Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce” (Whole30, Paleo, Low Carb)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Fully Loaded Burger Bowl because it captures all the flavors of a classic hamburger without the bun. It’s a satisfying and mouthwatering salad-style dish that combines crumbled ground beef, your choice of meat, fresh vegetables, creamy guacamole, and a tangy “special sauce.” Whether I’m following Whole30, Paleo, or simply looking for a low-carb meal, this bowl is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional burgers.

Ingredients

For the Burger:

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 4 teaspoons garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)

• 1 teaspoon avocado oil or melted refined coconut oil

For the Special Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (see Notes)

• 2 tablespoons ketchup (see Notes)

• 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup or 1 tablespoon coconut aminos (if on Whole30, see Notes)

• 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish

• 2 teaspoons dried minced onion

• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)

• 1 pinch salt (more or less to taste)

For the Quick Guacamole:

• 2 medium avocados (pit removed, peeled)

• ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice (juice from approximately half of 1 lemon)

• ½ teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)

For the Burger Bowls:

• 2 small heads romaine lettuce, sliced and root discarded

• 1½ cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)

• 1½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup pickles, or more to taste

(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Burger Meat:
   In a medium bowl, mix together the ground beef, garlic powder, and salt. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef mixture and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set aside. Note: For the chicken, if you’re using shredded or cubed cooked chicken, you can skip the cooking step and simply warm it in the skillet.

2. Make the Special Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, maple syrup (or coconut aminos for Whole30), dill pickle relish, dried minced onion, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Guacamole:
   In a medium bowl, mash together the avocado, lemon juice, and salt until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

4. Assemble the Burger Bowls:
   Divide the sliced romaine lettuce among serving bowls. Top each with a portion of the cooked ground beef or chicken, crumbled meat of choice, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, pickles, and a scoop of guacamole. Drizzle generously with the special sauce and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or grilled portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

• Dairy-Free: Ensure the mayonnaise used is dairy-free to keep the dish compliant with a dairy-free diet.

• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the special sauce for an extra kick.

• Different Meats: Swap turkey or even ground lamb for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cooked ground beef or chicken and special sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. The guacamole is best consumed fresh but can be stored with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize browning.

• Reheating: Reheat the ground beef or chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Assemble the bowls with fresh toppings just before serving.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe Whole30 compliant?

To make this recipe Whole30 compliant, use coconut aminos instead of maple syrup in the special sauce and ensure all other ingredients are Whole30-approved.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and season it well to enhance flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Prepare the components ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the bowls when ready to eat for a quick and satisfying meal.

Can I add cheese to this recipe?

If you’re not following a dairy-free or Whole30 diet, feel free to add cheese such as cheddar or Swiss for extra flavor.

How can I make the special sauce spicier?

To add heat to the special sauce, incorporate more crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to taste.

Conclusion

This Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce” is a delightful and healthy alternative to traditional burgers. It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and customizable to suit various dietary preferences. Whether I’m following Whole30, Paleo, or simply seeking a low-carb meal, this bowl satisfies my cravings and keeps me nourished. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious twist on the classic burger!