Description
A bun-free Loaded Burger Bowl packed with seasoned ground beef, crisp romaine, tomatoes, pickles, bacon, creamy guacamole, and a dreamy “special sauce” drizzle—ready fast for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
1 pound lean ground beef
4 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
1 teaspoon avocado oil (or melted refined coconut oil)
For the Special Sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 teaspoons pure maple syrup (or 1 tablespoon coconut aminos for Whole30)
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 (pitted and peeled)
1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
For the Bowls (Optional Toppings)
1 cup thinly sliced red onion
2 small heads romaine lettuce, chopped (about 8–9 cups)
1 1/2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup pickle chips (plus more to taste)
8–10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
Mix the beef: In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, and salt until mixed.
Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil. When hot, add beef and cook, stirring often, until browned and crumbled.
Make the special sauce: In another bowl, whisk mayo, ketchup, maple syrup (or coconut aminos), relish, dried onion, red pepper flakes, and salt. Taste and adjust.
Make the guacamole: In a small bowl, mash avocados with lemon juice and salt. Set aside.
Char the onions (optional): Remove cooked beef from skillet. Add sliced red onions in a single layer (work in batches). Cook until lightly charred on both sides.
Assemble the bowls: Divide romaine into 4 bowls. Add beef to the center. Arrange tomatoes, pickles, bacon, onions, guacamole, and any other toppings around it.
Sauce it up: Drizzle special sauce on top and serve right away (extra sauce encouraged!).
Notes
Whole30 option: Use coconut aminos instead of maple syrup, and choose compliant mayo/ketchup if needed.
Make-ahead tip: Store beef, sauce, and toppings separately; assemble just before eating for the freshest crunch.
Adjust to taste: Add more pickles for tang, more red pepper flakes for heat, or extra sauce for maximum “burger vibes.”
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop / Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 54 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 34 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg