These Easy Burger Bowls are perfect for a quick, tasty low-carb meal! Packed with juicy burger bites, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing, they hit the spot without the carbs.
Who needs a bun when you can enjoy all your favorite burger flavors in a bowl? I love loading mine with extra pickles and cheese—because why not? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually go for 80% lean beef for that juicy flavor. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. Just keep in mind it might need a bit more seasoning since it lacks fat.
Garlic and Onion Powder: These spices bring out the best in the beef. If you don’t have them, fresh minced garlic or onion can do the job. Use about 1 clove of garlic or 1/4 onion for every teaspoon of powder.
Romaine Lettuce: This keeps the bowl crunchy! If you prefer, swap it with spinach, kale, or any leafy greens you like. I also enjoy using coleslaw mix for an extra crunch!
Dressing: Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream—it’s creamier and adds some protein. If you’d like a dairy-free option, try using avocado instead for a creamy texture.
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef can seem tricky, but it’s all about the method. Here’s how to get it just right, so it’s tender and flavorful:
- Use medium heat to avoid burning. This helps the beef cook evenly.
- Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, so you have nice, crumbled pieces.
- Don’t rush! Let it brown for about 6-8 minutes. The browned bits add amazing flavor!
- If there’s excess fat, draining it can make your meal less greasy, but I often leave a little for flavor.
Easy Burger Bowls for a Quick Low-Carb Meal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowl:
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce (or mixed greens)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced dill pickles
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
Optional:
- Hot sauce or low-sugar ketchup for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious low-carb meal takes about 20 minutes in total—about 10 minutes for preparation and 10 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart into small pieces as it cooks, letting it brown for about 6-8 minutes until fully cooked. If you prefer, you can drain any excess fat at this point, but it adds flavor!
2. Seasoning the Beef:
Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well so the beef is nicely seasoned. After a minute of cooking with the spices, remove from heat.
3. Making the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, and yellow mustard until smooth. This tangy dressing really brings everything together!
4. Assembling the Bowls:
Grab four bowls and start by dividing the chopped lettuce among them. It’s the perfect base for your burger bowls!
5. Adding Toppings:
Top each bowl with equal portions of the seasoned ground beef, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, sliced pickles, and avocado slices. Be generous—you want a hefty serving!
6. Drizzling with Dressing:
Now it’s time to drizzle each bowl with that yummy dressing you made. If you like a little heat, add some hot sauce or a drizzle of low-sugar ketchup on top for extra flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your burger bowls right away and enjoy this quick, satisfying, and low-carb meal. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for beef. Just keep in mind that they may be a bit drier, so consider adding a little extra seasoning or fat, like olive oil, during cooking to keep them moist.
How Do I Store Leftover Burger Bowls?
To store leftovers, place your burger bowl components in airtight containers. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the lettuce from wilting. The bowls will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat the beef when you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers!
Can I Make This Bowls Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and dressing a day in advance. Just warm up the beef on the stove before serving, and assemble the bowls with fresh toppings right before eating to maintain the best texture.
What Other Toppings Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! Options like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even crumbled bacon can add more flavor and texture to your burger bowls. You can also swap out the avocado for guacamole for an extra kick!
