Low Carb Burger Bowl

Featured in Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion.

Simple deconstructed burger with beef, veggies, and sauce. 20 minutes, 360 calories, low-carb, serves 4.
Barbara Chef
Updated on Mon, 14 Apr 2025 21:16:01 GMT
A colorful bowl filled with burger-inspired ingredients and fresh greens. Pin it
A colorful bowl filled with burger-inspired ingredients and fresh greens. | cookwithcarla.com

Ditch the bun but keep all the tasty flavors with this hearty bowl that tackles your burger cravings. You'll get the juicy seasoned beef, crunchy fresh veggies, and a rich creamy sauce - just without the carbs. It's a fuller, more nutritious take on burger night that doesn't skimp on satisfaction. Great for folks cutting carbs or anyone wanting a fresher spin on their usual burger fix.

I whipped this up during a health phase when I was dying for a burger but didn't want anything too heavy. Now my whole family asks for it regularly, and everyone gets to make theirs just how they like it.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Go for lean ground beef: gives the best outcome
  • Crisp romaine lettuce: delivers that needed crunch
  • Soft ripe avocado: adds good fats
  • Small cherry tomatoes: pop with juicy flavor
  • Signature sauce: pulls everything together

Step-By-Step Bowl Building

Step 1: Prepping the Beef
  • Mix spices completely
  • Brown it just right
  • Pour off extra fat
Step 2: Whipping Up Sauce
  • Stir everything until creamy
  • Tweak flavors as needed
  • Store in fridge until ready
Step 3: Getting Veggies Ready
  • Cut everything right before serving
  • Make pieces about the same size
  • Thoroughly dry your lettuce
Step 4: Putting It Together
  • Begin with greens at bottom
  • Add warm meat next
  • Top with cool veggies
Step 5: Finishing Touches
  • Pour sauce over top
  • Add salt and pepper if needed
  • Eat while it's fresh
A mouthwatering deconstructed burger loaded with colorful veggies in a convenient bowl format. Pin it
A mouthwatering deconstructed burger loaded with colorful veggies in a convenient bowl format. | cookwithcarla.com

After making these bowls tons of times, I've figured out that getting your ingredients prepped right makes all the difference. Now I always chop my veggies while my beef is cooking so everything stays super fresh and crunchy.

Great Sides To Serve

  • Baked sweet potato wedges on the side
  • Some tangy pickled veggies
  • A fizzy glass of kombucha
  • Homemade lemonade when it's hot out
A bunless burger creation showing off juicy meat and colorful fresh toppings in a bowl. Pin it
A bunless burger creation showing off juicy meat and colorful fresh toppings in a bowl. | cookwithcarla.com

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Keep all parts in different sealed containers. The meat stays good for 3-4 days, while cut veggies last about 2-3 days. Don't mix everything until you're ready to eat for the freshest taste.

Mix It Up With These Twists

  • Swap in ground turkey for something lighter
  • Toss in some caramelized onions
  • Try mixing different lettuce types
  • Play around with new sauce flavors
  • Sprinkle on some cheese as a treat

Final Thoughts

This bunless burger bowl shows you can enjoy all your favorite burger flavors without needing bread. It's perfect if you're counting carbs, prepping meals ahead, or just want a fresher take on your burger fix. The secret's in using good ingredients and putting it together right. Add whatever toppings you love most and enjoy this healthier twist on comfort food that still hits the spot every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is this dish suitable for keto?
Absolutely! Each serving has only 17g of carbs, fitting a keto or low-carb eating plan.
→ Can I prep this in advance?
Sure thing! Store all parts separately and assemble before eating. Keep sauces on the side.
→ What's the best type of ground beef to use?
Go for lean options like 93/7 or 90/10. They're flavorful while keeping it lighter.
→ Is there an alternative to sour cream?
Greek yogurt works just fine and makes it lighter but just as tasty.
→ How can I skip dairy?
You can leave out the sour cream or try cashew cream as a dairy-free swap.

Low Carb Burger Bowl

A creative twist on a burger: fresh greens, creamy avocado, crunchy veggies, and a special topping. Great for low-carb lifestyles.

Prep Time
13 Minutes
Cook Time
7 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 bowls)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1 pound ground beef (lean)
02 1 teaspoon onion powder
03 Salt and pepper, add as needed
04 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 1 teaspoon Italian herb mix
06 1 large romaine lettuce head, cut into pieces

→ Burger Sauce

07 4 tablespoons ketchup
08 4 tablespoons sour cream
09 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 2 tablespoons soy sauce
11 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
12 Salt and pepper, adjust to your taste
13 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup

→ Veggies

14 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
15 2 pickles, sliced up
16 1 avocado, cut into slices
17 1/2 of a red onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

Step 01

Prepare your lettuce by chopping it, then slice your avocado, onion, pickles, and halve your tomatoes.

Step 02

Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and some salt and pepper onto the ground beef.

Step 03

In a skillet, cook the seasoned ground beef until it’s fully browned.

Step 04

Combine sour cream, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, maple syrup, plus some salt and pepper in a bowl for the sauce.

Step 05

Start with a layer of lettuce in each bowl, then pile on the beef and veggies. Finish with a drizzle of that sauce.

Notes

  1. Keep the ingredients separate if you’re planning to pack them as meal prep.
  2. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream if you’d like.
  3. Works wonders for low-carb or gluten-free meals.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife (sharp!)
  • Cutting board
  • Skillet or frying pan

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • The sauce contains dairy.
  • Soy is included in the sauce.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 360
  • Total Fat: 21 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 17 g
  • Protein: 26 g