Healthy Burger Bowls with Special Sauce

If you're craving a juicy cheeseburger but want a lighter, low carb option, you must make these Healthy Burger Bowls. They have all the flavors you love—crispy seasoned beef, crunchy lettuce, juice tomatoes, zesty dill pickles, shredded cheddar cheese—served up on a bed of lettuce instead of between buns. If you're looking for an easy meal prep recipe that's high in protein and healthy fats, plus it's gluten free, then you're in the right place with these healthy beef bowls.

The real game changer is the homemade special sauce—it's creamy, a little tangy, slightly sweet, and made from condiments you likely already have in your fridge. The sauce ties the whole bowl together for a true burger taste. Whether you're eating low carb, gluten free, or just want a healthy twist on comfort food, this burger bowls recipe delivers the big flavor and satisfaction.

If you enjoy this hamburger in a bowl recipe, you'll also like these other meal prep recipes: Greek Protein Pasta Salad, Italian Pasta Salad, Homemade Kofta Meatballs, Greek Chicken Meatballs, Mediterranean Bowls, Mexican Street Corn Salad, and Ricotta Egg Bites.

Ingredient Notes

Here is everything you'll need to make these loaded burger bowls:

• Lean ground beef—I like to use 90% lean. You could also use ground turkey, ground chicken, or a plant-based ground meat.
• Worcestershire sauce—this is integral in giving that "burger" flavor.
• Seasonings—garlic powder, salt, pepper
• Iceberg lettuce—this feel like a classic burger lettuce to me, but you could use romaine lettuce, spring mix, spinach, etc.
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red onion
• Dill pickles
• Cheddar cheese—or any cheese you like on your burgers
• Banana peppers—if you like spice

For the Special Sauce

• Mayonnaise—If you're conscious of the calories, use light mayo or even Greek yogurt.
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Relish—use finely chopped pickles and a little pickle juice if you don't have relish.
• Lemon juice—fresh or bottled works since it's a small quantity.
• Seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt and pepper

Other Topping Ideas
Feel free to use anything that you have on hand or that you enjoy on your burger. Add more meats, veggies, or condiments such as:

- Caramelized onions
- Avocado
- Hot sauce
- Sweet potatoes
- Jalapeños
- Bacon

How to Make Healthy Burger Bowls

Be sure to read the recipe card below for the full ingredient list, instructions, and macros.

(1) Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until brown, about 6 minutes. Be sure to break it up. Once cooked, add the seasonings and worcestershire sauce. You can prepare this in advance and store in the fridge or add directly to the bowls.

(2) In a small bowl, stir together the burger sauce ingredients. Prepare ahead of time and store in the fridge or add directly to the bowls.

(3) To build the burger bowls, start with a large handful of lettuce. Add your toppings of choice, drizzle with some special sauce, and mix! The cooked ground beef can be served hot or cool.

This is a great meal to set up in an assembly line so everyone can choose their toppings. Enjoy!

Make Ahead & Storage

Cook the beef and make the burger sauce ahead of time for easy assembly. They will both keep in the fridge for several days. When you're ready to eat, assemble all your toppings in a bowl of lettuce. You can re-heat the ground beef or eat it cold, then drizzle with that delicious burger sauce!

Pre-made burger bowls and burger bowl toppings will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store dressing separately to avoid soggy lettuce!

Top Tips

Here are some of my top tips and tricks for perfect low carb burger bowls:

• Cook the beef ahead of time for easy assembly.
• Mix the burger sauce ahead of time too!
• Use your favorite burger toppings that you enjoy on your burger.
• Although this is a low carb recipe, feel free to add some roast potatoes, sweet potato fries, cooked rice, a slice of bread, or even burger bun croutons!
• Pre-assemble your bowls in tupperware containers for a grab-and-go lunch meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions

This high protein burger bowl recipe is an easy low carb meal that tastes delicious and allows you to hit your goals! Customize them with your favorite burger toppings for a crowd pleasing dinner or an easy lunch meal prep.

More Easy Meals

Have you made these deconstructed burger bowls? I'd very much appreciate it if you leave a 5 star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and review below, and tag me on instagram @fromoliviaskitchen!