Easy Burger Bowls with Special Sauce

View Recipe

Burger Bowls

By Maria Lichty

Jump to RecipePin Recipe52
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Quick Summary

These easy Burger Bowls are a delicious, bun-free way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger. Made with seasoned ground beef (or turkey), a tangy homemade special sauce, and customizable toppings like pickles, cheese, tomato, avocado, and even fries, they're perfect for a low-carb, gluten-free, or weeknight-friendly meal.

Pin this now to find it later

Pin It

Burger Bowls: All the Flavor of a Cheeseburger, No Bun Required

Let's talk about Burger Bowls—the ultimate way to enjoy everything you love about a cheeseburger… just without the bun. Whether you're eating low-carb, gluten-free, keto, or just want a lighter spin on your favorite fast food meal, burger bowls deliver all the satisfaction of a juicy, stacked burger in a fresh, fun new way.

They're fast (ready in under 30 minutes!), totally customizable, and perfect for picky eaters or meal preppers. Think seasoned ground beef (or turkey!), a creamy, zesty homemade special sauce, and all your favorite toppings—like crispy pickles, melty cheese, fresh tomatoes, avocado, onion, even fries…because we all know you can't have a burger without fries!

No soggy buns, just bold burger flavor in every bite. Once you try them, they'll quickly become a dinner favorite!

Ingredients (with Helpful Notes)

  • Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy, flavorful results. Want a leaner version? Ground turkey or chicken works too—just be generous with your seasoning to boost flavor.
  • Special Sauce: Mix mayo, ketchup, pickle juice, relish, a splash of vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce for a tangy, creamy sauce that ties everything together.
  • Cheese: Shredded cheddar or American cheese keeps things classic. You can leave the cheese out for a classic burger bowl vibe—just like a regular burger without the cheese!
  • Pickles: Dill pickle chips or chopped spears add that irresistible burger tang and crunch. You can also top with fresh pickle de gallo! Prefer a touch of sweetness? Use bread-and-butter pickles instead.
  • Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes are best since they're less watery and hold up well in bowls. Dice them small for easy scooping in every bite.
  • Red Onion: Thinly sliced for sharpness and color. Pickled red onions are also good!
  • Lettuce: Shredded iceberg or romaine gives you that fresh, crisp burger texture. Use it as the base layer or chop and mix it in for a salad-style bowl.
  • Avocado (optional): Creamy and full of healthy fats, avocado adds richness to balance the tangy sauce and salty toppings. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to prevent browning.
  • Fries (optional): Bake or air fry frozen fries or hash browns to add a fun, crispy twist. Sweet potato fries or sweet potato wedges work great too if you want a hint of sweetness.

Tips for Building the Ultimate Burger Bowl

  • Use a hot skillet. Get that ground beef browned and a little crispy—flavor lives in the browning.
  • Season the meat well. Don't just rely on salt and pepper—add garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for ultimate flavor!
  • Drain excess grease. After browning the beef, drain off any excess fat so your bowl doesn't end up greasy or soggy.
  • Build your bowl in layers or sections. Start with lettuce, then add the cooked seasoned beef, toppings, and fries. Finish with the special sauce.
  • Keep toppings bite-sized. Makes the bowls easier to eat and everything blends better.
  • Don't skip the sauce. The sauce makes the bowls extra special! If you like things extra saucy, you can always serve ketchup, mustard, and/or BBQ sauce on the side too!

Burger Bowls

All the flavor of a cheeseburger—no bun needed! These easy burger bowls are quick, customizable, and perfect for low-carb or gluten-free meals.
5 from 1 vote
Save This Recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Ingredients
  

For the ground beef:

  • 1 pound ground beef, or ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the special sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
  • 2 tablespoons relish, dill or sweet
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

For the bowls:

  • Shredded lettuce
  • French fries or sweet potato fries
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Tomatoes
  • Pickles
  • Red onion slices
  • Avocado slices

Instructions
 

  • Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and spices, cooking until the meat is fully browned and crumbled, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess grease, if necessary.
  • Make the special sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle juice, relish, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
  • To assemble the burger bowls, start with a base of lettuce, then add the cooked beef and your desired toppings. Finish with a generous drizzle of the special sauce and enjoy!

Notes

How to Store:
  • Store ingredients separately: Keep the cooked ground beef, chopped veggies, lettuce, and sauce in individual containers. This prevents sogginess and keeps textures just right.
  • Use airtight containers: To keep everything crisp and flavorful, store each component in well-sealed containers in the refrigerator.
  • Refrigerate for up to 4 days: Cooked ground beef will stay fresh for about 3–4 days in the fridge. Toppings like lettuce and tomato are best eaten within 2–3 days for optimal freshness.
  • Reheat beef gently: Warm the meat in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water if needed to keep it juicy.
  • Assemble when ready to eat: Wait to combine everything until just before serving to maintain the best texture—especially if you're including ingredients like fries, pickles, or avocado.

Nutrition

Calories: 378kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g, Monounsaturated Fat: 12g, Cholesterol: 92mg, Sodium: 987mg, Potassium: 376mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 187IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 29mg, Iron: 2mg
Keywords burger

Have you tried this recipe?

Leave a comment below and share a photo on Instagram. Tag @twopeasandpod and hashtag it with #twopeasandtheirpod

More Burger Recipes