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This hearty Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with "Special Sauce" has become my favorite low-carb dinner option when I'm craving the flavors of a burger without the bun. It combines all the essential burger elements in a satisfying bowl format that's both nutritious and indulgent.
I first created these bowls during a particularly strict health challenge when I was missing my favorite fast food burgers. Now my family requests them weekly, often adding their own favorite toppings to create personalized versions.
Ingredients
- For the Burgers: Lean ground beef provides that classic burger flavor while keeping the fat content reasonable
- Garlic powder: Adds depth and savory notes without the bite of fresh garlic
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors of the meat
- Avocado oil: Has a high smoke point perfect for searing the beef
- For the Special Sauce: Mayonnaise creates the creamy base for the sauce look for a good quality version
- Ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness use a no sugar added version for stricter diets
- Maple syrup: Provides natural sweetness that balances the tang
- Dill pickle relish: Gives that essential burger sauce flavor
- Dried minced onion: Offers convenience and texture without watering down the sauce
- Red pepper flakes: Add just a hint of heat that wakes up your taste buds
- Salt: Brings all the sauce flavors together
- For the Quick Guacamole: Avocados choose ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure for perfect ripeness
- Fresh lemon juice: Prevents browning and adds brightness
- Salt: Enhances the natural creaminess of avocados
- For the Bowls: Romaine lettuce provides the crisp, fresh base with more nutrients than iceberg
- Red onion: Becomes sweeter and more complex when lightly charred
- Cherry tomatoes: Burst with juicy freshness choose ripe, fragrant ones
- Pickle chips: Add briny tang that cuts through the richness
- Bacon: Contributes smoky, salty goodness thick cut provides better texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Mixture:
- Combine ground beef with garlic powder and salt in a bowl using your hands to gently mix. The warmth of your hands helps distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the meat without overworking it. Let this mixture sit for a few minutes while you heat your pan to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat until truly hot before adding oil. Allow the oil to become shimmery which indicates it's reached the proper temperature. Add the beef mixture and break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula, creating small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains but avoid overcooking which can make the beef dry and tough.
- Mix the Special Sauce:
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk until completely smooth. The dried minced onion will hydrate slightly in the moisture of the sauce, creating texture. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, perhaps adding more red pepper flakes for heat or a bit more maple syrup for sweetness.
- Make Quick Guacamole:
- Mash avocados with lemon juice and salt using a fork. Leave some small chunks for texture rather than pureeing completely smooth. The lemon juice not only adds flavor but prevents the avocado from browning too quickly.
- Char the Onions:
- After removing the cooked beef, add sliced red onions to the same pan to capture the beef flavor. Arrange them in a single layer and allow them to develop char marks before flipping. This caramelization process brings out the natural sweetness and eliminates harsh raw onion flavor.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Start with a bed of chopped romaine for crispness and volume. Place a portion of beef in the center as the focal point. Arrange colorful toppings in sections around the beef, considering color contrast for visual appeal. Finish with a generous drizzle of special sauce that will seep down and flavor the ingredients below.
The special sauce is truly what makes this dish extraordinary. I discovered the perfect balance after multiple attempts, and the dried minced onion is my secret weapon for texture without having to chop fresh onions. My teenager who normally avoids vegetables will happily devour this entire bowl because the sauce ties everything together so beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
These burger bowls work wonderfully for meal prep if you store components separately. Cook the beef mixture and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The special sauce actually improves after sitting for a day, as the flavors have time to meld together. Make the guacamole fresh when ready to serve, or add a bit more lemon juice and press plastic wrap directly onto its surface if preparing up to 24 hours ahead.
Dietary Adaptations
For strict Whole30 compliance, replace the maple syrup with coconut aminos in the special sauce and ensure your mayonnaise and ketchup are compliant versions without added sugars. For keto dieters, this dish works beautifully as is, but you might want to add extra avocado for healthy fats and reduce the tomato portion slightly. Vegetarians can substitute the beef with a plant based ground alternative or seasoned black beans, and omit the bacon or use a coconut bacon alternative.
Serving Suggestions
These bowls are perfectly substantial on their own, but for heartier appetites, consider serving with a side of roasted sweet potato wedges or cauliflower rice. For entertaining, set up a burger bowl bar where guests can build their own creations. Include additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, different cheeses, various sauces, and perhaps some crispy onion straws for crunch factor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the individual components ahead of time, such as cooking the beef, making the sauce, and chopping the veggies. Assemble just before serving for the freshest result.
- → What toppings can I use besides the listed options?
You can add shredded cheese, jalapeños, olives, or even sautéed mushrooms to customize your burger bowls to your liking.
- → Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?
Yes, use a dairy-free mayonnaise for the sauce to make it completely dairy-free.
- → Can I use other types of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork are great alternatives to ground beef.
- → How can I store leftovers?
Store the individual components in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Assemble fresh portions when ready to eat.
- → Can this be made vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils, and omit the bacon for a vegetarian-friendly option.