Make this burger in a bowl as light or as loaded as you’d like! It’s a healthy gluten-free, low-carb, whole 30 alternative to a traditional hamburger. It’s perfect for lunch on the go or a light dinner at home!
Table of Contents
Loaded Burger Bowls
These burger bowls are the perfect low-carb meal for a quick lunch or easy dinner. It has the same flavor as a classic burger but without the hamburger bun. It’s light enough that it won’t weigh you down, but it’s super filling and very delicious.
A burger salad bowl comes together so easily, it will become a go-to meal throughout the summer. It’s a great way to enjoy a salad with an extra source of protein, and if you aren’t worried about carbs you can enjoy as many homemade fries now as you want!
It’s the perfect way to use leftover meat whether it’s from a grilled hamburger, baked hamburger, or fried on a skillet.
Serve on busy weeknights, weekend dinners when the last thing you want to do is heat up your oven, or a quick lunch to pack for work. Customize to your liking with your favorite toppings like ranch dressing, which is my favorite, or this delicious homemade burger sauce (aka special sauce).
Why This Recipe Works
- It’s ready in under 30 minutes.
- Easy to customize based on what you have on hand.
- Perfect for a low carb or keto diet.
- A healthy dinner idea that will curb those burger cravings without the guilt!
Burger in a Bowl Ingredients
Start with the base ingredients below, then load it up with your other favorite toppings and get ready to eat your deconstructed burger with a fork!
See full printable recipe below.
- Ground beef: I typically use ground beef that’s 80% lean with 20% fat. This way it’s still juicy with great flavor. Use leaner ground beef or ground turkey for a less fatty burger.
- Seasonings: A simple mix of Kosher salt, black pepper and garlic powder are used to season the burger patties.
- Spinach: The base of the burger bowls are made with fresh baby spinach.
- Tomatoes: Look for ripe and juicy cherry tomatoes.
- Ranch dressing: Drizzled on top for the finishing touch!
Variations
These healthy burger bowls are easy to customize, so feel free to switch to a turkey burger for an even lighter option. Swap the spinach with crispy chopped romaine, or use roma tomatoes instead of cherry. A flavorful burger sauce always works great as the dressing!
Extra Toppings
So, is it a burger or a salad? It’s basically both! Ok, that’s not true, it’s definitely not a traditional burger, but if you build the burger salad bowl exactly as you would your favorite burger, then I promise you, you won’t miss the bun!
- Melt cheese on top of the burger or add shredded cheese in bowl
- Diced or sliced avocado
- Sliced or crumbled bacon
- Sweet or dill pickles
- Fry sauce
- Ketchup and mustard
- Sliced red onions, pickled onions or caramelized onions
- A fried egg
- Croutons
How to Make Burger Bowls
- Cook the burgers. Combine the beef and seasonings in a small bowl. Then use your hands to form the meat mixture into 4 patties. Place in the skillet and cook each side over medium-high heat for about 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate.
- Build your bowl. Layer the spinach into the base of four bowls, followed by the tomatoes and any other desired toppings. Add the burger in the center of the bowl. You can leave it whole or cut into pieces.
- Drizzle with dressing. Drizzle the dressing on top of the salad and then enjoy immediately!
Recipe FAQs
They sure are! The patties are made with a mix of ground beef and seasonings, which include almost no carbs. The burger bowl toppings are what you need to watch out for! To keep keto, use low carb toppings such as greens or cheese to load up your bowl.
This burger bowl recipe is! It’s filled with protein, fiber and is low in carbs. Stick with better-for-you toppings like diced avocado, red onions or pickles to keep it on the healthier side.
Sure! Making baked hamburgers is a little more hands off and is just as delicious. Prepare the patty as directed, then bake at 425°F for about 15 minutes.
Expert Tips
- Cook meat to an internal temperature of 155ºF – but don’t overcook it. You still want it juicy and full of flavor.
- Drain excess grease before adding to salad. You don’t want to taste that extra fat in there.
- Keep the patty whole or crumble it up, the choice is yours.
- Cut similar sizes. I like to chop up my lettuce in bite-size pieces as well as cut the tomatoes in half. Then any additional toppings to match so that it’s not an overwhelming bite.
- For a little added seasoning sprinkle in some hamburger seasoning to the meat before cooking. You can even make your favorite burger variation, like an Italian burger or Greek chicken burger.
- Thinking about a different kind of meat? Turkey or chicken burgers work too!
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Burger in a Bowl
Ingredients
Burger
- 1 pound ground beef , could sub for ground turkey
- ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Bowl
- 8 cups spinach , I used a mix of spinach and romaine
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes , cut in half
- ½ cup ranch dressing
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, pickles, avocado, onions, crumbled bacon, croutons
Instructions
- Combine the hamburger, salt, garlic powder and pepper in a small bowl. Then form 4 patties and press a thumbprint into the center. Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 155ºF. Remove to a plate lined with paper towel to catch any extra grease.
- While the hamburgers are cooling, prepare your greens and desired toppings. I like to chop the spinach and lettuce into smaller bite sized pieces.
- Divide the greens into the base of four bowls. Then add desired toppings. Once the hamburgers have slightly cooled, add to the center of the bowl. You can leave it whole or chop into bite sized pieces.
- Drizzle 2 Tablespoons of dressing over the top. Enjoy soon after. This salad is best served the first day.
Notes
-
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Then place a cooling rack on top of the foil wrapped pan.
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Place burgers on rack and cook for 15 minutes, or until juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 155°F.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 30 Minute Meals, 30 Minute Meals, 5 Ingredients Or Less, American, Beef, Dinner, Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Salads
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
Love this!! It seems like burgers are on the menu all summer, so this will be a great alternative & tastes just as yummy!
Great idea!! Same great flavor, but less carbs! This is my go-to when I want something more healthy, but delicious & filling!
I love that you can still have the flavor of a burger, but a lot healthier! The combo of everything is perfection!
Thank you so much for sharing this very easy to make and tasty burger in a bowl recipe! Fam really loves it and always want more! Will make it again!