Name: Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 4 teaspoons garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon avocado oil or melted refined coconut oil; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup or 1 tablespoon coconut aminos; 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish; 2 teaspoons dried minced onion; Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes; Pinch of salt; 2 medium avocados, pitted and peeled; ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice; ½ teaspoon salt; 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce; ½ cup diced red onion; ½ cup sliced dill pickles; 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

I love transforming the classic burger into a bowl—no bun, no mess, just pure flavor. This fully loaded burger bowl is layered with seasoned ground beef, creamy guacamole, and a tangy “special sauce,” all atop a bed of fresh romaine lettuce. It's a satisfying, low-carb meal that fits perfectly into Whole30, paleo, and keto lifestyles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I find this burger bowl to be a game-changer for quick, wholesome meals. It captures all the flavors of a traditional burger without the heaviness of a bun. The combination of juicy beef, crunchy pickles, and creamy sauce delivers a mouthwatering experience in every bite. Plus, it's easy to customize with my favorite toppings and ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Burgers

1 pound lean ground beef
4 teaspoons garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon avocado oil or melted refined coconut oil

For the Special Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 teaspoons pure maple syrup or 1 tablespoon coconut aminos (for Whole30)
1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Pinch of salt (adjust to taste)

For the Quick Guacamole

2 medium avocados, pitted and peeled
½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice (juice from approximately half a lemon)
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

For the Bowls

4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
½ cup diced red onion
½ cup sliced dill pickles
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

Directions

Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, I whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, maple syrup or coconut aminos, dill pickle relish, dried minced onion, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt until smooth. I set it aside to let the flavors meld.
Make the Guacamole: In another bowl, I mash the avocados with lemon juice and salt until creamy. I cover and refrigerate it until ready to use.
Cook the Ground Beef: I heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I add the ground beef, garlic powder, and salt, cooking until the beef is browned and crumbled. I drain any excess fat.
Assemble the Bowls: I divide the chopped romaine lettuce among four bowls. I top each with cooked ground beef, red onion, dill pickles, cherry tomatoes, a dollop of guacamole, and a generous drizzle of special sauce.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes approximately 35 minutes to prepare: 20 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking.

Variations

Protein Swap: Sometimes, I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Cheese Addition: For a non-Whole30 version, I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Spicy Kick: I add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Vegetarian Version: I substitute the meat with plant-based crumbles.

Storage/Reheating

I store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the ground beef in a skillet or microwave, then assemble the bowls with fresh toppings when ready to serve.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe Whole30 compliant?

I ensure all ingredients are Whole30 approved: use compliant mayonnaise and ketchup, and replace maple syrup with coconut aminos in the special sauce.

Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

Yes, I cook the beef in advance and store it separately. When ready to eat, I reheat the beef and assemble the bowls with fresh veggies and sauce.

What other toppings can I add?

I like to include sliced avocado, sautéed mushrooms, or a fried egg for added flavor and texture.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to the special sauce?

Absolutely. I use a dairy-free mayonnaise to keep the sauce compliant with dairy-free diets.

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Yes, I sometimes use mixed greens, spinach, or iceberg lettuce based on preference or availability.

Conclusion

This fully loaded burger bowl is a delicious, customizable meal that satisfies my burger cravings without the bun. It's perfect for those following Whole30, paleo, or low-carb diets, and it's easy to adapt to various dietary needs. I enjoy the combination of savory beef, fresh veggies, and creamy sauce—all in one bowl.