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Burger Bowls with Special Sauce

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: burger bowl, special sauce, gluten free, ground beef, quick meal, easy recipe, low carb option