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Burger Bowls with Creamy Special Sauce

Burger Bowls with Creamy Special Sauce offer a flavorful, bun-free alternative to classic burgers. Featuring juicy seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a luscious homemade creamy sauce, these bowls are perfect for a quick, wholesome meal that satisfies cravings without the heaviness of bread. Ready in under 30 minutes, customizable, and ideal for meal prep, this recipe combines bold savory flavors with crisp textures in a convenient, gluten-free dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Seasoning

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional for cooking)

Vegetables and Greens

  • 4 cups lettuce or mixed greens, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup pickles or pickled jalapenos, sliced
  • ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Creamy Special Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp pickle juice
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
  2. Chop and Prep Veggies: While the beef cooks, wash and chop the lettuce or mixed greens. Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onions, and prepare the pickles or pickled jalapenos to add freshness and texture to your bowls.
  3. Make the Creamy Special Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle juice, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  4. Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, start with a bed of greens, then layer the cooked beef, shredded cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, and pickles. Spoon generous dollops of the creamy special sauce on top. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for added brightness.

Notes

  • Use fresh, good-quality ground beef to elevate the flavor and texture of the bowl.
  • The creamy special sauce is essential — don’t skip or replace with plain condiments for best flavor.
  • Prepare extra veggies ahead for quick assembly and meal prep convenience.
  • Balance textures by combining crunchy and soft ingredients in every bite.
  • Serve immediately after assembling to maintain the freshest flavors and best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: burger bowl, creamy special sauce, bun-free burger, low carb, quick dinner, meal prep, gluten free, ground beef recipe