Easy Big Mac in a Bowl (Printable)

A healthier twist on the classic burger featuring seasoned beef, crisp vegetables, and creamy special sauce all in a satisfying bowl.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef

01 - 1.1 lb lean ground beef
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional

→ Vegetables

05 - 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 2 dill pickles, diced

→ Cheese

09 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Special Sauce

10 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
11 - 1 tablespoon ketchup
12 - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
13 - 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
14 - 1 teaspoon white vinegar
15 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
16 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
17 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook, breaking up the beef as it cooks, until browned and cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - While the beef cooks, prepare the vegetables: chop the lettuce, halve the tomatoes, slice the onion thinly, and dice the pickles.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together all special sauce ingredients including mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth.
04 - Divide the chopped lettuce evenly among 4 bowls. Top each with cooked ground beef, halved tomatoes, sliced onions, diced pickles, and shredded cheddar cheese.
05 - Drizzle each bowl with the prepared special sauce. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • All the iconic burger flavors land perfectly without the guilt or the gluten, and it tastes like a treat, not a compromise.
  • Ready in 25 minutes flat, which means you can satisfy a serious craving without ordering takeout or spending your whole evening in the kitchen.
  • The special sauce is ridiculously addictive and makes you realize fast food restaurants aren't hiding magic—just good ratios.
02 -
  • Don't drain the beef into a colander if you can help it—tilt the pan and use a spoon to remove just the excess fat pooling on top; some of those fond bits left behind taste incredible and add depth to every bite.
  • The special sauce improves after sitting for even 30 minutes because the flavors marry together, so make it ahead if you're thinking more than 20 minutes in advance.
  • Room temperature sauce on warm beef is better than cold sauce because the flavors wake up and the mayo coats more smoothly.
03 -
  • Make extra sauce and keep it in the fridge for up to a week—you'll use it on sandwiches, salads, and things you haven't even thought of yet.
  • Slightly warm the sauce in the microwave for 15 seconds before serving if it's been sitting cold; it distributes better and tastes richer.
Go Back