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This hearty burger bowl has revolutionized my weeknight dinners, combining all the flavors of a classic burger with fresh vegetables in a convenient, low-carb package that satisfies even the pickiest eaters in my household.
I created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I craved burger flavors but wanted something lighter. Now it's become our Thursday night tradition, with everyone customizing their own bowl exactly how they like it.
Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce: forms the crisp foundation that holds up well under warm beef
- Lean ground beef: choose 90% lean for the perfect balance of flavor and healthiness
- Garlic powder: adds depth without the fuss of fresh garlic
- Onion powder: provides sweet aromatic notes throughout the beef
- Italian seasoning: brings herbal complexity that elevates the meat
- Avocado: delivers creamy richness that replaces the need for cheese
- Red onion: adds sharp crunch and vibrant color
- Pickles: contribute essential burger tang and acidity
- Cherry tomatoes: burst with fresh flavor that balances the savory elements
- Sour cream: creates the creamy base for our special sauce
- Ketchup: provides classic burger sweetness and color
- Soy sauce: introduces umami depth that ties everything together
- Maple syrup: adds natural sweetness that balances the tangy elements
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is completely browned with no pink remaining.
- Drain the excess fat:
- Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to remove excess liquid, which helps keep your bowl from becoming soggy. Transfer the seasoned beef to a paper towel-lined plate if needed to absorb any remaining grease.
- Prepare the special sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine sour cream, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and maple syrup. Whisk until completely smooth and taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should have a balanced tangy-sweet flavor that complements the beef.
- Assemble your bowls:
- Start with a generous bed of chopped romaine lettuce as your base. Portion the seasoned ground beef in the center while still warm. Arrange the sliced avocado, red onion, pickles, and halved cherry tomatoes in sections around the beef for visual appeal and to allow everyone to mix as they prefer.
- Finish with sauce:
- Drizzle the special burger sauce generously over the top of each bowl. Finish with a light sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to brighten all the flavors.
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The burger sauce is absolutely the secret weapon in this recipe. I accidentally created it when trying to replicate a famous burger chain's special sauce without using mayonnaise. My husband actually prefers this version now and asks for extra on the side for dipping vegetables.
Storage Tips
These burger bowls make excellent meal prep for busy weekdays. I recommend storing the components separately if possible. Keep the cooked beef in an airtight container for up to 3 days, the chopped vegetables in another container, and the sauce in a small jar. This prevents the lettuce from wilting and keeps everything fresh. When ready to eat, simply reheat the beef in the microwave for 30-45 seconds before assembling your bowl.
Variations Worth Trying
Consider this recipe a starting template for endless burger bowl variations. For a Mediterranean twist, use ground lamb instead of beef and add feta cheese and olives. Craving Southwest flavors? Swap the Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, add black beans and corn, and top with crushed tortilla chips. For a Greek-inspired version, use tzatziki instead of burger sauce and add cucumber and kalamata olives.
Kid-Friendly Modifications
My children were initially skeptical about a burger without the bun, but now they request this weekly. For younger palates, consider dicing the vegetables more finely or setting up a "burger bowl bar" where kids can choose their own toppings. I find that serving the sauce on the side for dipping encourages vegetable consumption, and sometimes I add a small handful of shredded cheese or crumbled bacon as an extra incentive for clean plates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Yes, you can substitute romaine lettuce with iceberg, butterhead, or any salad greens you prefer for a similar texture and taste.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with plant-based protein options like lentils, crumbled tofu, or a veggie meat alternative.
- → What can I use instead of sour cream in the sauce?
You can use plain Greek yogurt as a tangy and healthier alternative to sour cream.
- → Can I prepare this meal in advance?
You can prepare the ingredients in advance but assemble the bowl just before serving to keep the veggies fresh and the textures intact.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, store individual components like cooked beef, chopped veggies, and sauce separately in airtight containers to assemble fresh bowls throughout the week.