Description
This deconstructed burger bowl delivers authentic Big Mac flavor with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, cheddar cheese, and homemade special sauce. High protein, low carb, and ready in 25 minutes for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Bowl:
1 lb lean ground beef (90-96% lean) or ground turkey
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon yellow mustard (plus more for drizzling)
1 head romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup dill pickles, chopped
¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Optional: 1 cup cauliflower rice or cooked brown rice
For the Special Sauce:
½ cup light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
1 teaspoon white vinegar or pickle juice
½ teaspoon onion powder
Pinch of paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in small bowl.
2. Refrigerate sauce while cooking beef to let flavors meld.
3. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
4. Add ground beef and break up with wooden spoon while cooking.
5. Season beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and mustard.
6. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking into small crumbles, until no pink remains.
7. Drain excess fat if needed and set beef aside.
8. Divide chopped lettuce among serving bowls as base layer.
9. Add optional cauliflower rice or brown rice on top of lettuce if desired.
10. Top each bowl with cooked beef, red onion, tomatoes, pickles, and cheddar cheese.
11. Drizzle special sauce generously over each bowl and add extra mustard stripe if desired.
12. Toss gently before eating to coat everything with sauce and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Use 90% lean or higher ground beef to keep it healthier.
Greek yogurt instead of mayo adds extra protein and cuts calories.
Store cooked beef separately from vegetables for meal prep.
Pickles and cheese add plenty of salt, so season beef lightly.
Make extra special sauce and store for up to one week.
Add sesame seeds on top for authentic Big Mac touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg