Hey y'all! Craving a juicy burger but looking for something a little lighter and easier to customize? This Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with Homemade Sauce is seriously everything you love about a burger nestled in a crisp, fresh bowl—no bun required! It's perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you just want to treat yourself to something mouthwateringly satisfying. Grab your favorite toppings and let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with Homemade Sauce
- All the bold, familiar burger flavors in every single bite—no soggy buns.
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings and perfect for picky eaters or dietary needs.
- Quick to whip up—ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Lower in carbs but still incredibly filling and hearty.
- The tangy, creamy homemade burger sauce pulls everything together beautifully.
Ingredients for the Best Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with Homemade Sauce
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup dill pickle slices
- 1 avocado, diced
- ¼ cup cooked bacon crumbles (optional but recommended)
For the Homemade Burger Sauce:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
How to Make a Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with Homemade Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef; season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook, breaking up meat, for 6-8 minutes or until fully browned and slightly crispy. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Make the Homemade Burger Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients: mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Whisk together until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Burger Bowls
- Divide lettuce between 4 bowls. Top with cooked beef, cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion, pickles, avocado, and bacon (if using).
- Drizzle generously with homemade burger sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, fully loaded burger bowl!
Notes for Your Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with Homemade Sauce
- If you prefer, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option (learn more).
- For extra crunch, toss in a handful of roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds.
- Crisp up your bacon in the oven while you cook your beef (oven bacon tutorial).
Variations on the Classic Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with Homemade Sauce
- Tex-Mex Bowl: Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, add a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the beef, and top with salsa and jalapeños.
- Veggie Burger Bowl: Use a plant-based ground or black bean burger crumbles.
- Breakfast Burger Bowl: Add a fried or poached egg and swap sauce for a spicy sriracha mayo.
Required Equipment for Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with Homemade Sauce
- Large skillet or non-stick frying pan
- Mixing bowl (for burger sauce)
- Cutting board and knife
- Spatula
- Salad bowls for serving
Storage Instructions for Burger Bowl Leftovers
Store all Fully Loaded Burger Bowl components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The cooked beef will keep for up to 4 days. The homemade burger sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Only assemble bowls when ready to eat to keep the lettuce crisp. Learn more about safe storage.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with Homemade Sauce
- Serve with a side of sweet potato fries or crispy roasted potatoes.
- Pair with an ice-cold homemade lemonade or your favorite beer on a warm day.
- For extra greens, add a crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with Homemade Sauce
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a meltier, creamier texture.
- Let the cooked beef rest for 2 minutes before topping your bowl to keep the lettuce from wilting.
- Try grilling the beef for a smoky, outdoor flavor (burger-grilling tips).
Fully Loaded Burger Bowl with Homemade Sauce FAQ
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes! Prep all your ingredients separately, and assemble bowls fresh when you’re ready to eat for best texture.
- Is this burger bowl gluten-free?
- Absolutely—just confirm your condiments (ketchup, mustard) are gluten-free brands.
- Can I use a different protein?
- Of course! Ground turkey, chicken, or a veggie alternative work great in this burger bowl recipe.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup red onion, sliced
- ¼ cup dill pickles, diced
- 2 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
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1In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
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2While the beef cooks, prepare the homemade sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, dill pickle juice, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Set aside.
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3Assemble the bowls by dividing romaine lettuce among four bowls. Top each with cooked ground beef, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, red onion, dill pickles, and crumbled bacon.
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4Drizzle the homemade sauce generously over each bowl.
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5Serve immediately and enjoy your fully loaded burger bowl!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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