Name: Healthy Burger in a Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 avocado, sliced; 1/2 red onion, sliced; 2 large pickles, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 4 tbsp sour cream; 4 tbsp ketchup; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp maple syrup; Salt and black pepper, to taste

If you’ve been craving the comforting flavors of a juicy burger but want to skip the bun and extra carbs, you’re going to fall in love with this Healthy Burger in a Bowl Recipe. It captures all the deliciousness of a classic burger—seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, creamy avocado, and tangy pickles—without derailing your healthy eating goals. Ready in just 20 minutes, this vibrant bowl is a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep star that satisfies your burger cravings while packing a nutritious punch. Let’s dive into how to bring this simple yet flavor-packed recipe to life!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two stages of cooking ground beef in a white pan on a white marbled surface. The left side shows raw ground beef with seasonings sprinkled on top, including black pepper and salt, creating a mix of red meat and light beige spices with a slightly oily texture. The right side shows cooked ground beef, now brown and crumbly, evenly spread out in the same pan with a wooden spatula resting inside. The cooking transforms the meat from moist and red to firm and brown. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Healthy Burger in a Bowl Recipe lies in its straightforward and wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the lean ground beef adds protein and richness, fresh romaine lettuce contributes crispness and color, and the homemade burger sauce ties everything together with just the right amount of tang and sweetness.

Romaine lettuce: Provides a crunchy, refreshing base to replace traditional burger buns.
Lean ground beef (1 lb): The star protein, packed with flavor but keeping things light and healthy.
Garlic powder (1 tsp + 1/2 tsp): Adds savory depth to both the beef and the sauce with its warm aroma.
Onion powder (1 tsp + 1/2 tsp): Enhances the burger flavor without overpowering it.
Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs that brightens the beef and adds complexity.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all other flavors.
Sour cream (4 tbsp): Creates a creamy, tangy base in the sauce to mimic classic burger toppings.
Ketchup (4 tbsp): Brings just the right hint of sweetness and tomato tang to the sauce.
Soy sauce (2 tbsp): Adds umami richness to deepen the sauce’s flavor profile.
Maple syrup (1/2 tsp): A subtle natural sweetener that balances the tangy and salty notes in the sauce.
Avocado (1, sliced): Provides creamy texture and healthy fats for an indulgent touch.
Red onion (1/2, sliced): Offers sharpness and crunch that contrast beautifully with the rich beef.
Pickles (2, sliced): Bring that iconic tang and satisfying snap you expect from a burger.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Brighten the bowl with juicy bursts of freshness and color.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Healthy Burger in a Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Cooking the Ground Beef

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and adding your lean ground beef. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, along with salt and black pepper to taste. This blend of spices turns your simple beef into a flavor-packed base. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to break it up evenly.

Step 2: Drain and Rest

Once browned, carefully drain off any excess liquid or fat from the skillet. This keeps the bowl from becoming soggy and helps the beef hold onto its bold, meaty flavor. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside as you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Whip Up the Burger Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together 4 tablespoons sour cream, 4 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy, tangy sauce brings all the burger flavors together with a hint of sweetness and a savory kick.

Step 4: Assemble Your Healthy Burger in a Bowl

Grab your favorite bowls and start by layering chopped romaine lettuce on the bottom. Add a generous serving of the cooked ground beef next. Top with slices of creamy avocado, thinly sliced red onion, crunchy pickles, and halved cherry tomatoes. The variety of textures and colors makes every bite exciting and nutritious.

Step 5: Drizzle and Season

Finish the bowl off by drizzling your homemade burger sauce generously over the top. Add a light sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance those bold, fresh flavors. Now your Healthy Burger in a Bowl Recipe is ready to devour!

How to Serve Healthy Burger in a Bowl Recipe

A close-up of a white bowl filled with a thick, smooth, creamy light orange sauce. The sauce has a glossy texture with soft swirls on the surface, and there is a silver spoon partially dipped into it, resting inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Feel free to add extra garnishes like fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of herbal brightness. A sprinkle of shredded cheese or a few slices of jalapeño can turn up the indulgence and add exciting layers of taste.

Side Dishes

Pairing your burger bowl with light side dishes keeps the meal balanced. A crisp cucumber salad, roasted sweet potato wedges, or even a simple fruit salad complement the bowl perfectly, adding refreshing variety without overwhelming those burger flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this at a casual gathering or meal prep session, try layering ingredients in mason jars or clear containers for a visually stunning presentation. You can also serve the beef and toppings on individual leaf wraps for a fun handheld twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cooked beef and chopped veggies separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents sogginess. The burger sauce can also be kept in a small jar or container for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked ground beef indefinitely, but for best flavor, freeze it in portions you’ll use within 1 to 2 months. Avoid freezing the fresh vegetables or sauce as their texture might change upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat the beef gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Assemble the bowl fresh after reheating to keep the lettuce and toppings crisp and vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully in this recipe for a lighter option. Just adjust cooking time to ensure your meat is fully cooked.

Is this recipe suitable for keto or low-carb diets?

Yes, the Healthy Burger in a Bowl Recipe is naturally low in carbs and perfect for keto diet followers since it swaps the bun for fresh lettuce and focuses on protein and healthy fats.

What can I substitute if I don’t have sour cream?

You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to keep that creamy texture with a little extra protein, or use mayonnaise if you prefer a richer flavor.

Can I make the burger sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! The sauce can be mixed and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making meal prep a breeze when you’re short on time.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, try swapping out the ground beef for crumbled tempeh, cooked lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute seasoned similarly for that savory flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Burger in a Bowl Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy all the satisfying flavors of a traditional burger without the extra carbs and guilt. It’s simple, quick, and endlessly customizable, making it a new favorite for busy weeknights or meal prep. Trust me, once you dig into this colorful, nutrient-packed bowl, you’ll keep coming back for more—so why not give it a try today?

Healthy Burger in a Bowl Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need