Burger Bowl Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Burger Patty:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Bowl:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup dill pickles, sliced
- 4 tbsp crispy bacon bits (optional)
For the Special Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the burger patties. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands—don’t overwork it! Form into 4 equal patties.
- Cook the patties. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil if using a skillet. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side until they reach 160°F internally for medium. Set aside to rest.
- Make the special sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
- Prep the veggies. While the patties cook, chop the romaine, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion, avocado, and pickles. Keep everything fresh and ready to assemble.
- Assemble the bowls. Divide the lettuce among 4 bowls. Top each with a burger patty (sliced or whole), tomatoes, onion, avocado, pickles, cheese, and bacon bits if using. Drizzle with special sauce.
- Serve and enjoy! Dig in with a fork or mix it all up for a flavor explosion. Add extra sauce if you’re feeling saucy!

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Pro Cooking Tips
- Don’t press the patties. Pressing down while cooking squeezes out the juices, leaving you with dry burgers. Let them sizzle untouched!
- Toast the spices. For extra flavor, toast the garlic and onion powder in the skillet for 30 seconds before mixing with the beef.
- Customize the sauce. Add a pinch of smoked paprika or hot sauce to the special sauce for a smoky or spicy kick.
- Meal prep hack. Cook patties and chop veggies ahead of time. Store separately to keep everything fresh.
Variations
- Keto Burger Bowl: Skip the ketchup in the sauce and use sugar-free relish to keep it low-carb.
- Veggie Burger Bowl: Swap beef for a black bean or veggie patty and add roasted sweet potatoes for heartiness.
- Mediterranean Twist: Use ground lamb, add feta cheese, cucumbers, and tzatziki instead of special sauce.
- Spicy Fiesta Bowl: Mix in chili powder to the patties, top with jalapeños, and use a chipotle mayo.
Storage Suggestions
- Fridge: Store cooked patties, veggies, and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Assemble when ready to eat to avoid soggy lettuce.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked patties for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in a skillet.
- Reheating: Warm patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid microwaving—it makes them rubbery.
How to Serve
Serve burger bowls fresh for the best crunch and flavor. Pair with sweet potato fries or a side of coleslaw for a complete meal. For a fun dinner party, set up a build-your-own bowl bar with all the toppings laid out—everyone loves customizing their own! If you’re going low-carb, double up on the lettuce or swap for spinach or arugula.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
Note: Values vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQs
Can I make this burger bowl vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the beef for a veggie patty or grilled portobello mushrooms. Load up on extra veggies like roasted zucchini or bell peppers.
What’s the best way to keep the lettuce crisp?
Store lettuce separately and only assemble right before eating. Pat it dry after washing to avoid excess moisture.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works great, but add an extra splash of Worcestershire for flavor, as it’s leaner.
How do I make the sauce creamier?
Mix in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a richer, tangier sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It’s naturally gluten-free as long as your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free—check the label!
Conclusion
This burger bowl is my go-to when I want all the burger vibes without the bun. It’s quick, versatile, and packed with fresh, bold flavors that make every bite a joy. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a fun dinner, this recipe delivers. So grab your ingredients, get creative with toppings, and enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying as it is healthy. What’s your favorite way to customize your burger bowl? Let me know—I’m always up for new ideas!
