Loaded Burger Bowl with “Special Sauce”

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Picture this: all the juicy, cheesy, saucy flavors of a backyard burger—minus the bun, minus the mess. That’s exactly what you get with this Loaded Burger Bowl. It’s everything you love about a burger, packed into a vibrant bowl that’s Whole30, paleo, and low carb friendly. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want comfort food without the carb crash.

This recipe has become one of my family’s go-to dinners. My kids call it “burger salad night,” and honestly, they’re way more excited about this than a regular ol’ salad. And the best part? That creamy, tangy special sauce that ties everything together. Trust me, you’ll be drizzling it on everything.

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Burger Bowl

Low carb, Whole30, and paleo friendly—but still tastes like a treat.
Customizable! Add your favorite toppings or swap ingredients.
Quick to make. Most of it is just cook, chop, assemble, and enjoy.
The special sauce takes it over the top (seriously, don’t skip it).

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Burgers:

1 lb lean ground beef
4 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp avocado oil

For the Special Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
2 tsp pure maple syrup
1 tbsp dill pickle relish
2 tsp dried minced onion
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
Pinch salt

For the Guacamole:

2 medium avocados
½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp salt

Bowl Toppings:

1 cup thinly sliced red onion
2 small heads romaine lettuce, chopped
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes
½ cup pickle chips
8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled

How to Make Loaded Burger Bowl

1. Cook the Burger Meat

In a bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, and salt. Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and crumbly. If you want extra flavor, let the meat sit untouched for a minute or two to get those crispy edges before stirring. When fully cooked, transfer to a bowl and set aside.

2. Whip Up the Special Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, maple syrup, pickle relish, minced onion, crushed red pepper, and a pinch of salt. Taste it—if you like it tangier, add more pickle relish; for sweetness, a tiny splash more maple syrup. Cover and set aside so the flavors can mingle while you prep the rest.

3. Mash the Guacamole

Cut the avocados in half, remove pits, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash with a fork along with lemon juice and salt until creamy. If you love a chunkier texture, mash lightly and fold in some diced avocado pieces at the end.

4. Sauté the Onions

Using the same skillet (hello, fewer dishes!), lay the sliced red onions in a single layer. Let them cook until lightly charred on the bottom, then flip and cook the other side. Work in batches if needed—this gives the onions a smoky sweetness that pairs perfectly with the beef.

5. Assemble Your Bowls

Divide romaine lettuce between bowls. Pile the ground beef right in the center—this is your star! Surround it with cherry tomatoes, pickle chips, crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and a hearty scoop of guacamole. Now comes the fun part: drizzle on that glorious special sauce. Add extra on the side for dipping your bacon or tomatoes—because why not?

A Little Story From My Kitchen

When I first made this recipe, it was out of sheer desperation on a weeknight when I had ground beef but no buns. My kids were not thrilled about having “just a salad”… until they tried it. Now, “burger bowl night” is a regular request, and even my husband says it’s better than fast food. It’s proof that sometimes the best meals come from a happy accident!

Tips for the Best Burger Bowls

Make it ahead! Cook the beef, bacon, and sauce earlier in the day. Assembly takes 5 minutes flat at dinnertime.
Go dairy-free or keto-friendly by using sugar-free ketchup and omitting maple syrup.
Meal prep hack: Store toppings in separate containers so everything stays fresh for weekday lunches.
For picky eaters: Let everyone build their own bowl—kids love “choosing their own adventure” with toppings.

Colorful Loaded Burger Bowl with ground beef, avocado, roasted potatoes, fresh tomatoes, and creamy special sauce. — This Loaded Burger Bowl features juicy beef, creamy avocado, crispy potatoes, and a drizzle of tangy special sauce.

FAQs About Loaded Burger Bowl

Can I make these burger bowls Whole30 approved?

Yes! Just swap regular ketchup for a compliant version and skip the maple syrup.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep each component in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble right before eating.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?

Absolutely—ground turkey or chicken work just as well. Just season a bit more since they’re leaner meats.

Ready to Try This Loaded Burger Bowl?

If you’ve been craving that juicy burger experience without the bun, this Loaded Burger Bowl is going to be your new obsession. It’s wholesome, hearty, and seriously delicious—plus, you can feel good about every bite. The balance of crisp veggies, creamy guacamole, savory beef, and smoky bacon hits every craving at once. You’ll love how quickly it comes together on busy nights, and cleanup is a breeze since it’s mostly one-pan cooking.

Make it tonight and watch it disappear from the table (probably faster than you expect!). And don’t forget to make extra sauce—it has a way of vanishing just as quickly as the bowls themselves!

More Recipes You’ll Love Next

If this Loaded Burger Bowl made your taste buds happy, why stop there? I’m all about sharing meals that are quick, full of flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights. These recipes will keep your menu exciting while still being family-friendly and easy to make. Whether you’re craving something spicy, creamy, or fresh off the grill, these dishes will hit the spot:

For another bun-free twist, these spicy chipotle chicken burgers pack a smoky kick with every bite.
Want a hearty dinner that’s just as comforting? Try the creamy goodness of cheesy beef and mushroom pita pockets.
Keep the bowl theme going with these flavorful grilled chicken broccoli bowls with creamy garlic sauce.
If you love low-carb meals, this keto chipotle chicken will quickly become a weeknight favorite.

Each of these recipes has its own delicious twist, making them perfect for meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or simply treating yourself to something tasty any night of the week.