If you crave all the best flavors of a classic hamburger but want something lighter, fresher, and just a little bit fun, this Burger In A Bowl is about to become your new favorite recipe! Imagine the juicy beef, crisp lettuce, avocado, tangy pickles, and a dreamy special sauce… all layered into one big, vibrant bowl. It’s a playful twist on burger night that brings bold flavor, beautiful color, and a truly satisfying crunch to your table—without any of the bun guilt. Burger In A Bowl delivers that special comfort-food feeling, but in every forkful!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients really shine in this recipe, each one adding crunch, creaminess, or that must-have burger flavor. These choices might look everyday, but together they turn a bowl into something crave-worthy and colorful.

Romaine lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, it gives Burger In A Bowl that essential fresh foundation and a great contrast to the warm beef.
Ground beef (3/4 – 1 pound): Go for 80/20 for juicy cooked bits, or sub in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Garlic powder: A sprinkle infuses the beef with savory depth—don’t skip it!
Onion powder: Gives subtle sweetness and mimics those glorious grilled onions you’d find on a burger.
Salt and pepper: Classic seasonings that heighten every layer of flavor.
Bacon (optional): Adds smoky, crispy bites; totally optional but totally delicious.
Avocado: Slices of creamy avocado make your Burger In A Bowl feel extra rich and indulgent.
Red onion: Thinly sliced, it brings beautiful color and a zesty bite.
Pickle slices: Tangy, crunchy, and a must for any burger-inspired dish!
Cherry tomatoes: Their juicy sweetness balances and brightens the whole bowl.
Avocado mayonnaise (or regular mayo): The main body of your burger sauce; go with avocado oil-based for a little boost of flavor.
Ketchup: Adds that zip and a hint of tomatoey sweetness to your sauce.
Soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos): Lends a hit of umami that mimics classic Worcestershire in burger sauces.
Relish: Sweet or dill, relish adds punch and a pickle-y pop.
Garlic powder (for the sauce): Doubles down on that garlicky, savory flavor throughout.
Onion powder (for the sauce): Ties in with the beef and gives the sauce its signature taste.
Maple syrup: Just a touch balances the tang and saltiness of the sauce beautifully.
Salt and pepper to taste: Finish the sauce and assemble bowls just the way you like it.

How to Make Burger In A Bowl

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by preheating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, and as it sizzles, break it apart with a spatula. Let it cook until browned all the way through. You want those flavorful little crumbles that make Burger In A Bowl so satisfying. If you’re adding bacon, this is a good time to cook and crumble it, too!

Step 2: Season and Finish the Meat

Once the beef is fully browned, carefully drain off any excess fat. Return the pan to the stove and sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, plus a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well so every bite of beef is packed with flavor. Remove from the heat and let it cool just slightly—it’ll still be nice and warm for assembling your bowls.

Step 3: Make the Burger Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the avocado mayo, ketchup, soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free), relish, garlic powder, onion powder, maple syrup, and a bit of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is completely smooth. This creamy, tangy sauce is honestly what takes Burger In A Bowl to superstar status!

Step 4: Prep the Veggies and Toppings

While the beef is cooling, chop the romaine, halve your cherry tomatoes, slice the avocado and red onion, and have your pickles and bacon crumbles ready to go. Laying out your toppings assembly-line style makes the final step extra quick and fun.

Step 5: Assemble the Burger In A Bowl

Divide the chopped romaine into bowls, then mound on the warm, seasoned beef. Top generously with avocado, bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and those all-important pickle slices. Drizzle with the burger sauce, give everything a little toss if you’d like, and season one last time with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Grab a fork, and dig in!

How to Serve Burger In A Bowl

Garnishes

Garnish is the magic finishing touch for your Burger In A Bowl. Try a sprinkle of chopped chives or fresh parsley for color, or even a few toasted sesame seeds for a nod to classic burger buns. A twist of black pepper or an extra drizzle of sauce over the top makes each bowl look irresistible. If you’re feeling zesty, a squeeze of lemon or lime over the avocado adds a pop of brightness, too.

Side Dishes

Burger In A Bowl is filling on its own, yet it pairs beautifully with easy sides. Classic oven fries, sweet potato wedges, or a basket of crunchy veggie sticks are always a hit. For an extra-light meal, serve it alongside a fruity slaw or a chunky cucumber salad. Even simple grilled corn on the cob makes this bowl feel like a real-deal picnic spread.

Creative Ways to Present

You can have so much fun serving this! Try layering all the ingredients in small mason jars for a picnic or potluck. Set up a mini “Burger In A Bowl” bar where everyone builds their own with favorite toppings and sauces. For a party, make appetizer-sized bowls or lettuce cups for bite-size fun. Even in a family setting, kids love getting creative and arranging their own colorful bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Burger In A Bowl (lucky you!), store each component separately: keep the cooked beef, veggies, and sauce in different airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and prevents soggy lettuce. The ground beef will be good for up to 3 days, and the sauce is delicious for up to a week.

Freezing

The seasoned beef freezes wonderfully! Cool it completely and store in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. The veggies and sauce are best made fresh, though—even the best burger toppings lose their shine after freezing. Just thaw and reheat the beef when that Burger In A Bowl craving strikes!

Reheating

To reheat the beef, pop it in the microwave for 45 seconds to a minute, or warm in a skillet on the stove until just hot. No need to overcook—just get it warm enough to compliment those cold, crisp toppings. Add the sauce and veggies just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.

FAQs

Can I make Burger In A Bowl vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative, lentils, or even crumbled veggie burgers. The rest of the bowl and sauce are already fully vegetarian-friendly.

Is Burger In A Bowl gluten-free?

It sure can be. Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos in the sauce. Everything else should be good to go, but always double-check packaged ingredients.

Can I prep this ahead for meal prep lunches?

Burger In A Bowl is perfect for meal prepping! Just store the beef, chopped lettuce, veggies, and sauce in separate containers, and assemble right before eating to keep it crispy and fresh.

Which ground meat works best?

Ground beef gives that classic burger flavor, but ground turkey, chicken, or even bison all work. Just season generously and cook until browned for the tastiest results.

What else can I add to my Burger In A Bowl?

The sky’s the limit! Shredded cheese, jalapeños, grilled mushrooms, roasted peppers, or even a fried egg are all up for grabs. Make it yours with your favorite burger toppings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun new take on a weeknight classic, Burger In A Bowl is the answer! It’s quick, easy, fresh, and super customizable. Grab these simple ingredients and make dinner feel special tonight — I can’t wait for you to try your own spin on this satisfying, flavor-packed bowl.

Burger In A Bowl Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 12 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy all the flavors of a classic burger in a healthier, low-carb version with this Burger in a Bowl recipe. Packed with fresh ingredients and a delicious homemade burger sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your burger cravings.

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: Place a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up with a spatula. Drain excess liquid, season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Prepare the Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, combine avocado mayonnaise, ketchup, soy sauce, relish, garlic powder, onion powder, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Bowls: Start with lettuce base, add cooked ground beef, bacon, avocado, red onion, and tomatoes. Drizzle with burger sauce, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with chives.

Notes

You can customize your Burger in a Bowl with additional toppings like cheese, jalapenos, or even a fried egg.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the burger sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American