Easy Big Mac in a Bowl

This Easy Big Mac in a Bowl brings all the classic flavors of the world-famous burger into one vibrant, deconstructed dish. Perfect for those following a gluten-free or low-carb lifestyle, this recipe delivers the savory satisfaction of seasoned beef and melted cheese without the heavy bun. It is a quick meal that captures the iconic taste of the golden arches in just 25 minutes.

Save

The star of the show is undoubtedly the special sauce. By combining common pantry staples like mayonnaise, mustard, and relish with a specific blend of spices, you create a creamy, tangy dressing that ties the whole bowl together. It is an incredibly satisfying dinner that feels like a treat while remaining light and fresh.

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

1. Cook the Beef

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.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

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

3. Whisk the Sauce

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

4. Assemble the Bowls

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

5. Drizzle and Serve

Drizzle each bowl with the special sauce. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best texture, make sure to drain any excess fat from the beef once it is browned. Whisking the special sauce ahead of time allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more cohesive and authentic taste.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a more classic flavor profile, you can swap the shredded cheddar for American cheese. If you require a dairy-free version, simply use your favorite vegan cheese and a plant-based mayonnaise for the sauce.

Serviervorschläge

Add extra crunch by topping your bowl with gluten-free croutons or toasted sesame seeds. For a dose of healthy fats, add some sliced avocado to the assembly just before serving.

Save

This Easy Big Mac in a Bowl is a testament to how simple ingredients can recreate legendary flavors. Whether you are looking for a low-carb alternative or just a fun way to serve a family dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy those classic burger cravings in a fresh, new way.

Recipe Questions

→ Is Big Mac in a Bowl keto-friendly?

Yes, this bowl is naturally low in carbohydrates with only 7g per serving. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables makes it perfect for keto and low-carb eating plans.

→ Can I meal prep Big Mac bowls?

Absolutely. Store the cooked beef, chopped vegetables, cheese, and sauce separately in airtight containers. The beef keeps for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Assemble bowls when ready to eat for best texture and freshness.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles work well. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or a meat alternative. Season just like the beef for that familiar flavor profile.

→ How do I make the sauce dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free mayonnaise as your base. Most yellow mustards and pickle relishes are naturally dairy-free. The flavor remains authentic while accommodating your dietary needs.

→ Can I freeze the assembled bowls?

Freezing fully assembled bowls isn't recommended as the lettuce and sauce texture suffers. However, you can freeze the cooked ground beef portion for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before assembling with fresh toppings.

→ What vegetables work best in this bowl?

Romaine provides the classic crunch, but try shredded cabbage, mixed greens, or iceberg lettuce. Additional toppings like sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado add variety and extra nutrients to your bowl.