Craving a juicy burger but trying to cut back on carbs? I’ve got you covered with this delicious Burger in a Bowl recipe! All the flavors you love from a classic burger—beef patty, cheese, pickles, and all the fixings—served in a low-carb, bowl-style format. It’s the perfect way to indulge without feeling weighed down. Quick, easy, and totally customizable, this is a low-carb meal that satisfies all your burger cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Who doesn’t love a good burger? But sometimes, the bun can feel a bit too heavy or just doesn’t fit into a low-carb lifestyle. This Burger in a Bowl takes all the best parts of a burger and ditches the carbs by serving it in a bowl. You get the savory, juicy beef patty, melted cheese, crunchy pickles, and all the burger toppings you love—without the extra carbs from the bread. Plus, it’s ready in no time, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
This burger bowl comes together with just a few simple ingredients. Below is a sneak peek of what you’ll need:
- Ground beef (or turkey if you prefer)
- Cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
- Lettuce (for a fresh, crisp base)
- Tomato
- Pickles
- Mustard and ketchup (or your favorite condiments)
You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but these basics will get you started on the right foot!
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Burger Patties
Start by seasoning your ground beef with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like (garlic powder and onion powder work great!). Shape the beef into patties, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, and cook them in a skillet or on the grill over medium-high heat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they reach your desired level of doneness. If you like cheese on your burger, add a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the patty during the last minute of cooking, so it melts beautifully.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
While your patties are cooking, chop your lettuce, slice the tomato, and cut up any other toppings you want to include. A few slices of pickles are a must to give that authentic burger crunch! You can also add onions, avocado, or even sautéed mushrooms for some extra flavor and texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowl
Once your patties are cooked and the cheese has melted, it’s time to build your bowl. Start with a generous handful of chopped lettuce as the base. Add a few slices of tomato, pickles, and any other toppings you like. Place the hot, juicy burger patty right on top of the veggies. Drizzle with your favorite condiments like mustard, ketchup, or even a bit of mayonnaise or burger sauce.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your burger bowl immediately, and dig in! You’ve got a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s low-carb but still packed with all the tasty burger goodness you love.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Make your patties ahead of time: If you’re meal prepping, you can form the burger patties in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This makes the process even quicker during the week.
- Juicy burgers: For a juicier patty, use 80/20 ground beef. If you prefer leaner meat, you can opt for 90/10 or turkey, but just be careful not to overcook them.
- Cheese: While cheddar is classic, you can switch things up with Swiss, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for a fun twist.
- Add more crunch: If you’re missing the burger bun texture, try adding some crispy bacon or even toasted coconut flakes for a fun crunch.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap the beef: If you’re not a beef eater, use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based burger patty to make it a vegetarian or vegan-friendly option.
- Ditch the lettuce: If you’re not into lettuce as a base, try arugula, spinach, or cabbage for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Add more veggies: You can really load this bowl up with roasted veggies, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled onions to give it extra flavor and texture.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
While this Burger in a Bowl is hearty and filling on its own, you can pair it with a few simple sides to complete the meal:
- Serve with some roasted cauliflower fries or zucchini fries to keep it low-carb and crispy.
- A side of coleslaw (without the sugar-heavy dressing) can add a refreshing crunch and balance out the flavors.
- If you’re not worried about carbs, a small serving of sweet potato fries or baked fries would pair perfectly with this burger bowl.
- Pair it with a crisp cucumber salad for something fresh and light to balance out the richness of the burger.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The cooked patties will keep for up to 3 days, and the salad ingredients can last for 1-2 days (though it’s best not to store the lettuce with the dressing). To reheat the patty, simply warm it in a skillet or microwave, and reassemble the bowl with fresh veggies right before serving.
4 FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook the meat, as leaner options can dry out more easily.
Can I make this a gluten-free burger bowl?
This recipe is already gluten-free since there’s no bun involved. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, just be sure to check your condiments (some ketchup brands may contain gluten). You can also make your own burger sauce with mayo and mustard if you prefer.
How can I make this more filling?
If you want a heartier meal, add avocado, sautéed mushrooms, or even a few crispy bacon strips for extra protein and healthy fats. You could also add a hard-boiled egg to the bowl for more protein.
What if I don’t have pickles?
No pickles? No problem! You can replace them with sliced red onions, jalapeños, or even some roasted red peppers for a sweet and tangy flavor. Or just leave them out if you prefer a simpler burger bowl.
Conclusion
This Burger in a Bowl is the ultimate low-carb option for satisfying your burger cravings without the guilt. You get all the flavor and texture of a classic burger but in a healthy, bowl-friendly format. It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for anyone on a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diet. So next time you’re craving a burger, skip the bun and try this amazing bowl—you won’t regret it!
Print
Burger in a Bowl – The Low Carb Option
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop or Grill
- Cuisine: American, Low carb
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Craving a juicy burger but trying to cut back on carbs? This Burger in a Bowl is your perfect solution! All the flavors of a classic burger—beef patty, cheese, pickles, and all the fixings—served in a low-carb, bowl-style format. Quick, easy, and totally customizable, this meal lets you indulge in a satisfying burger without the extra carbs from the bun.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey if preferred)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese)
- 2 cups lettuce, chopped (for the base)
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 4–6 pickles, sliced
- 2 tbsp mustard (or ketchup, or your favorite condiments)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Cook the Burger Patties:
Season ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Shape the beef into patties about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cook on medium-high heat in a skillet or on a grill for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked to your desired doneness. Add a slice of cheese on top of the patty during the last minute of cooking to melt. -
Prep the Veggies:
While cooking the patties, chop the lettuce, slice the tomato, and cut pickles and any other desired toppings. -
Assemble the Bowl:
Place a generous handful of chopped lettuce in the bottom of each bowl. Top with sliced tomato, pickles, and any other vegetables or toppings. Place the cooked burger patties with melted cheese on top. Drizzle with mustard, ketchup, or any condiments of your choice. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately while the patty is hot and enjoy a satisfying, low-carb burger bowl.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can form the burger patties in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Juicy Patties: For a juicier burger, use 80/20 ground beef. You can also use leaner turkey or chicken but be careful not to overcook.
- Cheese Options: Switch cheddar for Swiss, pepper jack, or blue cheese for a fun twist.
- Add Crunch: Add crispy bacon or toasted coconut flakes for extra texture if you miss the bun.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger bowl (including patty, cheese, and veggies)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg