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Home » Recipes » Dinner

Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”

Published: May 6, 2025 by Janet · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer for burger lovers! Whether you're avoiding gluten, carbs, or just looking for a lighter alternative, this burger bowl delivers all the flavor without the extra calories. The "Special Sauce" brings a zesty kick, while the fresh veggies and savory beef make every bite incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s super customizable, so you can tweak it to your taste! Perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a healthy twist on a classic.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef

  • Avocado

  • Red onion

  • Pickles

  • Cherry tomatoes

  • Lettuce

  • Olive oil

  • Garlic powder

  • Onion powder

  • Salt and pepper

Special Sauce:

  • Mayonnaise (Whole30/Paleo-approved)

  • Mustard

  • Pickle juice

  • Garlic powder

  • Onion powder

  • Salt and pepper

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

  2. Prepare the special sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.

  3. Assemble the bowls: In each bowl, layer lettuce as the base. Top with the cooked ground beef, sliced avocado, pickles, and cherry tomatoes.

  4. Add the sauce: Drizzle the special sauce generously over the top of the bowl.

  5. Serve: Enjoy immediately or store for meal prep.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Meat options: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

  • Keto-friendly: Make this recipe keto-friendly by using a sugar-free mayo in the special sauce.

  • Add cheese: If you’re not following a dairy-free or paleo diet, feel free to add a slice of cheese on top of the beef for extra richness.

  • More veggies: You can add extra veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, or even sautéed mushrooms to make the bowl even more hearty.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat the beef in a skillet or microwave. Add fresh toppings like avocado and lettuce just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef and special sauce ahead of time and store them in separate containers. When ready to eat, simply assemble the bowls with fresh veggies and sauce.

2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The Fully Loaded Burger Bowl makes a great meal prep option. Prepare everything in advance and store it in individual containers for a quick, grab-and-go lunch or dinner.

3. Can I use a different type of sauce?

Yes, you can use any sauce you prefer. A homemade Thousand Island dressing or a simple ketchup and mustard combo would also work great in place of the special sauce.

4. What can I use instead of pickles?

If you’re not a fan of pickles, try using some sliced jalapeños for a bit of heat, or add a touch of relish for a similar tangy flavor.

6. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

The recipe is already dairy-free if you use a Whole30/Paleo-approved mayonnaise. Just be sure to check that your mayo doesn't contain any dairy products.

7. Can I make this recipe in advance?

While the beef can be prepared ahead of time, it’s best to assemble the bowls just before eating to keep the lettuce fresh and the avocado from browning.

8. Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, this recipe is low-carb as it’s served in a bowl instead of a bun. It’s perfect for those following a keto or low-carb diet.

9. Can I make the special sauce without mayo?

If you're avoiding mayo, you can use a dairy-free Greek yogurt or avocado as a base for the sauce instead.

10. Can I add cheese to the burger bowl?

Yes, if you’re not following a dairy-free or paleo diet, adding a slice of cheese to the top of the beef will give it an extra creamy and rich flavor.

Conclusion

This Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce” is a fantastic, healthy alternative to the classic burger. With its savory ground beef and tangy sauce, it’s sure to satisfy your burger cravings without the guilt. Plus, it’s quick, easy to make, and can be customized to suit your dietary preferences. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your rotation!

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Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”

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This Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with 'Special Sauce' is a delicious, hearty meal that combines all the best flavors of a burger, minus the bun! Packed with juicy beef, fresh veggies, and topped off with a tangy, creamy special sauce, this dish is perfect for anyone following a Whole30, Paleo, or low-carb lifestyle.

  • Author: Janet
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Ground beef

Avocado

Red onion

Pickles

Cherry tomatoes

Lettuce

Olive oil

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Salt and pepper

Mayonnaise (Whole30/Paleo-approved)

Mustard

Pickle juice

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  2. Prepare the special sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
  3. Assemble the bowls: In each bowl, layer lettuce as the base. Top with the cooked ground beef, sliced avocado, pickles, and cherry tomatoes.
  4. Add the sauce: Drizzle the special sauce generously over the top of the bowl.
  5. Serve: Enjoy immediately or store for meal prep.

Notes

  • Meat options: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Keto-friendly: Make this recipe keto-friendly by using a sugar-free mayo in the special sauce.
  • Add cheese: If you’re not following a dairy-free or paleo diet, feel free to add a slice of cheese on top of the beef for extra richness.
  • More veggies: You can add extra veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, or even sautéed mushrooms to make the bowl even more hearty.
  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat the beef in a skillet or microwave. Add fresh toppings like avocado and lettuce just before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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Hi, I’m Janet! Welcome to Recipes by Janet, where I share simple, delicious, and reliable recipes for every meal.

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