Burger in a Bowl

by
Print Recipe

Introduction

Burger in a Bowl is the perfect solution for those craving the delicious flavors of a classic burger without the carbs. This fresh, low-carb alternative features seasoned ground beef, crunchy veggies, and all your favorite burger toppings, served in a bowl for a simple, satisfying meal. Whether you’re watching your carbs or just looking to switch things up, this deconstructed burger offers all the juicy goodness you love, minus the bun.

The first time I made this dish, I was impressed by how much flavor could fit into one bowl. The seasoned beef paired with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles, all topped with melted cheese and a dollop of your favorite condiments, made for a meal that was as hearty as it was refreshing. Plus, the best part was that it came together so easily—it quickly became a go-to weeknight meal in our house.

What I love most about Burger in a Bowl is its versatility. You can customize it with any of your favorite burger toppings, from sautéed onions to avocado, or even switch up the veggies with grilled mushrooms or a slice of bacon for extra flavor. This low-carb option is filling and full of flavor, and it’s perfect for anyone looking for a quick, easy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re eating light or just looking for something new, this dish will become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

Perfect for:

  • Low-carb eaters
  • Quick weeknight dinners
  • Meal prep
  • Family-friendly meals
  • Burger lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Burger in a Bowl will become your new go-to meal:

  • All the Flavor, No Bun: Enjoy the same delicious burger flavors, but in a healthier, bunless format.
  • Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite burger toppings such as cheese, pickles, onions, and avocado to suit your taste.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or meal prepping.
  • Low-Carb Option: Ideal for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
  • Satisfying and Filling: A hearty, protein-packed meal that will keep you full without the heaviness of a bun.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 30g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Burger in a Bowl:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or lettuce)
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Pickles, for topping (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon mustard (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Ground Beef: Choose ground beef with some fat content (like 80/20) for a juicy burger. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Mixed Greens: A bed of greens adds freshness and crunch to the bowl, balancing the richness of the beef.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the beef, mimicking the flavor of a classic burger patty.
  • Toppings: Customize your bowl with classic burger toppings such as cheese, pickles, onions, and avocado for extra flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Beef:

  1. Cook the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula.
  2. Season the Beef: Once the beef starts to brown, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are tender.

Assemble the Bowl:

  1. Prepare the Veggies: While the beef is cooking, chop the tomato, cucumber, and avocado.
  2. Layer the Greens: Divide the mixed greens among four bowls.
  3. Add the Beef: Once the beef mixture is cooked, spoon it evenly over the bed of greens in each bowl.

Add Toppings:

  1. Top with Veggies: Add slices of tomato, cucumber, and avocado to each bowl.
  2. Add Cheese (Optional): If using, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the hot beef in each bowl to melt slightly.
  3. Garnish and Sauce: Top with pickles, ketchup, mustard, or any other favorite burger toppings.

How to Serve

  • As a Main Dish: Serve as a satisfying main course for lunch or dinner.
  • With a Side Salad: Pair with a side salad for extra veggies and a complete meal.
  • Meal Prep: Divide into individual containers for easy meal prep lunches throughout the week.
  • With Fries (Optional): For a more indulgent meal, serve with a side of baked or air fryer fries.
  • Burger Bowls for Kids: Serve in smaller bowls with less dressing and ketchup for a kid-friendly meal.

Additional Tips

  • Use Lean Ground Beef: For a healthier option, use lean ground beef or even ground turkey to reduce the fat content.
  • Customize Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, or a fried egg for added richness.
  • Make It Keto-Friendly: Use a low-carb dressing or omit the ketchup and mustard for a truly keto-friendly meal.
  • Add a Crunch: For extra crunch, sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips or toasted nuts on top.
  • Cook the Beef to Your Liking: Be sure to cook the beef to your preferred level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer for precision.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Burger in a Bowl:

  1. Bacon Cheeseburger Bowl: Add crispy bacon and extra cheese for a decadent twist.
  2. Veggie Burger Bowl: Substitute the beef with a veggie burger patty or a black bean patty for a vegetarian version.
  3. BBQ Burger Bowl: Toss the beef with barbecue sauce and top with coleslaw for a BBQ-inspired flavor.
  4. Mushroom Swiss Burger Bowl: Add sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese for a classic combo.
  5. Tex-Mex Burger Bowl: Top with guacamole, salsa, and jalapeños for a Mexican flair.
  6. Buffalo Burger Bowl: Toss the cooked beef with buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles.
  7. Chicken Burger Bowl: Use grilled or shredded chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
  8. Greek Burger Bowl: Top with feta cheese, olives, cucumber, and a tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean spin.
  9. Avocado Bacon Burger Bowl: Add crispy bacon and extra avocado for a creamy, smoky flavor.
  10. Egg-Topped Burger Bowl: Add a fried egg on top of the beef for an extra layer of richness.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: If you have leftover beef, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
  • Storage: Store any leftover beef and toppings in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reassemble the bowl when ready to serve.

Special Equipment

  • Non-Stick Skillet or Grill Pan: For cooking the burger patty evenly, a non-stick skillet or grill pan helps achieve a perfect sear.
  • Burger Press: This tool helps shape uniform, evenly sized patties that cook more consistently.
  • Instant Read Meat Thermometer: To ensure the burger patty is cooked to your preferred level (e.g., 160°F for well-done).
  • Mixing Bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients for the patty or mixing a variety of fresh salad toppings and condiments for the bowl.
  • Vegetable Chopper or Mandoline: For quick, uniform slicing of veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, or onions.
  • Grater: Use for shredding cheese, carrots, or any other toppings you’d like to add to your burger bowl.
  • Bowl Lifter/Spatula: Helps move your cooked patty from the pan to the bowl without breaking it.
  • Salad Spinner: For washing and drying fresh greens like lettuce or spinach, ensuring your salad components are crisp.
  • Basting Brush: For brushing sauces or oil onto the patty while grilling or pan-frying, enhancing flavor.
  • Portable Griddle or Hot Plate: Useful if you’re cooking multiple patties at once, allowing you to keep everything warm and ready to assemble.

FAQ

  1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken? Yes, both are great alternatives to ground beef for a leaner option.
  2. Can I use lettuce as a base? Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter base, use shredded iceberg lettuce or butter lettuce instead of mixed greens.
  3. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the beef and toppings ahead of time. Just assemble the bowls when ready to serve.
  4. Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet? Yes, this recipe is low-carb and can easily be adapted to a keto diet by skipping the sauces or using low-carb condiments.
  5. Can I use a different cheese? Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as Swiss, gouda, or pepper jack.

Conclusion

Burger in a Bowl offers all the savory, satisfying flavors of a classic burger, minus the carb-heavy bun. This customizable and quick-to-prepare meal is perfect for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, or anyone who just loves the taste of a good burger. With endless topping options and fresh ingredients, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Whether you like your burger with a simple combo of lettuce, tomato, and cheese, or you prefer to load it up with pickles, avocado, or sautéed mushrooms, the possibilities are endless. This dish offers all the deliciousness of a traditional burger but in a healthier, bun-free format that’s just as satisfying.

I can’t wait to see how you make your Burger in a Bowl! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you customize this recipe. Don’t forget to share your favorite toppings and twists in the comments. Happy cooking!

Leave a Comment