This Simple and Fresh Burger Bowls Recipe delivers everything you love about a classic burger—juicy meat, crisp toppings, and bold sauce—without the bun. It’s a lighter, customizable meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anyone craving comfort food made fresh.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Burger Bowls Recipe
Burger bowls are incredibly versatile and easy to adapt to your preferences.
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Naturally gluten-free and low-carb
- Easy to customize for the whole family
- Great for meal prep
- Packed with flavor and texture
Instead of stacking everything on a bun, this recipe layers flavors in a bowl for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Burger Bowls
Burger Base
- 1½ pounds ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Fresh Toppings
- Romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Dill pickles, sliced
Simple Burger Sauce
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or mayo
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Ingredient Notes
- Protein swap: Ground turkey or chicken works perfectly
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free mayo
- Extra crunch: Add shredded cabbage or cucumbers
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Burger Meat
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground meat and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
Step 2 – Prepare the Sauce
Whisk all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Chill briefly for best flavor.
Step 3 – Prep the Vegetables
Wash and chop lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles while the meat cooks.
Step 4 – Assemble the Bowls
Layer lettuce first, then warm meat, followed by toppings. Drizzle generously with burger sauce.
Pro Tips for Success
- Drain excess grease from meat
- Season meat simply—toppings add flavor
- Keep lettuce dry for best texture
- Serve sauce on the side for meal prep
- Use wide bowls for even layering
Flavor Variations
- Cheeseburger bowl with shredded cheddar
- Southwest style with avocado and salsa
- Mediterranean bowl with cucumbers and feta
- BBQ burger bowl with smoky sauce
- Breakfast burger bowl with egg
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted potatoes
- Pair with sweet potato fries
- Add a side salad
- Enjoy as a standalone meal
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Store components separately up to 4 days
- Sauce keeps 5 days refrigerated
- Reheat meat only; assemble fresh
Simple and Fresh Burger Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Simple and Fresh Burger Bowls Recipe delivers all the classic burger flavors in a lighter, bun-free bowl that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or a fresh comfort-food fix.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Dill pickles, sliced
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add ground meat.
- Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Cook until browned, breaking the meat into crumbles, then drain excess grease.
- In a small bowl, whisk Greek yogurt or mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Wash and chop lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and pickles.
- Assemble bowls with lettuce as the base, followed by warm meat and fresh toppings.
- Drizzle with burger sauce or serve sauce on the side.
Notes
Keep ingredients stored separately for meal prep. Let everyone customize their own bowl with favorite toppings or cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~480 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbs | 18g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | ~640mg |
FAQ About Burger Bowls
Are burger bowls healthy?
Yes. They reduce refined carbs while keeping protein and vegetables balanced.
Can I make them ahead?
Absolutely. Store ingredients separately for best texture.
What meat works best?
Ground beef gives classic flavor, but turkey is leaner.
Can kids enjoy this?
Yes. Let them build their own bowls for fun meals.
Final Thoughts
This Simple and Fresh Burger Bowls Recipe is proof that comfort food can still feel light, modern, and wholesome. It’s a flexible dinner you’ll come back to again and again.