Loaded Burger Bowl with Special Sauce Recipe

ByTaylor
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 55 reviews

If you’re craving all the juicy, savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger but want to skip the bun and carbs, then you’re in for a treat! This Loaded Burger Bowl with Special Sauce Recipe is everything you love about a burger—melty, zesty, and packed with fresh toppings—but served up in a light, bowl-friendly way that feels like a refreshing makeover. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and trust me, it’s fan-freaking-tastic, whether you’re meal prepping, hosting friends, or just hungry for something satisfying without the bun.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Flavor-Packed Special Sauce: It ties everything together with that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, sweet, and a touch of heat that keeps you coming back for more.
  • Juicy Crumbled Beef: Cooking the ground beef crumbled instead of patties gives every bite that classic burger taste with better distribution in the bowl.
  • Fresh, Crunchy Ingredients: Crisp romaine, bright cherry tomatoes, and lightly charred onions add texture and freshness that balances the richness wonderfully.
  • Customizable and Quick: Easy to tweak with your favorite toppings or dietary needs, this recipe fits a busy lifestyle without compromising on taste!
Loaded Burger Bowl with Special Sauce, burger bowl recipe, low carb burger bowl, juicy beef bowl, easy burger bowl dinner - The image shows a white bowl filled with a fresh salad arranged in layers. At the bottom, there is a base of green lettuce leaves. On top of the lettuce, there are several layers including bright red cherry tomato halves, crumbled cooked ground beef in brown color, and slices of pale green pickles sprinkled with chopped herbs. There are also thin slices of cooked meat with a golden-brown crispy texture and lightly grilled onion rings with a slightly translucent look. On one side of the bowl, there is a generous scoop of green guacamole, and pinkish creamy dressing is drizzled over the top of all the ingredients. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with halves of fresh avocado in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Loaded Burger Bowl with Special Sauce Recipe plays its part to bring you an exciting, balanced meal. From the savory beef to the creamy guacamole and special sauce, these flavors mesh together beautifully. When shopping, opt for fresh, ripe avocados and crisp lettuce to really elevate the bowl.

Loaded Burger Bowl with Special Sauce, burger bowl recipe, low carb burger bowl, juicy beef bowl, easy burger bowl dinner - Flat lay of fresh lean ground beef shaped loosely in a mound, a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow mayonnaise, a small white bowl with bright red ketchup, a small white bowl containing rich amber maple syrup, a small white bowl filled with green dill pickle relish, a small white bowl of light brown dried minced onion, a small white bowl with crushed red pepper flakes, a small white bowl of fine white salt, two medium ripe avocados halved and peeled with pits removed, a small white bowl of fresh lemon juice, a small white bowl of salt, a pile of thinly sliced vibrant red onions, two small heads of romaine lettuce with leaves roughly chopped, a cluster of halved glossy red cherry tomatoes, a small neat pile of pale green pickle chips, and several slices of thick-cut cooked bacon with crispy edges—all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged symmetrically in simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Lean ground beef: Using lean beef reduces excess fat but still delivers rich, beefy flavor.
  • Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth without overwhelming the beef.
  • Salt: Essential to bring out all the natural flavors.
  • Avocado oil: Perfect for cooking beef; it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
  • Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the special sauce, adding luscious texture.
  • Ketchup: Brings sweetness and tang to the special sauce.
  • Pure maple syrup or coconut aminos: Maple syrup adds natural sweetness; swap for coconut aminos if you’re doing Whole30.
  • Dill pickle relish: Adds zing and crunch to the sauce.
  • Dried minced onion: Boosts the savory profile of the special sauce without extra chopping.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: A little heat that wakes up your taste buds.
  • Avocados: Creamy, buttery texture for quick guacamole with fresh lemon juice.
  • Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the guacamole and prevents browning.
  • Red onions: Sautéed until lightly charred for a sweet and smoky crunch.
  • Romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing base for the bowl.
  • Cherry tomatoes: Sweet bursts that add juiciness and color.
  • Pickle chips: Tangy contrast that complements the beef and sauce.
  • Thick-cut bacon: Adds smoky, savory crunch as the final touch.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One thing I really love about this Loaded Burger Bowl with Special Sauce Recipe is how flexible it is. You can tailor it to your cravings or diet without losing any of the magic. Sometimes, I swap out the bacon for turkey bacon or add jalapeños for an extra kick.

  • Whole30-Friendly: Replace the maple syrup with coconut aminos in the special sauce to keep it compliant—I’ve done this many times and the flavor is just as addictive.
  • Veggie Variation: Try swapping the ground beef with seasoned sautéed mushrooms or Beyond Meat for a plant-based spin that still packs savory punch.
  • Tex-Mex Twist: Use lime juice instead of lemon in the guacamole to give it a bright, southwestern vibe—and pair with some corn salsa on the side.
  • Spicy Upgrade: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or some fresh sliced jalapeños for heat that wakes up the whole bowl.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Loaded Burger Bowl with Special Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Cook the Beef

Start by combining your lean ground beef with garlic powder and salt in a medium bowl. I like mixing it with my hands for the best texture. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the avocado oil, and once it shimmers, add your beef mixture. Cook it while stirring frequently—this crumbles the meat perfectly and helps it brown evenly. You’re looking for a nice caramelized color, but be careful not to brown it too quickly which can dry it out.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Special Sauce

While the beef cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, maple syrup (or coconut aminos), dill pickle relish, dried minced onion, crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. I always taste it and adjust—in some batches, I add a teaspoon more maple syrup or a little extra relish to get it just right. Set the sauce aside; it’ll be the star that ties the whole bowl together.

Step 3: Mash the Quick Guacamole

In a small bowl, mash your peeled avocados with lemon juice and salt. I use a fork and leave it a little chunky for texture, but you can go smooth if you prefer. This fresh guac adds creamy richness and a bright bite to contrast the savory beef.

Step 4: Sauté the Red Onions

Transfer the cooked beef to a bowl and set aside. Return your skillet to medium heat, add the red onion slices in a single layer—do it in batches if needed so they get nice contact with the pan. Cook until the bottoms are lightly charred then flip and char the other side. This brings out their sweetness and adds smoky flavor to the bowl.

Step 5: Assemble Your Loaded Burger Bowl with Special Sauce

Divide chopped romaine lettuce between bowls, then pile on the crumbled beef, cherry tomatoes, pickle chips, bacon crumbles, sautéed onions, and guacamole. Slather on generous drizzles of that special sauce and serve immediately. Don’t skimp on the sauce—it’s what makes this loaded burger bowl sing!

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Pro Tips for Making Loaded Burger Bowl with Special Sauce Recipe

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing onions or cooking beef, make sure there’s space in the skillet so everything browns nicely instead of steaming.
  • Taste and Adjust the Sauce: Special sauce can easily be tweaked for sweetness or tang—try a little extra relish or red pepper flakes to find your perfect balance.
  • Use Ripe Avocados for Guacamole: It’s tempting to cut corners, but ripe, creamy avocados make all the difference in the guacamole’s flavor and texture.
  • Serve Immediately: To keep the lettuce crisp and ingredients fresh, assemble bowls right before serving.

How to Serve Loaded Burger Bowl with Special Sauce Recipe

Loaded Burger Bowl with Special Sauce Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping mine with extra sliced pickles and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for color and freshness. Sometimes I add a fried egg on top for a brunch twist that adds richness and that perfect gooey yolk.

Side Dishes

This bowl is a meal on its own, but if you want sides, crispy sweet potato fries or classic kettle chips are my go-tos. For a veggie side, a crunchy cucumber salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I made this for a casual dinner party and served the burger bowls in pretty glass jars layered with all the toppings and then drizzled the sauce on top. It was a real crowd-pleaser and made the meal feel festive and fun. Perfect for summer BBQs or potlucks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover components separately—beef, guacamole, and veggies—in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresher longer and prevents the lettuce from getting soggy. The special sauce also keeps well in the fridge for about a week.

Freezing

If I have extra cooked ground beef, I usually freeze it in portioned freezer bags, which reheats easily without losing flavor. However, I don’t recommend freezing the assembled bowls or the guacamole, as the texture changes.

Reheating

To reheat the beef, just warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add fresh lettuce, toppings, and sauce after reheating for the best experience.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the special sauce ahead of time?

    Absolutely! The special sauce actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or overnight because the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container.

  2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels on condiments like ketchup and relish just to be sure.

  3. What can I substitute for ground beef?

    If you want a vegetarian version, try seasoned lentils or sautéed mushrooms as a substitute for ground beef. Plant-based ground meat alternatives work great, too.

  4. How spicy is the loaded burger bowl?

    The recipe has just a mild kick from the crushed red pepper flakes in the special sauce. You can adjust this up or down depending on your heat preference.

  5. Can I use lime juice instead of lemon in the guacamole?

    Yes! Lime juice is a fantastic substitute that gives a slightly different, more Tex-Mex flavor to the guacamole. I’ve done it many times and love the fresh zing it adds.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Burger Bowl with Special Sauce Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to make on busy nights or when I want something comforting but a little lighter than a traditional burger. It hits that perfect sweet spot of being packed with flavor, texture, and freshness all at once. I hope you give it a try and make it your own—you might find it quickly becomes your go-to meal too. Cooking it has been such a joyful, delicious experience for me, and I’m excited for you to taste the magic in your own kitchen!

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Loaded Burger Bowl with Special Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 55 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Carb
Print Recipe

Description

A delicious Fully Loaded Burger Bowl featuring seasoned ground beef, a tangy special sauce, creamy quick guacamole, and fresh vegetable toppings. This low-carb bowl offers all the classic burger flavors without the bun, making it perfect for a satisfying and wholesome meal.

Ingredients

For the Burgers

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 4 teaspoons garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon avocado oil

For the Special Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
  • 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 pinch salt

For the Quick Guacamole

  • 2 medium avocados, pit removed and peeled
  • ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Bowls (All Optional)

  • 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 2 small heads romaine lettuce leaves only, roughly chopped (about 8-9 cups total)
  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup pickle chips
  • 8-10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Burgers: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 pound lean ground beef, 4 teaspoons garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon until ingredients are well incorporated. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 teaspoon avocado oil and swirl to coat the pan. When the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef mixture. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and crumbled. While the beef cooks, prepare the guacamole and special sauce.
  3. Make the Special Sauce: In a second medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup (or 1 tablespoon coconut aminos if following Whole30), 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish, 2 teaspoons dried minced onion, 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 pinch salt. Adjust seasonings to taste and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Guacamole: In a small bowl, mash 2 medium peeled avocados with ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice and ½ teaspoon salt until smooth and combined. Set aside.
  5. Sauté the Red Onions: After the ground beef is cooked, transfer it to a plate and keep warm. Return the skillet to medium heat and add 1 cup thinly sliced red onions in a single layer. Cook without overcrowding, letting onions char lightly on one side before flipping to char the other side. Remove cooked onions and repeat with remaining slices until all are sautéed. Set aside.
  6. Assemble the Burger Bowls: Divide the roughly chopped romaine lettuce evenly into 4 serving bowls. Top each bowl with an equal portion of the cooked ground beef. Arrange cherry tomatoes, pickle chips, crumbled bacon, sautéed red onions, and guacamole around the beef. Drizzle each bowl generously with the special sauce and serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Maple Syrup: Use maple syrup for a touch of sweetness, but substitute with 1 tablespoon coconut aminos if on Whole30 diet.
  • Coconut Aminos: Use coconut aminos instead of maple syrup on Whole30. For non-Whole30, stick with maple syrup.
  • Lemon Juice: For a Tex-Mex flavor twist, replace lemon juice in guacamole with lime juice.
  • Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and calories in the dish.
  • Bacon: Thick-cut bacon adds great flavor and texture; cook until crispy for best results.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg

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