Loaded Burger Bowls

Loaded Burger Bowls bring all the joys of a classic burger into a fresh and satisfying salad-style dish. With tender ground beef, crispy bacon, tangy pickles, creamy guacamole, and a drizzle of special sauce, each bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. This recipe is ideal for those following Whole30, Paleo, low-carb, or gluten-free lifestyles without compromising on taste or indulgence.

Customizable and quick to prepare, these burger bowls are a mealtime savior. Perfect for meal prep or a casual dinner, they eliminate the mess of lettuce-wrapped burgers while delivering all the flavors of your favorite classic. Add your choice of toppings to make this dish uniquely yours, from extra veggies to a spicier sauce!

Full Recipe:

  • For the Burgers
    • 1 pound lean ground beef
    • 4 teaspoons garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
    • 1 teaspoon avocado oil or melted refined coconut oil
  • For the Special Sauce
    • ½ cup mayonnaise (Whole30-compatible if needed)
    • 2 tablespoons ketchup (Whole30-compatible if needed)
    • 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup or 1 tablespoon coconut aminos (for Whole30)
    • 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
    • 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
    • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
    • Pinch of salt (to taste)
  • For the Quick Guacamole
    • 2 medium avocados, pit removed and peeled
    • ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    • ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • For the Bowls (Optional Toppings)
    • 2 small heads romaine lettuce, roughly chopped (8–9 cups)
    • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
    • ½ cup pickle chips
    • 8–10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
    • 1 cup thinly sliced red onions

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Burgers:
    • Mix ground beef, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add avocado oil, and cook the beef until browned and crumbled. Set aside.
  2. Make the Special Sauce:
    • Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, maple syrup (or coconut aminos), pickle relish, dried onion, red pepper flakes, and salt in a bowl. Adjust seasoning and set aside.
  3. Make the Guacamole:
    • Mash avocados with lemon juice and salt until combined. Set aside.
  4. Cook Red Onions:
    • In the same skillet, cook red onion slices over medium heat until charred on both sides. Set aside.
  5. Assemble the Bowls:
    • Divide lettuce among serving bowls. Top each bowl with equal portions of cooked ground beef, tomatoes, pickle chips, bacon, red onions, guacamole, and other desired toppings. Drizzle with the special sauce and serve.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 875 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

What Are Loaded Burger Bowls?

Loaded Burger Bowls are a modern twist on the classic hamburger, designed for those seeking a healthier and low-carb alternative without sacrificing flavor. Instead of a traditional bun, this dish features all your favorite burger toppings arranged in a bowl over a bed of crisp romaine lettuce. Think savory ground beef, crispy bacon, tangy pickles, creamy guacamole, and a rich, flavorful special sauce that ties everything together. It’s a deconstructed burger in salad form, offering an explosion of textures and flavors with every bite.

This dish is perfect for people following diets like Whole30, Paleo, keto, or simply anyone looking for a filling yet nutritious meal. The customizable nature of the recipe makes it versatile for different dietary needs or ingredient preferences.

Why Choose Burger Bowls Over Traditional Burgers?

One of the primary advantages of burger bowls is their convenience and mess-free nature. Unlike lettuce-wrapped burgers that can be difficult to handle, burger bowls keep all the components neatly arranged, ensuring you get a bit of everything in each forkful. No more uneven topping distribution or juices running down your hands!

Additionally, burger bowls cater to dietary restrictions with ease. By removing the bun, this dish becomes naturally gluten-free and low in carbs. The absence of dairy also makes it a fantastic option for those who are lactose-intolerant or prefer dairy-free meals.

A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

Loaded Burger Bowls excel at delivering an impressive combination of tastes and textures. The seasoned ground beef offers a hearty, savory foundation. Add to that the smoky crunch of bacon, the bright acidity of pickles, the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and the creamy richness of guacamole, and you have a well-balanced dish that satisfies on all levels.

The true star of the show is the special sauce. This tangy and slightly sweet condiment ties the whole dish together, making it a standout element. Whether you drizzle it lightly or go all-in, the sauce elevates the flavors to a restaurant-quality experience.

Health Benefits of Loaded Burger Bowls

This dish isn’t just tasty—it’s packed with health benefits. The use of lean ground beef provides a good source of protein, while the fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions offer essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Avocados in the guacamole provide healthy fats that are good for heart health and help you stay full longer.

For those on a Whole30 or Paleo diet, swapping traditional ingredients like ketchup and maple syrup for compliant alternatives ensures you’re staying within your dietary guidelines. Meanwhile, the low-carb nature of the meal makes it an excellent option for keto followers.

By opting for a burger bowl instead of a traditional burger with fries, you can cut down on processed carbs and sugars while still enjoying a satisfying, nutrient-rich meal.

Customization Options for Every Taste

One of the best aspects of Loaded Burger Bowls is their flexibility. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or experimenting with new flavors, this dish can be tailored to suit any preference.

  • Protein Variations: While ground beef is the go-to choice, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, bison, or pork. Vegetarians and vegans can use plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu.
  • Toppings: The toppings are where you can get creative. Add shredded cheese (if not following a dairy-free diet), sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, or even caramelized onions for extra depth of flavor.
  • Dressing It Up: While the special sauce is a must-try, you can switch it up with other dressings like ranch, chipotle mayo, or even a balsamic glaze for a unique twist.
  • Greens: Although romaine lettuce is the standard base, feel free to use other greens like spinach, kale, or arugula for a different texture and nutritional profile.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Busy Lifestyles

Loaded Burger Bowls are not only quick to prepare but also an excellent choice for meal prepping. By keeping the components like ground beef and special sauce separate from the lettuce, you can store them in airtight containers and assemble fresh bowls throughout the week. This ensures the lettuce stays crisp and the toppings don’t get soggy.

For those with busy schedules, this recipe is a lifesaver. It requires minimal cooking time and can be customized with pre-prepped or store-bought ingredients like ready-made guacamole or pre-chopped lettuce.

Dietary Modifications for Specific Needs

This dish is highly adaptable to suit various dietary restrictions:

  • Whole30: Use a compliant mayo and ketchup, and substitute the maple syrup with coconut aminos. Make sure your bacon is sugar-free and Whole30-approved.
  • Keto: Opt for a sugar-free ketchup and skip the cherry tomatoes if you want to reduce the carb count even further.
  • Low-Fat Option: Use ground turkey instead of beef and reduce the amount of avocado and bacon.
  • Vegetarian or Vegan: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative and use vegan mayo in the special sauce.

Tips for the Best Burger Bowls

To ensure your burger bowls are as delicious as possible, keep these tips in mind:

  1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the ground beef or onions, give them enough space in the skillet to cook evenly and develop a nice char.
  2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for ripe avocados, fresh lettuce, and high-quality ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
  3. Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the assembled burger bowls right away to enjoy the contrasting temperatures of warm beef and cool toppings.
  4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go, especially when preparing the special sauce, to balance the flavors to your liking.

Conclusion

Loaded Burger Bowls are a game-changer for anyone seeking a healthy yet indulgent meal option. By transforming a classic burger into a vibrant and customizable bowl, this dish proves that eating clean doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, catering to specific dietary needs, or simply looking for a fresh take on a beloved comfort food, these burger bowls deliver on all fronts.

With their bold flavors, nutritional benefits, and endless customization possibilities, Loaded Burger Bowls are a must-try recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy them as a quick weeknight dinner, a nutritious meal prep option, or a fun way to spice up your lunch routine. The possibilities are endless, and the taste is unforgettable.

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