Homemade Big Mac Bowl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you crave the flavor of a Big Mac but want something lighter or gluten-free, this bowl is the answer. It’s quick to prepare, highly customizable, and perfect for meal prep. You get all the juicy, tangy, and cheesy goodness of the original, but in a fresher, more balanced format — plus, you can control the ingredients and portion sizes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef (80/20 or leaner)

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce

• Shredded cheddar or American cheese

• Dill pickles, chopped

• Onion, finely diced

• Tomato, diced (optional)

• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For the special sauce:

• Mayonnaise

• Ketchup

• Yellow mustard

• Sweet pickle relish

• White vinegar

• Paprika

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.

2. While the beef cooks, prepare the special sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Assemble the bowls by adding a base of shredded lettuce to each serving dish.

4. Top with cooked ground beef, shredded cheese, chopped pickles, diced onion, and tomatoes (if using).

5. Drizzle generously with the special sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

6. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, for a total of around 20 minutes.

Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

• Swap the special sauce for a spicy mayo for a heat kick.

• Make it dairy-free by omitting cheese or using a plant-based alternative.

• Add avocado for creaminess and extra healthy fats.

• Serve over cauliflower rice for added volume.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cooked ground beef and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat beef gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling the bowls. Assemble just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

FAQs

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld.

Can I use shredded lettuce from a bag?

Yes, pre-shredded lettuce is a great time-saver.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, as long as you skip ketchup with added sugar or use a sugar-free version.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, use plant-based ground meat and vegan cheese.

What kind of cheese works best?

Shredded cheddar, American, or Colby Jack all melt well and match the Big Mac flavor.

Can I meal prep this?

Yes, store the components separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Can I use iceberg lettuce like the original Big Mac?

Yes, iceberg lettuce adds the classic crunch.

How do I make it spicier?

Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef or sauce.

What can I serve it with?

It’s great on its own but pairs well with baked sweet potato fries or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

The homemade Big Mac bowl is a quick, flavorful, and healthier twist on a fast-food favorite. With seasoned beef, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, melty cheese, and creamy special sauce, it delivers all the comfort of the original burger in a fresh, low-carb package you can enjoy anytime

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