Ingredients
Burgers:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Bowls:
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked (optional)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons pickles, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, as needed
Instructions
- Make the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, tomato paste, mustard, minced pickles, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Whisk thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then set aside to let flavors meld.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a cast iron pan or heavy-bottom skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 7-8 minutes while breaking the meat apart with a spatula or wooden spoon until it is fully cooked and browned.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef cooks, chop the romaine lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion to prepare them for assembly.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and pickles evenly into 4 bowls. Top each with a quarter of the cooked ground beef, and add crumbled cooked bacon and shredded cheese if using.
- Add Special Sauce and Serve: Drizzle each bowl with the prepared special sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy your loaded burger bowls.
- Store Leftovers: Refrigerate any leftover cooked beef and bacon in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Keep leftover special sauce refrigerated for up to 1 week in a sealed container.
Notes
- The bacon and cheese are optional; feel free to omit for a lighter or lower-fat bowl.
- These bowls can be customized with additional toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or your favorite veggies.
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Ensure to store leftovers properly to maintain freshness and food safety.
- This recipe is naturally low-carb and gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
