These burger bowls are a fun and healthy twist on your favorite burger! Packed with fresh veggies, lean meat, and topped with zesty sauce, they make a satisfying meal.
Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings! I love adding avocado and cheese for extra yumminess. It’s like having a burger without the bun—how cool is that? 🍔🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lean Ground Beef: I recommend using 90% lean or leaner ground beef for a healthier option. If you’re looking for a leaner choice, ground turkey or chicken work great too. You could even try plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version!
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are perfect for wedges. If you want something lower in carbs, try sweet potatoes instead. Just adjust the cooking time a bit as they might cook faster.
Cheese: I love using shredded cheddar for that classic burger flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, try using a dairy-free cheese or skip it altogether—the bowls will still be tasty!
Pickles: Dill pickles add a nice tang. If you’re not a fan, try adding sliced olives or avocado for a different twist.
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef perfectly ensures it’s flavorful and tender. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to prevent sticking.
- Add the ground beef and let it sit for a minute before breaking it apart. This helps with browning.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes, draining excess fat if necessary.
Using a meat thermometer can help too; it should reach 160°F (70°C) for safety! Enjoy your deliciously cooked beef in those burger bowls!
Easy Healthy Burger Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger Bowls:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or leaner)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking beef)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 large potatoes, cut into wedges or fries
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for potatoes)
- 1 tsp paprika (for potatoes)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for potatoes)
- 1/2 tsp salt (for potatoes)
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 8-10 pickle slices
For the Burger Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp pickle juice (optional, for tang)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook, making a total time of about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a delicious weekday meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss the potato wedges with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure all the wedges are well-coated. Spread the wedges evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until they’re golden and crisp, turning them halfway through cooking.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the potatoes are baking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, and use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Make the Burger Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pickle juice (if using) until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
In serving bowls, divide the chopped romaine lettuce evenly. Top each bowl with the cooked ground beef, hot potato wedges, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Add pickle slices on top or on the side. Drizzle the homemade burger sauce generously over each bowl.
5. Serve:
Enjoy your delicious burger bowls immediately while the potatoes are still warm! Feel free to customize with extra toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado, or onions based on your preferences.
Enjoy the flavor of a burger with less bun and more wholesome nutrition in these easy, healthy burger bowls!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives. Just make sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian option, swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or black beans. You can also add more veggie toppings to enhance the flavor!
What Should I Do With Leftover Burger Bowls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. To keep the lettuce crisp, consider storing the toppings separately and adding them fresh before serving.
Can I Prep This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the potatoes, ground beef, and burger sauce ahead of time. Just store each component separately in the fridge and assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat for maximum freshness!
