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Low carb burger bowl with grilled beef patty, cheddar cheese, pickles, tomato, red onion, and lettuce drizzled with special burger sauce.

Burger Bowl Delight: A Low-Carb Burger Experience Without the Bun

Molly
This easy burger bowl recipe is a low-carb spin on your favorite cheeseburger—without the bun. With seasoned beef, crisp veggies, and a creamy yogurt-based burger sauce, it's packed with protein and flavor. Perfect for meal prep, keto diets, or a healthy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American-Inspired Comfort Food
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef 90% lean or better
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 2 heads romaine chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tomato diced
  • ¼ red onion thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup dill pickle slices
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt or light mayo
  • 2 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp white vinegar or pickle juice

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Beef
    Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat with the seasonings. Break it up and cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Make the Sauce
    In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mustard, ketchup, vinegar (or pickle juice), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready.
  • Assemble the Bow
    lsStart with romaine lettuce, top with ground beef, diced tomato, onions, pickles, shredded cheddar, and a generous drizzle of sauce.
  • Serve It Up
    Grab a fork and dig in. Add hot sauce if you like a kick!

Notes

Secret Tips for Burger Bowl Delight

1. Season the Meat Generously: Don’t hold back on the seasoning. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of smoked paprika into the ground beef for maximum flavor in every bite. A teaspoon of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce mixed into the beef also amps up the umami.
2. Get a Good Sear: Use a cast iron skillet or grill pan to create a crust on your burger patties or mini sliders. A hot pan gives you those caramelized, slightly crispy edges that mimic the best grilled burgers.
3. Chill the Patties: After shaping your patties, let them rest in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. This helps them hold together better during cooking and enhances texture.
4. Use Cold, Crisp Greens: Chilled romaine or iceberg gives the best crunch and contrast to the warm burger and creamy sauce. If possible, chop and store your lettuce in a sealed container with a paper towel to keep it extra fresh.
5. Sweeten the Sauce Naturally: If you’re adding a hint of sweetness to the burger sauce, skip sugar or honey and use a small spoon of unsweetened relish or a splash of apple cider vinegar. It adds balance without spiking carbs.
6. Build It for Meal Prep: Store all components separately:
  • Protein: Cook and chill the burger patties.
  • Greens and toppings: Portion in containers lined with a paper towel.
  • Sauce: Keep in a small dressing container until ready to serve.
This keeps textures fresh and prevents soggy lettuce or diluted sauce.
7. Breakfast Twist: Want a breakfast version? Swap ground beef for turkey sausage and add a fried egg on top. Now you've got a low-carb, high-protein breakfast bowl that hits hard.
8. Boost the Fiber: Add chopped cucumbers, avocado, or a handful of shredded cabbage for more volume and gut-friendly fiber—especially helpful if you're using this bowl for weight loss.
9. Infuse Your Sauce: Let your burger sauce chill for at least 30 minutes before using. This allows the garlic, mustard, and spices to fully meld for that signature tangy-creamy depth.
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