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This hearty burger in a bowl has become my go-to lunch when I'm craving all the flavors of a traditional burger but want to skip the carbs. It combines savory seasoned ground beef with fresh veggies and a delicious homemade sauce that satisfies completely without weighing you down.
I first created this recipe during a summer health kick when I couldn't bear to give up my beloved burgers. Now my whole family requests it regularly, even the kids who typically turn their noses up at salads!
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: Provides excellent protein with less fat than regular ground beef. Look for 93/7 for the best balance of flavor and nutrition.
- Romaine lettuce: Creates the perfect crisp base. Choose heads with firm, bright green leaves for maximum freshness.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Infuse the meat with classic burger flavor without the prep work of fresh aromatics.
- Italian seasoning: Adds depth and complexity to the meat mixture. A good quality blend makes a difference.
- Sour cream: Forms the creamy base of the burger sauce. Full fat provides the best flavor, but light works if preferred.
- Ketchup: Brings that classic burger sweetness and tang to the sauce. Opt for no sugar added versions for fewer carbs.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth to the sauce that mimics the richness of a grilled burger. Low sodium works perfectly fine.
- Fresh veggies: Including avocado, red onion, pickles and cherry tomatoes recreate classic burger toppings with fresh texture and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- Heat a skillet over medium high heat until hot. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Continue cooking for 5 7 minutes until the beef is fully browned with no pink remaining. The thorough seasoning here is crucial for building that classic burger flavor.
- Drain and Set Aside:
- Carefully tilt the pan to drain off any excess fat. This prevents your bowl from becoming soggy and keeps the calorie count lower. Set the cooked beef aside while you prepare the other components.
- Make the Burger Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, maple syrup, salt and pepper. Whisk together until completely smooth and well blended. This sauce is what transforms the dish from a simple salad to a legitimate burger experience.
- Assemble Your Bowls:
- Start with a generous bed of chopped romaine lettuce at the bottom of each bowl. This creates the fresh, crunchy foundation. Top with a portion of the seasoned ground beef in the center. Arrange the sliced avocado, red onions, pickles, and halved cherry tomatoes decoratively around the beef.
- Finish and Serve:
- Drizzle each bowl generously with the prepared burger sauce. A final sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper enhances all the flavors. Serve immediately while the beef is still warm and the vegetables are fresh and crisp.
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My absolute favorite component of this dish is the burger sauce. I spent weeks perfecting it to capture that exact flavor you expect from a great restaurant burger. The secret really is that touch of maple syrup which balances the acidity of the other ingredients perfectly.
Meal Prep Magic
This burger bowl works beautifully for meal prep throughout the week. Simply cook the beef and prepare the sauce ahead of time, storing them separately in airtight containers. Keep your fresh vegetables whole until ready to use, then chop and assemble just before eating. The cooked beef will stay fresh for 3 4 days in the refrigerator, making weekday lunches a breeze.
Smart Substitutions
This recipe welcomes many variations to suit your dietary needs. Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter option. Plant based grounds work wonderfully for vegetarians. Greek yogurt makes an excellent stand in for sour cream in the sauce for extra protein. For a dairy free version, substitute mayonnaise or a dairy free yogurt alternative for the sour cream. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility!
Serving Suggestions
While perfect on its own, this burger bowl pairs wonderfully with oven baked sweet potato fries for those wanting some healthy carbs. For a fun family meal, set up a burger bowl bar with all the components separated so everyone can customize their own creation. This interactive approach is especially helpful for picky eaters who might be hesitant about new dishes.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! This bowl works wonderfully with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as leaner proteins may cook more quickly than beef.
- → How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this dairy-free, replace the sour cream in the burger sauce with dairy-free yogurt or mayonnaise. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free, making this an easy modification.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Prepare the seasoned beef and sauce ahead of time, then store separately from the fresh vegetables. When ready to eat, simply reheat the beef and assemble your bowl with fresh veggies and sauce for a quick meal.
- → What sides pair well with this burger bowl?
While this is a complete meal on its own, you could serve it with air-fried sweet potato wedges, cauliflower tots, or a simple side salad for extra vegetables and fiber.
- → Can I customize the toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to add cheese, jalapeños, mushrooms, or any of your favorite burger toppings. The beauty of a burger bowl is its versatility and ability to accommodate your preferences.
- → How spicy is this dish?
As written, this burger bowl is mild. To add heat, incorporate diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce in the burger sauce, or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished bowl.