Easy Loaded Burger Bowls Without the Bun

Burger Bowls are a low-carb, high-flavor twist on the classic burger—no bun required. I pile all my favorite burger toppings into a hearty bowl, layering juicy ground beef with crisp lettuce, fresh veggies, melty cheese, and a creamy sauce. It’s everything I love about a burger in a lighter, fork-friendly format that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe gives me the satisfaction of a juicy cheeseburger while keeping things fresh and balanced. It’s easy to customize, comes together fast, and works great for meal prep. Whether I’m watching my carbs or just want something different from the usual sandwich, burger bowls let me enjoy all the best parts of a burger—without the heaviness of a bun.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef (or turkey or chicken)

• Onion powder

• Garlic powder

• Salt and pepper

• Romaine lettuce or mixed greens

• Cherry tomatoes, halved

• Pickles or pickle chips

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Red onions, thinly sliced

• Burger sauce or dressing (like thousand island, ranch, or a homemade special sauce)

Directions

1. I start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, seasoning it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Once cooked, I drain any excess grease and set the meat aside to cool slightly.

3. While the beef cooks, I chop the lettuce, slice the onions, halve the tomatoes, and prep any other toppings.

4. In individual bowls, I layer the greens first, then add the beef, followed by cheese, pickles, onions, and tomatoes.

5. I finish each bowl with a generous drizzle of burger sauce and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• I like to add avocado or guacamole for extra creaminess.

• Swapping the beef for grilled chicken or plant-based crumbles makes it flexible for different diets.

• When I want a spicy kick, I throw in sliced jalapeños or use spicy mayo as the dressing.

• A sprinkle of chicken bits adds crunch and a smoky flavor.

• I sometimes serve the toppings over roasted sweet potatoes or cauliflower rice for more heartiness.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cooked beef separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
When I’m ready to eat, I reheat the meat in the microwave or skillet and assemble the bowl fresh to keep the veggies crisp.
I don’t recommend freezing the full bowls, but the meat itself freezes well for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, I often use ground turkey when I want something leaner. I just make sure to season it well so it’s flavorful.

What’s the best sauce for burger bowls?

I love using a homemade burger sauce made with mayo, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice, but store-bought thousand island or ranch also works great.

How do I make this dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, I skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative, and double-check the dressing ingredients.

Can I prep these ahead for the week?

Absolutely. I cook the meat and chop the toppings ahead, then store everything separately and assemble just before eating to keep it fresh.

Are burger bowls keto-friendly?

Yes, if I keep the ingredients low in carbs—like lettuce, pickles, cheese, and sugar-free sauce—they’re perfect for a keto lifestyle.

Conclusion

Burger Bowls are one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something satisfying, simple, and totally customizable. They’re quick to throw together, great for meal prep, and a fun way to enjoy burger night without the bun. I love how I can change up the toppings and sauces depending on my mood. Once I started making these, they became a regular in my weekly rotation.

Easy Loaded Burger Bowls Without the Bun

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish, Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Easy Loaded Burger Bowls Without the Bun deliver all the juicy, cheesy flavor of a classic burger in a lighter, low-carb bowl. Perfect for meal prep, keto diets, or quick weeknight dinners, they’re customizable, crave-worthy, and ready in just 20 minutes.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup pickles or pickle chips
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup red onions, thinly sliced
• ½ cup burger sauce or dressing (e.g., thousand island, ranch, or homemade sauce)

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Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside to cool slightly.

3. While the beef cooks, chop lettuce, slice onions, halve tomatoes, and prep other toppings.

4. In bowls, layer greens, beef, cheese, pickles, onions, and tomatoes.

5. Drizzle with burger sauce and serve immediately.

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Notes

• Add avocado or guacamole for creaminess.
• Use grilled chicken or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences.
• Top with jalapeños or spicy mayo for heat.
• Sprinkle on chicken bits for a smoky crunch.
• Serve over sweet potatoes or cauliflower rice for a heartier bowl.
• Store beef separately and assemble fresh to keep veggies crisp.