Big Mac Bowl Recipe (Keto, High Protein) Recipe
Introduction
This Big Mac Bowl is a delicious, keto-friendly twist on the classic burger. Packed with high protein and bursting with familiar flavors, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4+ dill pickles, sliced
- 1/2 cup onion, minced
- 1 head Iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds (or everything bagel seasoning)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp low carb pickle relish (or chopped pickle with juice)
- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- 1/2 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/4 tsp+ monk fruit sweetener (adjust if using chopped pickles for relish)
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt (or garlic powder plus salt)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Over medium-high heat, warm a large skillet and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef, sea salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Stir and cook until the beef is no longer pink in the middle, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, low carb pickle relish, ketchup, yellow mustard, monk fruit sweetener, garlic salt, and onion powder. Mix well to make the special Big Mac sauce.
- Step 3: Chop the Iceberg lettuce and divide it among 4 bowls (or use one large bowl). Top the lettuce with the cooked ground beef, sliced dill pickles, minced onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 4: Drizzle the Big Mac sauce over the assembled ingredients or serve it on the side. Sprinkle sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning on top. Add extra salt and pepper to taste, and add more pickles, onions, or cheese if desired before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use everything bagel seasoning instead of sesame seeds for an extra savory crunch.
- For added freshness, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- If unavailable, regular sweetener can replace monk fruit sweetener in the sauce.
Storage
Store leftover Big Mac Bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain freshness. Reheat the beef gently in a skillet or microwave, then assemble with fresh lettuce and toppings before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the cheddar cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it dairy-free.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time, store components separately, and assemble bowls when ready to eat for a quick and tasty meal.
Print
Big Mac Bowl Recipe (Keto, High Protein) Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Keto, Low Carb, High Protein
Description
This Big Mac Bowl recipe offers a low-carb, keto-friendly, and high-protein alternative to the classic burger. Featuring seasoned ground beef, crisp iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese, pickles, onions, and a flavorful homemade Big Mac sauce, this dish is a delicious and satisfying salad bowl that captures the iconic taste of a Big Mac without the bun and extra carbs. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp minced garlic
Salad
- 1 head Iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup onion (minced)
- 4+ dill pickles (sliced)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds (or everything bagel seasoning)
Big Mac Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp low carb pickle relish (or chopped pickle with juice)
- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- 1/2 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/4 tsp+ monk fruit sweetener (increase if using chopped pickle for the relish)
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt (or garlic powder + salt)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Over medium-high heat, warm a large skillet and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef, sea salt, ground black pepper, and minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook the beef until it is no longer pink in the middle, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess grease from the pan once cooked.
- Prepare the Big Mac Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, low carb pickle relish (or chopped pickle with juice), ketchup, yellow mustard, monk fruit sweetener, garlic salt, and onion powder. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated to form the sauce.
- Prep the Salad Base: Wash and dry the iceberg lettuce, then lay it evenly in the bottom of four serving bowls. This will serve as the fresh and crisp base of your Big Mac Bowl.
- Assemble the Bowl: Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef over the lettuce in each bowl. Top with sliced pickles, minced onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add Sauce and Garnish: Drizzle the prepared Big Mac sauce over each bowl or serve it on the side as a dressing. Sprinkle sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning on top. Add additional salt and pepper to taste, and optionally add more pickles, onions, or cheese as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your low-carb Big Mac Bowl!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef while cooking.
- Use monk fruit sweetener carefully and adjust to taste as it affects the sweetness of the sauce.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar with another cheese if preferred, like American or mozzarella.
- To make it dairy-free, omit cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add fresh lettuce when serving to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Big Mac Bowl, keto salad, low carb recipe, high protein meal, Big Mac sauce, ground beef bowl, easy lunch, Healthy Big Mac
