Save The first time I made this, my husband looked at me like I had lost my mind when I started assembling burger ingredients into bowls instead of grabbing buns. That skepticism lasted exactly one bite before he was scraping the plate clean. Now it is our Friday night staple, that perfect when you are craving fast food but want to feel good about what you are eating situation.
Last winter when everyone was doing January detox plans, my sister insisted she could not possibly give up burgers. I threw this together on a whim and she texted me at 11pm that night saying it was the best thing she had eaten in weeks. Sometimes the simplest solutions end up being the ones that stick around longest.
Ingredients
- 500 g lean ground beef: The seasoning blend here is what makes it sing, do not be shy with the smoked paprika
- 1 head romaine lettuce: Gives you that satisfying crunch without the heaviness of a bun
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Their sweetness balances the rich beef perfectly
- 1/2 red onion: Thin slices are key here, you want brightness without overwhelming the bowl
- 2 dill pickles: The Big Mac element you absolutely cannot skip
- 100 g shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar actually works better than mild here
- 120 g mayonnaise: Real mayo makes the sauce, the low fat version just does not deliver the same creaminess
- 1 tbsp ketchup: Just enough for that familiar sweetness we all know
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard: Adds the necessary tang without being aggressive
- 1 tbsp dill pickle relish: This is the secret ingredient that makes the sauce taste authentic
Instructions
- Brown the beef with purpose:
- Heat your skillet over medium high heat until it is good and hot. Add the beef with the salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Let it get nice and browned, about 6 to 8 minutes, and drain any excess fat if you are feeling virtuous.
- Prep your crunch while the beef sizzles:
- Chop your romaine into bite sized pieces and halve those cherry tomatoes. Slice the red onion as thin as you can manage and dice the pickles into tiny, perfect squares.
- Whisk up the magic sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk until it is completely smooth and let it sit for a minute to let the flavors make friends.
- Build your masterpiece:
- Divide the lettuce among four bowls like you are creating edible landscapes. Top with the seasoned beef, then scatter tomatoes, onions, pickles, and cheddar over each bowl. Drizzle that sauce generously and watch everyone suddenly get very quiet.
Save 
Save My daughter started calling this deconstructed burger night, which sounds suspiciously fancy for something that takes 20 minutes from start to finish. But that is the thing about food that works, it does not need to be complicated to be the meal everyone talks about.
Make It Your Own
Sesame seeds sprinkled on top add that unmistakable Big Mac finish without any actual bun. Sometimes I add sliced avocado when I want something extra creamy and satisfying.
Sauce Science
The key to that special sauce is letting the ingredients meld together in the fridge. Overnight is even better, and you will find yourself putting it on everything from eggs to roasted potatoes.
Meal Prep Magic
This recipe was basically designed for weekly meal prep. Keep everything in separate containers and it stays fresh for days without getting soggy or sad.
- Store the sauce in a small mason jar for easy shaking
- Skip dressing the lettuce until you are ready to eat
- The beef actually reheats beautifully in the microwave
Save 
Save Sometimes the best recipes are not about fancy techniques or rare ingredients, but about taking something everyone already loves and making it work for how we actually eat now.
Cooking Q&A
- → Is this bowl gluten-free?
Yes, this bowl is naturally gluten-free as it eliminates the bun. Always verify that your condiments, particularly mayonnaise and mustard, are certified gluten-free.
- → Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. The special sauce can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- → What protein alternatives work well?
Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles make excellent substitutes while maintaining the bowl's satisfying texture and flavor profile.
- → How long does this keep in the fridge?
Store assembled bowls without sauce for up to 3 days. Add the special sauce just before serving to maintain the freshest texture.
- → Can I freeze the cooked beef?
Yes, season and brown the ground beef, then freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before assembling bowls.