Loaded Burger in a Bowl

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to enjoy a burger without the mess, you’ve come to the right place! This Loaded Burger in a Bowl recipe is one of my absolute favorites. It captures all the flavors of your classic burger but in a light and satisfying bowl. Imagine digging into a bed of fresh greens topped with juicy beef, crispy bacon, and all your favorite toppings. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something quick yet filling.

What makes this burger in a bowl even more special is its versatility. You can load it up with anything you love—add extra veggies, swap out proteins, or mix up the dressings to suit your taste. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a go-to meal in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone can customize their bowl with their favorite toppings—no complaints at the dinner table!
• Healthy Twist: Packed with fresh greens and lean protein, it’s a wholesome option that feels indulgent without the guilt.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep the ingredients ahead of time for an effortless meal on busy days.
• Deliciously Satisfying: With layers of flavor from the seasoned beef and crispy bacon, every bite is utterly delightful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe—just simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or fridge! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful Loaded Burger in a Bowl:

For the Bowl

• 8 strips bacon (streaky bacon in the UK)
• 500g / 1 lbs ground beef (I used 5% fat)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 4-6 button mushrooms
• 2 tomatoes
• 2 avocados
• 60g / ½ cup grated Cheddar or cheese of your choice
• ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 dill pickles (sliced)
• 600g / 8 cups salad greens such as lettuce, spinach and arugula/rocket

For the Dressing

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 1-2 tbsp water

Variations

One of the best things about this Loaded Burger in a Bowl is how flexible it is! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, cucumbers, or roasted corn for extra crunch and color.
• Change up the cheese: Try feta or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or use spicy mayo instead of regular mayonnaise for an added kick.

How to Make Loaded Burger in a Bowl

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before diving into cooking, it’s essential to have everything ready. Slice your toppings and whip up a quick dressing by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, sriracha, and a splash of water until it reaches your desired consistency. Arranging all these colorful ingredients will not only make cooking easier but also add excitement to your meal prep!

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Beef

In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. The key here is letting that delicious fat render out while keeping just enough for flavor. Remove the bacon from the pan but leave behind about one tablespoon of grease—this will give our beef an extra layer of richness. Season your ground beef with salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika before adding it to the same pan. After about five minutes of cooking, toss in quartered mushrooms and let everything caramelize beautifully together.

Step 3: Assemble Your Bowls

Now comes the fun part—building your bowls! Start with a generous layer of salad greens as your base. Top them with cooked beef, mushrooms, and crispy bacon. Don’t forget to add all those tasty toppings you’ve prepared! Drizzle everything with your homemade dressing for that final touch of flavor before serving up this deliciousness.

And there you have it—a beautiful Loaded Burger in a Bowl that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Loaded Burger in a Bowl

Creating a Loaded Burger in a Bowl is all about making it personal and delicious! Here are some tips to ensure your bowl is packed with flavor and fun.

• Prep Ahead: Preparing your ingredients in advance saves time and keeps everything organized. Chopping veggies and mixing the dressing ahead of time makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
• Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allow the beef to caramelize properly by not stirring too much while it cooks. This enhances the flavors and gives you that mouthwatering, crispy texture we all love.
• Mix Up Your Greens: Experiment with different types of salad greens. Including arugula or spinach adds more nutrients and a variety of textures, making each bite interesting.
• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Adding ingredients like jalapeños for heat or olives for a briny touch can add an exciting twist to your burger bowl.
• Make It a Meal Prep Star: This recipe stores well! Divide into meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week—just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.

How to Serve Loaded Burger in a Bowl

Serving your Loaded Burger in a Bowl can be as fun as eating it! Presenting this dish beautifully will enhance the whole dining experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or cilantro can provide a burst of freshness that brightens up the entire dish.
• Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon just before serving adds a zesty flavor that complements all the ingredients perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Sweet potato fries: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fries that pair beautifully with your burger bowl.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty bowl.
• Grilled corn on the cob: The sweetness of grilled corn works wonderfully alongside savory flavors, adding another layer of deliciousness.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with diced vegetables is not only nutritious but also adds a lovely texture that complements your burger bowl seamlessly.

Enjoy crafting your Loaded Burger in a Bowl, where each ingredient shines through, creating a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and customizable!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Loaded Burger in a Bowl recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare several servings in advance, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or lunches on the go.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• You can freeze the cooked beef and bacon mixture for up to 3 months.
• Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe.

Can I customize my Loaded Burger in a Bowl?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. Feel free to add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, different cheeses, or even swap out the ground beef for turkey or plant-based alternatives.

What can I serve with my Loaded Burger in a Bowl?

For a complete meal, consider serving it with sweet potato fries or a side of roasted vegetables. It pairs well with your favorite dipping sauces too!

Is this Loaded Burger in a Bowl healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with protein from the beef and healthy fats from avocado. The salad greens add fiber and nutrients, making it a balanced meal option.

How do I make this Loaded Burger in a Bowl vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with lentils or black beans and omit the bacon. You can still enjoy all your favorite toppings!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this delicious Loaded Burger in a Bowl! It’s not only satisfying but also allows you to personalize it however you like. Enjoy preparing this dish for yourself or sharing it with loved ones. Happy cooking!