Quick Summary
These easy Burger Bowls are a delicious, bun-free way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger. Made with seasoned ground beef (or turkey), a tangy homemade special sauce, and customizable toppings like pickles, cheese, tomato, avocado, and even fries, they’re perfect for a low-carb, gluten-free, or weeknight-friendly meal.
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Burger Bowls: All the Flavor of a Cheeseburger, No Bun Required
Let’s talk about Burger Bowls—the ultimate way to enjoy everything you love about a cheeseburger… just without the bun. Whether you’re eating low-carb, gluten-free, keto, or just want a lighter spin on your favorite fast food meal, burger bowls deliver all the satisfaction of a juicy, stacked burger in a fresh, fun new way.
They’re fast (ready in under 30 minutes!), totally customizable, and perfect for picky eaters or meal preppers. Think seasoned ground beef (or turkey!), a creamy, zesty homemade special sauce, and all your favorite toppings—like crispy pickles, melty cheese, fresh tomatoes, avocado, onion, even fries…because we all know you can’t have a burger without fries!
No soggy buns, just bold burger flavor in every bite. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a dinner favorite!
Ingredients (with Helpful Notes)
- Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy, flavorful results. Want a leaner version? Ground turkey or chicken works too—just be generous with your seasoning to boost flavor.
- Special Sauce: Mix mayo, ketchup, pickle juice, relish, a splash of vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce for a tangy, creamy sauce that ties everything together.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar or American cheese keeps things classic. You can leave the cheese out for a classic burger bowl vibe—just like a regular burger without the cheese!
- Pickles: Dill pickle chips or chopped spears add that irresistible burger tang and crunch. You can also top with fresh pickle de gallo! Prefer a touch of sweetness? Use bread-and-butter pickles instead.
- Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes are best since they’re less watery and hold up well in bowls. Dice them small for easy scooping in every bite.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for sharpness and color. Pickled red onions are also good!
- Lettuce: Shredded iceberg or romaine gives you that fresh, crisp burger texture. Use it as the base layer or chop and mix it in for a salad-style bowl.
- Avocado (optional): Creamy and full of healthy fats, avocado adds richness to balance the tangy sauce and salty toppings. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to prevent browning.
- Fries (optional): Bake or air fry frozen fries or hash browns to add a fun, crispy twist. Sweet potato fries or sweet potato wedges work great too if you want a hint of sweetness.
Tips for Building the Ultimate Burger Bowl
- Use a hot skillet. Get that ground beef browned and a little crispy—flavor lives in the browning.
- Season the meat well. Don’t just rely on salt and pepper—add garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for ultimate flavor!
- Drain excess grease. After browning the beef, drain off any excess fat so your bowl doesn’t end up greasy or soggy.
- Build your bowl in layers or sections. Start with lettuce, then add the cooked seasoned beef, toppings, and fries. Finish with the special sauce.
- Keep toppings bite-sized. Makes the bowls easier to eat and everything blends better.
- Don’t skip the sauce. The sauce makes the bowls extra special! If you like things extra saucy, you can always serve ketchup, mustard, and/or BBQ sauce on the side too!
Burger Bowls
All the flavor of a cheeseburger—no bun needed! These easy burger bowls are quick, customizable, and perfect for low-carb or gluten-free meals.
For the ground beef:
- 1 pound ground beef, or ground turkey or chicken
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the special sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
- 2 tablespoons relish, dill or sweet
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
For the bowls:
- Shredded lettuce
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Tomatoes
- Pickles
- Red onion slices
- Avocado slices
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Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and spices, cooking until the meat is fully browned and crumbled, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess grease, if necessary.
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Make the special sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle juice, relish, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
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To assemble the burger bowls, start with a base of lettuce, then add the cooked beef and your desired toppings. Finish with a generous drizzle of the special sauce and enjoy!
- Store ingredients separately: Keep the cooked ground beef, chopped veggies, lettuce, and sauce in individual containers. This prevents sogginess and keeps textures just right.
- Use airtight containers: To keep everything crisp and flavorful, store each component in well-sealed containers in the refrigerator.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days: Cooked ground beef will stay fresh for about 3–4 days in the fridge. Toppings like lettuce and tomato are best eaten within 2–3 days for optimal freshness.
- Reheat beef gently: Warm the meat in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water if needed to keep it juicy.
- Assemble when ready to eat: Wait to combine everything until just before serving to maintain the best texture—especially if you’re including ingredients like fries, pickles, or avocado.
Calories: 378kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g, Monounsaturated Fat: 12g, Cholesterol: 92mg, Sodium: 987mg, Potassium: 376mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 187IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 29mg, Iron: 2mg
Have you tried this recipe?
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