Burger Bowls with Special Sauce
Burger Bowls with Special Sauce offer a flavorful and satisfying twist on the classic burger experience by layering juicy seasoned beef, fresh veggies, melty cheddar cheese, and a tangy creamy special sauce into a convenient bun-free bowl. This gluten-free, customizable, and easy-to-make dish is perfect for quick meals and eliminates the mess of a traditional burger while delivering all the comforting flavors in every bite.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 1 cup shredded or sliced cheddar cheese
- 2 cups crisp iceberg or romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Special Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional Toppings
- 4 slices crispy bacon, chopped
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
Seasonings for Beef
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the seasoned ground beef until nicely browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula to achieve a loose, crumbly texture perfect for the bowl.
- Prepare the Special Sauce: Mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to create a creamy, tangy special sauce that makes the dish unforgettable.
- Chop Fresh Vegetables: While the beef cooks, slice lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and red onions into bite-sized pieces that balance freshness with classic burger crunch.
- Assemble the Bowl: Layer the cooked beef in a bowl, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, then add generous portions of fresh veggies. Drizzle the special sauce all over and toss gently or leave layered for textural variety.
- Add Optional Toppings: Finish with crispy bacon bits, avocado slices, or any favorite extras to personalize your bowl for perfect indulgence.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your veggies and meat directly impacts flavor — always choose the freshest possible.
- Don’t Overcook Beef: Keep the beef juicy by cooking just until browned to avoid dryness.
- Make Sauce in Advance: Prepare the special sauce ahead of time to let flavors meld and save time.
- Balance Textures: Add crunchy pickles and crisp lettuce to contrast tender beef and creamy sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Burger Bowls taste best fresh; avoid letting ingredients sit too long to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximate)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: burger bowl, special sauce, gluten free, ground beef, quick meal, easy recipe, low carb option