Healthy Burger Bowl with Special Sauce

All the flavors you love in a classic burger—minus the bun! This healthy burger bowl is loaded with seasoned beef, crisp veggies, tangy pickles, and a special sauce you’ll want to put on everything. It’s a super satisfying meal you can throw together in minutes!

If you love the taste of a juicy burger but want something a bit lighter and more nourishing, this healthy burger bowl fits the bill. It’s one of my favorite healthy lunches (and dinners!) to make because it’s got all the classic flavors of a burger in a bowl, and includes a creamy special sauce that is out of this world. I love serving it with smashed fingerling potatoes or crispy sweet potatoes.

And can I just say… I used to be on the fence about pickles. I know, don’t come for me. But after making this? I’m fully on board. The salty and tangy crunch in every bite takes it to the next level!

The best part? It’s simple, filling, and packed with sufficient protein. You can make the beef and special sauce ahead of time, and assemble the same day for an easy meal. Use whatever you have in the fridge, or swap in your favorite toppings to make it your own!

Ingredient Notes

• Ground beef – Use a 85% lean grass fed beef for the best taste and texture.
• Leafy greens – I like to use romaine lettuce because it’s light and crispy, but any greens will work in this recipe, including spinach or spring mix.
• Cherry tomatoes – Slice these in half or quarters depending on your preference.
• Dill pickles – This is the star of the bowl, so grab your favorite whole or chip cut dill pickles. I like to grab dill pickles that have been fermented and contain beneficial probiotics from the refrigerator section!
• Red onion – You can slice these thinly or chop into small pieces depending on your preference.
• Shredded cheese – Purchased shredded cheddar cheese, or shred it yourself!
• Mayo – Try an avocado oil mayo for the best flavor and ingredients.
• Ketchup – Use an unsweetened ketchup with no added sugar. I like Primal Kitchen unsweetened ketchup.
• Pickle juice – Just take a small amount from the jar of pickles you purchased.
• Dijon mustard – I always grab a simple, organic Dijon mustard. It has just a few ingredients and tons of flavor!

See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Substitutions

Ground beef: Swap for ground turkey, chicken, or bison. Just season it well and cook it through. You can also top your burger bowl with chopped or shredded chicken, or leftover steak to make it a healthy protein bowl!

Cherry tomatoes: Use diced Roma or steak tomatoes.

Dill pickles: Dill pickles add a tangy crunch, but you can also use bread and butter pickles if you prefer a little sweetness.

Red onion: Use sweet or yellow onion, or skip this all together! Swap for slice avocado, shredded carrots, or sautéed mushrooms.

How to Make a Healthy Burger Bowl

1. Brown: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the pan and break it up with a wooden spatula. Season the beef with sea salt, garlic, and black pepper. Brown the meat until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. 
2. Assemble: Divide the leafy greens evenly among four large bowls. Add 4 oz of ground beef to each bowl. Top with tomatoes, dill pickles, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. 
3. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the burger sauce.
4. Serve: Drizzle two tablespoons of sauce over each bowl. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Double the sauce: You’ll get about two tablespoons of the special sauce per healthy burger bowl. If you’re a big fan of the sauce and want more for dressing, double the sauce recipe.
• Let the beef cool: Before adding the burger meat to the bowl, let it cool slightly so your vegetables stay nice and crisp.
• Add your own toppings: Swap in your favorites! I sometimes like to use sliced avocado or sweet onion!
• Make it easy: Make the ground beef and sauce ahead of time and store in separate containers in the fridge. While the beef is good for up to 4 days, the sauce can last two weeks! Then, toss with your salad ingredients to make it an easy lunch.

FAQs

Have it Your Way

This burger bowl is layered with healthy, nutrient dense ingredients and is easy to customize. While it can be eaten as a complete meal, you can serve it with additional sides and garnishes depending on your needs:

• Serve with french fries, smashed fingerling potatoes, or crispy roasted sweet potatoes
• Add shredded cabbage or pickled vegetables for a nice crunch
• Top with a little roasted vegetables to bring warmth and flavor
• Add jasmine rice to give it a boost of carbohydrate
• Garnish with a fried egg, sliced avocado, or guacamole depending on how you like your burger

Storage

Got leftovers? Store your burger bowl components in separate containers to keep everything fresh.

Place the cooked ground beef in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place any chopped vegetables in a separate airtight container to keep them crisp. Store the sauce in its own sealed container, and assemble your bowl fresh when you’re ready to eat.

If you like to cook in bulk for meal prep, just freeze your ground beef in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to use it!

More Salad Recipes

• Santa Fe Salad
• High Protein Chicken Salad
• Classic House Salad Recipe
• Honey Lime Dressing
• Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing

Recipe by: Noelle Tarr / Coconuts and Kettlebells | Photography by: Casey Colodny / The Mindful Hapa