Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”

Hey y’all! If you ever crave all the flavors of a classic burger—juicy beef, crisp veggies, melty cheese, and that irresistible “special sauce”—but want a lighter, low-carb option, this Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce” is your new go-to. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal-prep Sundays, or casual get-togethers. Each bite delivers all the comfort and satisfaction of a burger, minus the bun. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”

  • All the crave-worthy burger flavors, but lighter and bowl-style!
  • Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
  • Highly customizable for different diets and preferences.
  • Meal prep friendly: stays fresh and tasty for days.
  • Keto, gluten-free, and low-carb with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients for a Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup dill pickles, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (optional)

Special Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp dill pickle relish
  • 1 tsp white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Directions: How to Make a Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”

Step 1: Sear the Beef for Your Burger Bowl

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula.
  2. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
  3. Drain excess fat if desired. Set beef aside to cool slightly.
Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”

Step 2: Assemble the Burger Bowl Ingredients

  1. Divide chopped romaine lettuce among 4 bowls as your base.
  2. Top with cooked beef, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, pickles, red onion, avocado, and bacon (if using), dividing evenly.

Step 3: Whip Up the Special Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, vinegar, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Finish & Serve Your Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”

  1. Drizzle the special sauce generously over each bowl.
  2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes for the Perfect Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”

  • For extra flavor, try using a blend of ground beef and ground pork. Learn more about choosing the right beef here.
  • Prep all your toppings in advance for super fast assembly on busy nights.
  • Use pre-chopped salad mix to save even more time (Bon Appétit on salad mix).
Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”

Variations: Put Your Own Spin on the Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”

  • Turkey Burger Bowl: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • Vegetarian Burger Bowl: Use crumbled veggie burgers or black beans instead of meat.
  • Spicy Burger Bowl: Add sliced jalapeños and a splash of hot sauce to the toppings.

Required Equipment

  • Large nonstick skillet
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Mixing bowls (for sauce and toppings)
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Storage Instructions for Your Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”

  • Store leftover components (beef, veggies, sauce) separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat beef in the microwave for 1 minute before assembling fresh bowls.
  • Do not freeze assembled bowls; freezing only works for cooked beef (up to 2 months).

Serving Recommendations & Pairings for the Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”

  • Serve with oven-baked sweet potato fries or a crisp dill pickle spear.
  • Pair with a cold glass of iced tea, lemonade, or a light lager beer.
  • Finish with a fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal.
Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”

Pro Tips for Best Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce” Results

  • Let cooked beef rest for 5 minutes before adding to the bowl, so the juices stay locked in (Cooking Light explains why).
  • Chill the special sauce before serving for the best creamy texture.
  • Double the sauce recipe—it’s great as a dip for fries or veggie sticks!

FAQ: Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”

Can I make these bowls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep all the components and store separately; assemble just before serving for peak freshness.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Try ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based substitute for a different twist.
Is this burger bowl gluten-free?
Yes, as written, it’s gluten-free! Just double-check your condiments and toppings for any hidden gluten.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4

★★★★★ 5.00 from 62 ratings

Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”

yield: 4 servings
prep: 20 mins
cook: 15 mins
total: 35 mins
A deconstructed burger bowl packed with seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, crispy toppings, and a tangy homemade special sauce. All the flavors of a classic burger in a low-carb, gluten-free bowl—perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup dill pickles, sliced
  • 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp paprika

Instructions

  1. 1
    In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Break up the meat and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. 2
    While the beef cooks, prepare the special sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, and paprika in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. 3
    Assemble the bowls: Divide chopped romaine lettuce among four bowls. Top each with cooked ground beef, cherry tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, dill pickles, and crispy bacon bits.
  4. 4
    Drizzle each bowl generously with the special sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 610cal
Protein: 38 gg
Fat: 44 gg
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 0mg
Total Carbs: 13 gg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Net Carbs: 0g
Vitamin A: 0
Vitamin C: 0mg
Calcium: 0mg
Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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