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

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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.

Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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Description

This fully loaded burger bowl transforms the classic burger into a low-carb, bun-free meal with seasoned beef, creamy guacamole, and a tangy special sauce atop crisp romaine lettuce. It's Whole30, paleo, and keto-friendly.

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, maple syrup or coconut aminos, dill pickle relish, dried minced onion, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt to make the special sauce. Set aside.
In another bowl, mash the avocados with lemon juice and salt until creamy to make the guacamole. Cover and refrigerate.
Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, garlic powder, and salt. Cook until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
Divide chopped romaine lettuce among four bowls. Top each with ground beef, red onion, dill pickles, cherry tomatoes, a dollop of guacamole, and drizzle with special sauce.

Notes

Use compliant ingredients for Whole30 versions, such as approved mayonnaise and ketchup.
Store components separately and assemble just before eating.
Customize with additional toppings like jalapeños, sautéed mushrooms, or a fried egg.