Name: Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-484960H12M28S
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Burger Bowl:; 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based protein); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup dill pickles, sliced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Optional: diced avocado, sliced jalapeños; For the Special Sauce:; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp Dijon or yellow mustard; 1 tbsp pickle juice; ¼ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp paprika; Optional: dash of hot sauce for spice

A fully loaded burger bowl with “special sauce” is everything I love about a juicy cheeseburger—minus the bun. It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, all the classic burger toppings, and drizzled with a tangy, creamy sauce that brings it all together. It’s fresh, fast, and full of flavor—basically a deconstructed burger in the best way. Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me all the satisfaction of a loaded cheeseburger but feels lighter and more customizable. It’s low-carb, quick to prepare, and perfect for meal prep. Plus, that homemade “special sauce” is so good I could eat it with a spoon. Whether I’m cutting back on bread or just want a fun, flavor-packed dinner, this bowl hits every craving.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Burger Bowl:

Ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternative)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and pepper
Romaine or iceberg lettuce (chopped)
Cherry tomatoes (halved)
Red onion (thinly sliced)
Dill pickles (sliced)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: avocado or jalapeños

For the “Special Sauce”:

Mayonnaise
Ketchup
Dijon or yellow mustard
Pickle juice
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Optional: hot sauce for a kick

Directions

I start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. I cook until browned and crumbly, then set it aside.
While the beef cooks, I whisk together all the ingredients for the special sauce in a small bowl and chill it in the fridge until ready to serve.
I prep the bowls by layering a bed of chopped lettuce, then topping it with tomatoes, red onions, pickles, shredded cheese, and the warm beef.
I drizzle with plenty of special sauce and add any extra toppings I’m craving.
I serve it immediately while the beef is hot and the veggies are crisp.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 bowls. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10–15 minutes to cook, so dinner’s on the table in under 30 minutes.

Variations

I swap the ground beef for turkey or a veggie crumble when I want something lighter.
For a low-dairy version, I leave off the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Adding avocado makes it even more indulgent.
I’ve even used chopped grilled burgers instead of ground beef for a leftovers remix.

Storage/Reheating

I store the components separately in the fridge for up to 4 days. The cooked beef reheats well in the microwave or skillet. I assemble the bowl fresh each time to keep the lettuce and toppings crisp. The sauce lasts up to a week in a sealed container.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Yes! I store the beef, veggies, cheese, and sauce separately, then assemble each bowl when I’m ready to eat so everything stays fresh.

Is this recipe keto or low-carb?

It definitely can be. Just skip any sugary ketchup or store-bought sauces and check the cheese and pickle labels to keep it keto-friendly.

Can I use premade sauce?

Sure, but I prefer the homemade special sauce—it’s fast and tastes way better than anything bottled.

What’s the best lettuce to use?

I usually go with romaine for crunch or iceberg for that classic burger feel. Spinach or mixed greens work too.

How spicy is the sauce?

It’s mild unless I add hot sauce or cayenne. I adjust it depending on who I’m feeding.

Conclusion

This fully loaded burger bowl with special sauce gives me everything I love about a classic cheeseburger, but in a lighter, fresher way. It’s quick, craveable, and endlessly customizable. Once I started making these, they quickly became a regular in my dinner rotation—and that sauce? I’m never going back to store-bought.