Get ready to fall in love with the Burger Bowl, a crave-worthy dish that captures everything you adore about a classic cheeseburger—minus the bun, but with even more fresh flavors and layers of texture! This recipe transforms hearty seasoned beef, crisp lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy pickles into a colorful, low-carb bowl loaded with comforting burger goodness. Topped with creamy cheese, rich avocado, and a swoosh of special burger sauce, every bite tastes both nostalgic and brand new. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep staple, or just want to satisfy a burger craving without the carbs, this Burger Bowl fits the bill perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of straightforward ingredients for this bowl, and every one plays an essential role. From the savory beef to the tangy pickles, each element brings out classic burger flavors, while fresh veggies and creamy toppings add balance and color.

Ground beef (1 pound, 85/15 or lean): Go for quality—juicy beef is the foundation that makes the Burger Bowl so satisfying.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and ensures the beef develops a beautiful sear.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the beef perfectly.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick without overpowering.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a savory depth that echoes classic burger flavor.
Chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce (4 cups): Crunchy and fresh, it forms the crisp, cool base of your bowl.
Cherry tomatoes, halved (1 cup): Bring juicy sweetness and bright color to every bite.
Red onion, thinly sliced (1/2 cup): Offers a zesty sharpness that cuts through the richer components.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts slightly over the warm beef for that classic cheeseburger taste.
Dill pickles, sliced (1/2 cup): Their tangy crunch is a must for that iconic burger profile.
Avocado, sliced (1): Adds creamy richness and a buttery bite that’s hard to resist.
Burger sauce or dressing of choice (1/4 cup): Pulls everything together with a burst of flavor. See the notes for a super easy, homemade sauce!

How to Make Burger Bowl

Step 1: Cook the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, sprinkling it immediately with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Break up the beef using a spatula as it cooks, letting it sizzle and brown for about 7–8 minutes. When it’s fully cooked through and those edges are a little crispy, remove the skillet from heat and set the beef aside—you’re already halfway to Burger Bowl bliss!

Step 2: Prep the Fresh Ingredients

While the beef is cooking, get your salad bar ready! Chop or tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and set out your cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, shredded cheese, dill pickles, and creamy avocado slices. Prepping all your toppings in advance makes assembly a total breeze.

Step 3: Assemble the Burger Bowl

Divide the lettuce evenly among your serving bowls. Now comes the fun part: pile on the cherry tomatoes, add a handful of red onion, sprinkle with cheddar, lay out some pickle slices, and fan those fresh avocado slices across the top. Heap the warm, sizzling beef right in the center for a delicious contrast of temperatures.

Step 4: Add the Burger Sauce

Drizzle each bowl generously with your favorite burger sauce or dressing just before serving. The tangy, creamy sauce truly brings all the classic burger elements together, making every bite irresistible. You can go with a store-bought favorite or whip up the simple sauce from the notes—it’s your call!

How to Serve Burger Bowl

Garnishes

Take your Burger Bowl to the next level with some simple garnishes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color, or add a dash of hot sauce if you crave a little heat. Toasted sesame seeds or crispy onions also add fun texture and visual flair—don’t be shy about making your bowl extra beautiful!

Side Dishes

For a classic meal, pair your Burger Bowl with a side of sweet potato fries or zucchini chips. If you’re keeping things ultra-light, go for a scoop of tangy coleslaw or a super-refreshing cucumber salad. Since the bowl is quite filling, sides can be as simple or as creative as you like—a sparkling lemonade or an icy cold iced tea also makes a perfect companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation! Serve the Burger Bowl in a wide, shallow dish for rainbow-like layers, or let everyone build their own at a DIY burger bowl bar. For parties, try making mini bowls in mason jars or serve as lettuce wraps for a fun finger-food twist. The possibilities for showing off those gorgeous burger colors are endless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Burger Bowl tasting fresh, store the cooked beef and veggies separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Lettuce and other crisp veggies do better unassembled to prevent sogginess. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the beef and assemble your bowl!

Freezing

While you can freeze the cooked beef, the fresh veggie elements of the Burger Bowl are best enjoyed freshly made. Store cooked beef in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat it whenever a burger craving hits—then add the fresh toppings.

Reheating

Warm up the beef in a skillet over low to medium heat, or microwave it for about a minute until hot. Avoid reheating the veggies; instead, freshly chop or slice any you need just before serving to keep your Burger Bowl vibrant and crisp.

FAQs

Can I make this Burger Bowl vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Swap in plant-based ground beef or lentil-walnut crumbles for the beef and use dairy-free cheese and a vegan mayo-based sauce. All the delicious flavors of a Burger Bowl, no meat required.

What else can I add to my Burger Bowl?

Feel free to make it your own! Crispy bacon, sliced jalapeños, sautéed mushrooms, roasted corn, or even an over-easy egg make fantastic add-ins. The Burger Bowl is endlessly customizable so you’ll never get bored.

Is this Burger Bowl keto and gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally low-carb and gluten-free as written! Just double-check your burger sauce or dressing to ensure it meets your dietary preferences.

Can I meal prep Burger Bowls for lunches?

Definitely! Prep and portion the beef and all the toppings (except avocado and sauce, which are best added just before eating). Store in containers for grab-and-go lunches packed with flavor.

What kind of dressing works best if I don’t want to make burger sauce?

While the classic burger sauce is tasty, you can use ranch, thousand island, or any creamy dressing you have on hand. Even a drizzle of simple olive oil and vinegar tastes fresh and delicious on a Burger Bowl.

Final Thoughts

If you love burgers but want a fresher, lighter twist, the Burger Bowl is honestly a game-changer. Each forkful is packed with savory, tangy, and creamy flavors—plus plenty of crunch! I hope you give this recipe a try and find it as comforting and fun as I do. Enjoy every delicious bite, and don’t forget to make it your own!

Burger Bowl Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delectable Burger Bowl recipe that offers all the flavors of a traditional burger in a low-carb, gluten-free format. This dish is perfect for those looking to enjoy a burger without the bun.

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef:

1 pound ground beef (85/15 or lean)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Bowl:

4 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup dill pickles (sliced)
1 avocado (sliced)
1/4 cup burger sauce or dressing of choice (see notes)

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Instructions

Prepare the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7–8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Bowl: In serving bowls, divide the lettuce evenly. Top with cherry tomatoes, red onion, cheese, pickles, avocado slices, and the cooked ground beef. Drizzle with burger sauce or dressing just before serving.

Notes

For a simple burger sauce, mix 1/4 cup mayo, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon mustard, and a splash of pickle juice.
Swap beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles for dietary needs.

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