Hey y’all! Craving the savory satisfaction of a classic burger, but want to keep it wholesome and fresh? This Best Healthy Burger Bowl brings you all the juicy, mouthwatering burger flavors in a vibrant, veggie-packed bowl—no bun required! It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, easy meal prep, summer gatherings, and busy lunches. Plus, you can totally customize it with your favorite toppings. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick & Easy: Cooks up in just 30 minutes—prep to plate!
- Packed with Protein: Lean ground beef keeps you full without the heaviness of a traditional burger.
- Loaded with Veggies: Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy pickles make each bite refreshing.
- Totally Customizable: Switch up the toppings to fit any diet or craving.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Great for make-ahead lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 6 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup dill pickle slices
- 2/3 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow or Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
- 1/2 tsp hot sauce (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Burger Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until browned and cooked through—about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prep Your Veggies & Base
While the beef cooks, wash and chop lettuce, halve tomatoes, shred carrots, slice onion, and slice pickles. Dice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
Step 3: Make the Healthy Burger Sauce
In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and hot sauce (if using) until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the lettuce between four bowls. Top with an even layer of ground beef mixture, then arrange tomatoes, carrots, onions, pickles, shredded cheese, and avocado on top. Drizzle with burger sauce, and enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Assemble bowls just before serving for the crunchiest texture.
- Double the sauce batch and keep on hand for dipping veggies or grilled chicken!
Variations
- Keto Burger Bowl: Omit carrots and use full-fat cheese/sour cream.
- BBQ Ranch Style: Add corn, black beans, and swap burger sauce with BBQ ranch.
- Veggie Style: Swap beef for veggie or black bean burger patties, crumbled.
Required Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Storage Instructions
Store cooked beef and chopped veggies separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Burger sauce can be stored in the fridge for 1 week. Assemble fresh bowls day-of for the best texture and flavor.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Served with oven-baked sweet potato fries or crunchy baked chickpeas.
- Top with a poached egg for extra protein.
- Pair with sparkling water topped with sliced lemon or lime for a refreshing contrast.
Pro Tips
- Use pre-chopped salad mix for even quicker prep on busy nights.
- Drain extra fat from the pan for a lighter, crisper bowl.
- Sizzle beef with a splash of Worcestershire sauce for classic burger depth.
FAQ
Can I meal prep Healthy Burger Bowls?
Absolutely! Store components separately and assemble when ready to eat for the freshest result.
What’s the best ground meat to use?
93% lean ground beef offers classic flavor and a healthy balance, but ground turkey or chicken also work well.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plain dairy-free yogurt or vegan sour cream.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 6 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup dill pickle slices
- 2/3 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow or Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
- 1/2 tsp hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
-
1Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until browned and cooked through—about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Set aside to cool slightly.
-
2While the beef cooks, wash and chop lettuce, halve tomatoes, shred carrots, slice onion, and slice pickles. Dice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
-
3In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and hot sauce (if using) until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
-
4Divide the lettuce between four bowls. Top with an even layer of ground beef mixture, then arrange tomatoes, carrots, onions, pickles, shredded cheese, and avocado on top. Drizzle with burger sauce, and enjoy immediately!
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
375cal
Protein:
35 gg
Fat:
17 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
20 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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