If you love the flavors of a classic burger but want something lighter, fresher, and easier to assemble, this Burger in a Bowl Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It captures all the savory goodness of a burger—juicy cooked beef, melty cheddar, tangy sauce—but swaps out the bun for a bed of crunchy, vibrant veggies. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this dish is not only delicious but also simple to make and endlessly customizable. Once you try this, your burger obsession will have a fantastic new form on your plate!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients together for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in delivering the taste and texture that make this dish so satisfying. Fresh veggies add crunch and color, while the meat and cheese bring that comforting burger flavor you crave.
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey: The heart of the bowl, providing rich protein and that meaty satisfaction.
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce: Acts as a crisp, refreshing base to keep things light and healthy.
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes: Adds a juicy burst of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup diced cucumber: Brings cool crunchiness and balances the richness of the meat.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Gives cheesy, melty goodness to make every bite indulgent.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: A creamy binder for the sauce, adding smoothness and body.
- 2 tbsp ketchup: Provides that familiar sweet tang typical of burger condiments.
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard: Adds a sharp, zesty kick to brighten the sauce.
How to Make Burger in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Meat
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and browning your ground beef or turkey. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks until it’s thoroughly cooked and has a nice, browned texture. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat so your bowl stays light but flavorful.
Step 2: Prep Your Veggies
While the meat is sizzling away, chop up your romaine lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, and dice the cucumber. These fresh ingredients become the crisp, cool base of your burger in a bowl, adding layers of texture and a boost of nutrients.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowl
Once the meat is ready and drained, scoop it over the bed of veggies in each bowl. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top while the meat is still warm so that it melts just slightly, creating a gooey, irresistible layer.
Step 4: Make and Add the Sauce
Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard in a small bowl until they form a smooth, flavorful sauce. Drizzle this over your assembled bowls to tie all the flavors together and add a delicious creamy element.
Step 5: Add Your Final Touches
Feel free to get creative here and add pickles, jalapeños, or any other favorite burger toppings. These extras bring even more personality and flavor to your bowl, making it truly your own.
How to Serve Burger in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh parsley or a sprinkle of green onions can brighten up the bowl visually and add an herbal freshness to balance the rich meat and sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light, summery sides like sweet potato fries or a crisp coleslaw. If you want a well-rounded meal, a pickle spear or a small fruit salad can complement the flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your burger in a bowl recipe in mason jars layered with all ingredients visible, or use lettuce leaves for scooping up the fillings for a hands-on experience. Presentation can make this dish feel extra special, whether for a casual dinner or meal prep lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store each component separately if possible—the cooked meat in one container and the veggies in another—to maintain freshness. This will keep your bowl crisp and prevent the veggies from getting soggy.
Freezing
The cooked ground meat freezes very well, so you can portion it out and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy a quick version of this burger in a bowl recipe any day.
Reheating
When reheating, warm only the meat in a skillet or microwave to prevent the lettuce and other veggies from wilting. Then assemble your bowl fresh to enjoy the best textures and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of beef or turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and adds a lighter flavor, keeping this burger in a bowl recipe versatile and accommodating to your preferences.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, replacing the bun with veggies makes this dish lower in carbs, and using full-fat mayonnaise and cheese keeps it compatible with a keto diet.
What other vegetables can I add to this bowl?
Feel free to experiment with bell peppers, red onions, or even avocado slices—these add new textures and layers of flavor that keep every bite interesting.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground meat for plant-based protein crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian twist on this burger in a bowl recipe.
How long does the sauce keep?
The mayo-ketchup-mustard sauce can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to one week. Just give it a quick stir before using if it separates.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving all the flavors of a juicy burger but want a fresh, lighter option, this Burger in a Bowl Recipe is a perfect choice. It’s quick, delicious, and easy to customize, making it one of those recipes you’ll come back to time and again. Give it a try and see how satisfying a burger can be without a bun!
Print
Burger in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A quick and healthy twist on a classic burger, this Burger in a Bowl combines seasoned ground beef or turkey with fresh veggies and a tangy homemade sauce. Perfect for a low-carb meal, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
Vegetables
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup diced cucumber
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the meat is cooking, chop the romaine lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, and dice the cucumber. Arrange these fresh veggies in bowls to create a crisp, colorful base layer.
- Assemble the Bowl: Once the meat is cooked, scoop it directly onto the bed of vegetables. Immediately sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top while the meat is still warm to allow mild melting.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy, tangy sauce that complements the bowl’s flavors. Drizzle this sauce over each assembled bowl.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, top with extras like pickles or jalapeños for added crunch and spice before serving. Enjoy warm for a satisfying, low-carb meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Add pickles or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
- To make it dairy-free, omit the cheddar cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- This recipe is easily customizable with your favorite vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but keep the sauce separate to avoid sogginess.
