Big Mac Bowls
Big Mac bowls loaded with seasoned ground beef, fresh lettuce, pickles, cheese, and a creamy special sauce, all the flavor without the bun
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
For the Special Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (sugar-free or regular)
- 2 tablespoons dill pickles (Or relish, finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Bowls
- 4 cups Iceberg lettuce (or romaine lettuce shredded)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup dill pickles (diced)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, chopped pickles or relish, white vinegar, and smoked paprika until smooth. Set aside in the fridge while you prepare the rest.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking the meat into crumbles, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. Carefully drain off excess grease.
- Reduce heat slightly and stir in the mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another minute so the flavors blend evenly.
- Divide the shredded lettuce evenly among four bowls to create a fresh base.
- Spoon the warm, seasoned beef over the lettuce in each bowl.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and diced pickles. Drizzle the chilled special sauce over each bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds if using. Serve right away.
Notes
- Chill the sauce: Letting the sauce sit for a few minutes helps the flavors blend and taste closer to the classic version.
- Use lean beef: This keeps the bowls from becoming greasy and heavy.
- Drain well: Removing excess fat after cooking makes a big difference in texture.
- Lettuce choice matters: Iceberg gives a crisp bite, while romaine adds a bit more structure and flavor.
- Make it low-carb friendly: Skip the ketchup or use a no-sugar version, and check your pickle ingredients.
- Add extra crunch: Thinly sliced onions or shredded cabbage can add more texture.
- Meal prep tip: Keep everything separate and layer fresh when ready to eat for the best results.
Nutrition
Calories: 496kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 32gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 1314mgPotassium: 624mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 995IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 249mgIron: 3mg
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