Description
Burger Bowls with Special Sauce combine juicy, seasoned ground beef or plant-based protein with fresh veggies, melted cheddar cheese, and a tangy creamy special sauce. This low-carb, customizable dish delivers all the bold flavors of a classic burger without the bun, perfect for quick meal prep and satisfying every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb ground beef or plant-based protein alternative
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh lettuce, chopped or torn
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup diced pickles
- ½ cup diced onions (sweet or raw, as preferred)
- 1 avocado (optional), sliced
Special Sauce
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Additional pickles
- Paprika or chili flakes for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Protein: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef or plant-based protein, seasoning with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices until browned and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until smooth and well combined to create a tangy creamy sauce.
- Chop the Veggies: Dice tomatoes, onions, and pickles. Tear or chop lettuce and slice avocado if using. Prepare all fresh produce to enable quick assembly.
- Assemble the Bowls: Place the cooked protein at the base of each bowl. While the protein is hot, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top to slightly melt it. Add fresh veggies over the cheese, then drizzle generously with the special sauce.
- Final Touches: Garnish with extra pickles, freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or cilantro, and a sprinkle of paprika or chili flakes for added freshness and color.
Notes
- Season protein generously with salt and spices for deeper flavor.
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables to maintain texture contrast.
- Adjust the special sauce ingredients to suit your preferred taste: sweeter, tangier, or spicier.
- Add cheese while protein is still warm so it melts naturally.
- Use bowls holding approximately 2-3 cups for balanced meal portions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg