Big Mac in a Bowl

Experience the legendary flavors of America's favorite burger in a fresh, wholesome way with this Easy Big Mac in a Bowl. This healthier, gluten-free deconstructed burger captures all the iconic tastes you love—from the seasoned beef to the signature special sauce—without the bun, making it an ideal choice for a quick, low-carb meal.

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By combining warm, browned ground beef with cool, crisp romaine lettuce and juicy cherry tomatoes, you create a satisfying contrast in every mouthful. This bowl is a protein-packed solution for anyone looking to enjoy the classic burger experience while staying mindful of their nutritional goals.

Ingredients

• Beef: 500 g (1.1 lb) lean ground beef, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Vegetables: 1 head romaine lettuce (chopped), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced), 2 dill pickles (diced)
• Cheese: 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
• Special Sauce: 120 g (1/2 cup) mayonnaise, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp dill pickle relish, 1 tsp white vinegar, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook, breaking up the beef, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2

While the beef cooks, prepare the vegetables: chop lettuce, halve tomatoes, slice onion, and dice pickles.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together all special sauce ingredients until smooth.

Step 4

To assemble, divide lettuce among 4 bowls. Top with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and shredded cheese.

Step 5

Drizzle each bowl with the special sauce. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra crunch, you can add gluten-free croutons or toasted sesame seeds as a garnish. Be sure to drain the excess fat from the beef thoroughly to keep the lettuce crisp and prevent the bowl from becoming soggy.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a more classic flavor, you can swap the shredded cheddar for American cheese. To make this recipe dairy-free, simply use vegan cheese and a dairy-free mayonnaise. Adding sliced avocado is also a great way to incorporate healthy fats.

Serviervorschläge

This bowl is best served immediately after assembly while the beef is still warm. It works perfectly as a stand-alone main dish, but you can also serve it alongside a portion of baked sweet potato fries for a more substantial meal.

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Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a fun family dinner, this Easy Big Mac in a Bowl delivers nostalgic comfort in a modern, vibrant format. It's a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to recreate a world-famous taste without the extra carbs.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long does this bowl keep in the refrigerator?

Assembled bowls are best enjoyed immediately, but you can prep components separately. Store cooked beef for up to 4 days, vegetables for 3 days, and sauce for up to a week in airtight containers. Keep them separate and combine just before serving.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute vegan shredded cheese and dairy-free mayonnaise in the special sauce. The flavor profile remains remarkably close to the original while accommodating dairy-free dietary needs.

→ What's the best way to reheat the ground beef?

Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or beef broth to prevent drying. Microwave heating works too—place beef in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

→ Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work beautifully. Season slightly more generously since poultry is milder than beef. The cooking time remains similar, though you may want to add a teaspoon of olive oil if using lean meat.

→ Is the special sauce necessary?

The sauce ties everything together with that authentic Big Mac flavor. However, if you're short on time, store-bought Thousand Island dressing makes an acceptable substitute, though it won't have quite the same tangy kick.

→ Can I freeze the cooked beef?

Cooked and seasoned beef freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, press out excess air, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Don't freeze the assembled bowls.