this Loaded Burger Bowl, you might also enjoy trying something new and refreshing! Check out this delicious White Tea Shot recipe it’s a smooth, slightly sweet drink that pairs perfectly with any meal. 🍹✨
Final Thoughts 💭
And there you have it—your Loaded Burger Bowls are ready to be devoured! 🍔🥗 Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, serving up a fun family dinner, or just craving a healthier way to enjoy all your favorite burger flavors, this recipe is a total winner. 🏆
Now it’s time to grab your bowl, drizzle on that sauce, and dig in. Trust me, you won’t even miss the bun! 😍
Print
Loaded Burger Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and customizable low-carb alternative to traditional burgers, these Loaded Burger Bowls are packed with all your favorite burger toppings in a bowl! Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Burger Bowls
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Toppings
- 2 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup dill pickles, chopped
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 avocado, diced
Burger Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp pickle juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
Instructions
Prepare the Burger Patties
In a bowl, mix ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Divide into four portions and shape into small patties or crumble for a ground beef mixture.Cook the Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side or cook ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth.Assemble the Bowls
Divide lettuce among four bowls. Top with cooked beef, cherry tomatoes, red onions, cheese, pickles, bacon, and avocado.Drizzle with Sauce
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or grilled onions for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg