Burger Bowls
A fresh twist on classic burgers, these burger bowls are packed with vibrant vegetables and a creamy sauce, offering a healthy and customizable meal option.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef (90/10) Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.75 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large heads romaine lettuce, chopped or torn
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Can be substituted with dairy-free cheese.
For the Sauce
- 1 avocado sliced (optional)
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise Can omit or substitute for lighter options.
- 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt For lighter sauce, use Greek yogurt alone.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Chop the romaine lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the pickles. Place them all in separate bowls or on a platter. Shred the cheddar cheese. Set this 'toppings station' aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, ketchup, dill pickle juice, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste it and adjust seasonings as needed. Cover and place it in the fridge until ready to serve.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir well to combine, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to toast and enhance the flavor. Remove from heat.
Assembly
- To build your bowls, start with a base of romaine lettuce in each bowl. Top with a generous scoop of seasoned beef, allowing it to slightly wilt the lettuce underneath.
- Arrange tomatoes, onions, and pickles artistically around the beef. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the warm beef, so it begins to melt. Drizzle the creamy burger sauce generously over each bowl and serve immediately.
Notes
Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of freshness on top just before serving. For a decadent touch, serve with crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top of each bowl. Consider drizzling some balsamic glaze for added sweetness and depth of flavor.