No bun? No problem! With this burger bowl recipe, you can savor all the flavors of a classic burger without the bun.
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Burger In A Bowl Recipe
If you’re anything like me, you love the idea of a juicy, flavorful burger but sometimes crave something a bit lighter and fresher.
That’s why these burger bowls are perfect. They’ve got all your favorite burger toppings in a way that feels a bit more balanced with a special sauce.
It’s a fun, deconstructed version where you can savor each ingredient, from the seasoned beef to the crisp lettuce and tangy homemade sauce. Plus, they’re easy to customize, so everyone in the family gets exactly what they want. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll reach for this recipe whenever you want that burger fix without the bun.
Ingredients & Estimated Cost:
Here is everything you need to make burger bowls, as well as a few recommendations for substitutions.
- Lean Ground beef (1½ pounds – $8.15) – Use ground turkey for a milder taste.
- Onion powder (1½ teaspoons – $0.10) – Substitute one small onion that you finely mince for a stronger onion taste.
- Garlic powder (1½ teaspoons – $0.10) – You can use two fresh minced garlic cloves for the same garlic flavor.
- Salt (1½ teaspoons – $0.01) – Enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Use kosher or sea salt.
- Black pepper (¾ teaspoons – $0.03) – Adds a mild heat.
- Shredded iceberg lettuce (9 cups – $2.76) – Use romaine lettuce as an alternative.
- Roma tomatoes (3 – $0.75) – Cherry tomatoes are a great substitute.
- Diced dill pickles – (1½ cups – $0.92) – Adds a crunchy tang.
- Red onion (1 medium – $0.50) – Brings a slight sweetness and sharpness to the burger bowls. You can use a yellow onion for a milder flavor.
- Mayonnaise (¾ cup – $0.68) – The creamy base of the sauce. Use Greek Yogurt as a substitute.
- Ketchup (4½ Tablespoons – $0.23) – Adds a sweetness to the sauce.
- Pickle juice – (4½ Tablespoons – $0.23) – Lemon juice or white vinegar will work in a pinch if you do not have pickle juice.
- Yellow mustard – (1½ Tablespoons – $0.03) – Balances the flavors in the sauce. Dijon mustard will work as a substitute.
- Dill relish (1½ Tablespoons – $0.09) – Adds a sweet and tangy, crunchy texture to the sauce. Sweet pickle relish will also work.
The recipe cost is calculated based on the amounts needed and will vary due to fluctuating grocery costs. The pricing for this recipe was updated in September 2025.
How To Make Burger Bowls
Cook the beef, make the sauce, build your bowls, and serve. Let me show you how.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, then season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle juice, and dill relish until smooth.
- Evenly divide the shredded iceberg lettuce among 6 bowls. Top with chopped tomatoes, diced pickles, and thinly sliced red onion. Add the cooked ground beef to each bowl.
- Evenly pour the sauce over each bowl before serving.
Recipe Variations
Love the idea of customizing your burger experience? This recipe is all about options! Here are some ideas to explore:
- Swap shredded iceberg lettuce for spinach, kale, or a mix of greens.
- Substitute ground beef with grilled chicken, turkey, or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes.
- For extra richness, add diced avocado or crumbled cheese.
- Top it off with crispy bacon bits or fried onions.
The possibilities are endless! Get creative and build your perfect burger bowl.
Burger Bowls
Recipe Cost 14.58 Serving Cost 2.43Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- large skillet
- Wooden mixing spoon
Ingredients
For the Burger Meat:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad:
- 9 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 3 Roma tomatoes chopped
- 1 ½ cups diced dill pickles
- 1 medium red onion thinly sliced
Sauce:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 4 ½ Tablespoons ketchup
- 4 ½ Tablespoons pickle juice
- 1 ½ Tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 ½ Tablespoons dill relish
Instructions
Cook the Beef:
- In your large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat with the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook until the beef is fully cooked through, then remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle juice, and dill relish until well combined.
Build Your Bowls:
- Divide the shredded iceberg lettuce evenly among 6 bowls.
- Top with chopped tomatoes, diced pickles, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Add generous portions of cooked ground beef to each bowl.
- Drizzle the homemade sauce over each bowl, making sure to coat everything evenly.
Serve:
- Dig in and enjoy this delicious deconstructed burger experience.
Notes
Nutrition
Easy Burger Bowl Recipe FAQs
Yes. Cook the beef and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and assemble the bowls just before serving.
I believe it is best when the beef is warm, but the rest of the salad can be cold or at room temperature.
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