Craving a burger but not the bun? These healthy burger bowls have all the Big Mac flavor you love—minus the carbs. They’re loaded with protein, veggies, and sweet potato fries for a satisfying meal you’ll want on repeat.
Burger night just got a serious upgrade. I used to love a classic Big Mac growing up (who didn’t?!), and this burger bowl brings back all those nostalgic flavors—just in a healthier, homemade way.
We’re talking seasoned ground meat, crisp lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, onions, and crispy sweet potato fries. Then it all gets finished with a generous drizzle of my homemade Big Mac sauce. It’s fresh, customizable, and loaded with flavor. And the best part? It comes together fast enough for a busy weeknight dinner.
Why You Gotta Try This One
I’ve been obsessed with this combo lately. It hits all the comfort food notes without leaving you feeling heavy—especially with that creamy Big Mac-style sauce (trust me, make a double batch).
These bowls are perfect for low-carb days (just skip the fries) or anytime you’re craving a burger minus the bun. And since everything comes together in about 30 minutes, they’re ideal for busy summer nights when you need something quick but satisfying.
They’re also great for meal prep. I like to keep everything chopped and cooked so I can build a bowl in minutes. Simple, flavorful, and easy to make your own—what’s not to love?
Ingredients Needed
You only need a handful of real-food ingredients to bring these burger bowls to life. They’re flavorful, fun, and way more satisfying than a drive-thru order.
- ground meat – I typically use lean ground beef, but ground turkey or chicken work great too. Use whatever you love or have on hand.
- avocado or olive oil – just a little to sauté the onions and cook the burger meat. Either one works great, but I usually go with avocado oil for a neutral flavor.
- onion – sautéed onion adds depth and flavor to the burger meat. I use yellow onion here, but red would work in a pinch.
- seasonings – a simple mix of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and mustard gives the burger meat classic flavor without overcomplicating things.
- lettuce – shredded romaine or iceberg makes the perfect crunchy base. Go for romaine if you want a little more nutrition.
- cherry tomatoes – juicy and sweet, they bring freshness and a nice pop of color.
- red onion – thinly sliced for just the right amount of bite and crunch.
- dill pickles – chopped pickles bring all the tangy, salty goodness you’d expect in a burger.
- avocado – optional, but highly recommended. Creamy avocado balances the acidity from the pickles and mustard.
- sweet potato fries – I usually make my own sweet potato fires, but you could totally go with a bag of frozen fries for ease.
- big mac sauce – the magic touch. It brings all the burger vibes into one drizzly, flavorful dressing. Don’t skip it.
Make It Your Own
These burger bowls are super flexible, so feel free to mix things up based on what you love or what’s already in your fridge. Here are some fun ways to switch things up:
How to Make Burger Bowls
This easy burger bowl recipe is quick, and totally satisfying. Here’s how to bring it together in just a few simple steps:
Step 1: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until it softens and becomes fragrant.
Step 2: Add the ground meat, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the pan.
Step 3: Cook the meat, breaking it apart with a spatula, until the meat is fully browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: In a small bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, chopped pickles, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and add more salt if needed.
Step 5: Divide the shredded lettuce evenly between four serving bowls. Top each bowl with the seasoned ground meat, cherry tomatoes, red onion, pickles, avocado (if using), and sweet potato fries.
Step 6: Finish it off with a generous drizzle of the Big Mac-style sauce. Serve right away and enjoy!
Brittany’s Tips For The Best Burger Bowls
- Use a wide, shallow bowl. It makes a difference in both presentation and the bite experience—you’ll see (and enjoy) all the toppings in every scoop.
- Double the sauce. Trust me, you’ll want extra for drizzling and dipping. It keeps well in the fridge, so go ahead and make a little extra.
- Make it kid-friendly. Serve the components separately and let your kids build their own mini bowls. It’s a fun way to get them involved—and more likely to try everything on the plate.
How to Store Leftover Burger Bowls
Burger bowls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can absolutely store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best texture, keep the components separate—store the cooked beef, toppings, and sauce in individual containers, and wait to assemble until you’re ready to eat. This keeps everything tasting fresh and helps prevent the lettuce from wilting or the fries from getting soggy.
If you’re planning to meal prep, cook the meat and chop your veggies ahead of time, then store them separately so you can quickly build a bowl when hunger hits!
