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Healthy burger bowl with fresh vegetables, grilled beef, and creamy dressing on a wooden table.

Burger Bowl Recipe.

Jordan Mike
Discover the ultimate burger bowl recipe! A healthy, low-carb twist packed with flavor, fresh veggies, and protein. Perfect for quick, guilt-free meals!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course main dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 3
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

The Protein (The Star of the Show) 🍔

  • Your burger bowl starts with a juicy seasoned protein that delivers that classic burger taste. Choose from:
  • ✔ Ground beef 80/20 blend – For a rich, juicy flavor with the perfect balance of fat
  • ✔ Ground turkey or chicken – A leaner lighter alternative
  • ✔ Plant-based ground Beyond Meat, black bean patties – A great vegan-friendly option
  • ✔ Grilled steak shredded chicken, or even salmon – For variety and added nutrients
  • Seasoning Tip: For the best flavor season your protein with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce before cooking.

The Bowl Base (Crunch & Freshness) 🥬

  • Since we’re skipping the bun the base of your bowl is key for crispness and texture. Choose one or mix:
  • ✔ Shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce – Classic crunch perfect for a refreshing bite
  • ✔ Spinach or arugula – Adds a slightly peppery nutrient-rich boost
  • ✔ Cauliflower rice or quinoa – Great for a heartier more filling option

The Toppings (Flavor Explosion) 🧀🍅

  • This is where you can customize your burger bowl to match your cravings. Mix and match from these:
  • ✔ Cheese: Sharp cheddar Swiss, blue cheese crumbles, or dairy-free alternatives
  • ✔ Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes or diced Roma for juicy sweetness
  • ✔ Pickles: Dill slices or pickled jalapeños for tangy crunch
  • ✔ Avocado: Creamy healthy fats for extra richness
  • ✔ Sautéed onions & mushrooms: A caramelized umami-packed addition

The Sauce (The Game-Changer) 🥄

  • A burger isn’t complete without a killer sauce! Here are some options to drizzle over your bowl:
  • ✔ Classic burger sauce: Mayo + ketchup + mustard + relish + a pinch of paprika
  • ✔ Spicy chipotle mayo: Mayo + adobo sauce for a smoky kick
  • ✔ Greek yogurt ranch: A lighter creamy dressing
  • ✔ Balsamic glaze: For a sweet tangy contrast

The Crunch Factor (Because Texture Matters) 🥓

  • For that extra bite and crunch consider adding:
  • ✔ Crispy bacon crumbles – A smoky salty touch
  • ✔ Crushed tortilla chips – For a Tex-Mex twist
  • ✔ Roasted nuts or seeds – Almonds sunflower seeds, or pepitas for crunch

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

  • Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. Having everything prepped and ready will make assembling your burger bowl smooth and stress-free.
  • Wash and chop your lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and any other toppings you’re using.
  • Slice avocado, shred cheese, and prepare pickles so they’re ready to go.
  • Mix your burger sauce (if making from scratch) and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Protein

  • The heart of your burger bowl is the perfectly seasoned and cooked protein. Here’s how to do it for different options:
  • For Ground Beef, Turkey, or Chicken:
  • Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil if needed.
  • In a bowl, mix ground meat with:
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, but adds depth)
  • Form the meat into small burger patties or crumbles for easier eating.
  • Cook for 3-4 minutes per side (patties) or until browned and fully cooked (crumbles).
  • Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes to keep the juices inside.
  • For Steak, Chicken Breast, or Salmon:
  • Season generously with salt, pepper, and a dash of olive oil.
  • Grill or sear in a pan over medium-high heat for:
  • Steak: 3-5 minutes per side for medium doneness
  • Chicken: 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked
  • Salmon: 4 minutes per side until flaky
  • For a Plant-Based Burger Bowl:
  • Use a plant-based burger patty (store-bought or homemade).
  • Pan-sear for 3-4 minutes per side or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until crispy.
  • If using a black bean or lentil-based patty, handle gently to keep its shape.

Step 3: Assemble Your Burger Bowl

  • Now comes the fun part—building your burger bowl! Follow these steps for the best balance of flavors:
  • Start with the base:
  • Fill a large bowl with chopped romaine, iceberg, or spinach.
  • For a heartier option, use cauliflower rice or quinoa.
  • Add the cooked protein:
  • Slice steak or chicken, or crumble the ground meat over the greens.
  • Layer on your favorite toppings:
  • Cheese (cheddar, Swiss, feta, or vegan alternative)
  • Tomatoes (sliced cherry or diced Roma)
  • Pickles (classic dill, sweet, or spicy jalapeños)
  • Avocado slices for creaminess
  • Caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor
  • Drizzle with the perfect sauce:
  • Go classic with burger sauce (mayo + ketchup + mustard + relish).
  • Add some spice with chipotle mayo or sriracha ranch.
  • Keep it light with Greek yogurt dressing or balsamic glaze.
  • Finish with a crunch:
  • Bacon crumbles for a smoky kick
  • Toasted nuts or seeds for extra texture
  • Crushed tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex twist

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

  • Your burger bowl is ready to devour! Serve it fresh while the protein is warm and the toppings are crisp. If meal prepping, store each component separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 22g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 450mg

Recipe Categories

  • Course: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly, Gluten-Free (with adjustments)
  • Method: Stove-Top
  • Keyword: Burger Bowl Recipe, Healthy Burger Bowl, Low-Carb Bowl
  • Skill Level: Easy
Keyword gluten free, keto freindly, low crab