Bacon Avocado Burger Bowl

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This bacon avocado burger bowl is a flavorful, low-carb take on a classic favorite. It’s packed with protein and perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner.

A bowl of salad with sliced red onions, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, ground beef, bacon, and dressing; a fork holds a bite above the bowl.

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If you’re anything like me, you love a good juicy burger but don’t always want the heaviness of a bun. That’s where this bacon and avocado burger bowl recipe comes in. It gives you all the flavor of a loaded burger without the carbs or the guilt. It’s my go-to when I want something satisfying, packed with protein, and still fresh and light.

I started making burger bowls a few years ago when I was trying to cut back on bread, and they quickly became a weekly staple in our house. I love them because they’re easy to prep and clean up. Plus, they’re super customizable as you can just toss in whatever you’re in the mood for that day. I really like adding pickled red onions.

Ingredients

Ground beef or other ground meat: Serves as the hearty, protein-rich base of the burger bowl.
Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy element that enhances flavor and texture.
Garlic powder: Provides a warm, savory depth to the meat.
Onion powder: Boosts the overall flavor with a subtle sweetness and sharpness.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Olive oil: Helps cook the patties evenly and adds healthy fats.
Cherry tomatoes: Bring freshness and a pop of sweetness to the bowl.
Red onion: Adds a crisp bite and a hint of sharpness.
Romaine lettuce: Acts as the fresh, crunchy base to replace the bun.
Cucumber: Offers a cool, hydrating crunch to contrast the warm ingredients.
Avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats for extra richness.
Dill pickle chips: Bring tanginess and classic burger flavor.
Mayonnaise: Forms the base of the special sauce, adding creaminess.
Ketchup: Balances the mayo with a sweet, tangy flavor in the sauce.

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

Instructions

A glass bowl filled with raw ground beef, with portions of various seasonings including salt, pepper, and powders on top, placed on a white marble surface.

Combine ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed. Shape the mixture into two patties.

Two cooked burger patties in a frying pan, with a spatula lifting one patty, on a light marble countertop.

Place skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in olive oil. Add patties and cook 4 to 5 minutes per side until done to your liking. Transfer cooked ground beef patties to a plate and keep warm.

A frying pan with several cooked strips of bacon sits on a marble countertop, with bacon grease visible in the pan.

Using the same skillet, fry bacon slices until crisp. Transfer them to a plate when done and let cool. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

A bowl of chopped romaine lettuce topped with a cooked hamburger patty, placed on a marble surface.

Spread a layer of chopped romaine lettuce across the bottom of your bowl. Add the ground beef patties on top, letting them rest over the fresh greens.

A bowl of salad with ground beef patty, sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, pickles, bacon, cucumber, shredded cheddar cheese, and avocado on a marble surface.

Arrange bacon, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, pickles, and red onion around the burger patties.

A salad bowl with ground beef patty, cherry tomatoes, pickles, red onion, shredded cheese, bacon, lettuce, and dressing drizzled on top, on a marble surface.

Drizzle the homemade burger sauce evenly over the bowl, if desired. Serve right away while everything is fresh.

Hint: For the best flavor and texture, let the cooked burger patties rest for a few minutes before assembling the bowl. This helps retain their juices and keeps the lettuce from wilting.

Variations

Here are some easy ways to customize this bacon avocado burger bowl:

Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat instead of beef in your homemade burger patties.
Adjust the seasonings: Paprika, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, chili powder, and cumin are flavorful adds to ground beef.
Change up the greens: Try spinach, arugula, or mixed greens in place of romaine.
Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, blue cheese crumbles, or sliced pepper jack on top for a cheeseburger bowl.
Use different burger toppings: Add your favorite burger fixings like grilled mushrooms, mustard, jalapeños, or a fried egg for extra flavor.
Make it spicy: Mix hot sauce or sriracha into the mayo-ketchup sauce.
Go dairy-free: Skip the cheese and use a dairy-free mayo in the sauce.
Add crunch: Toss in roasted nuts or seeds for added texture.

A salad bowl with ground beef, sliced red onions, cherry tomatoes, pickles, bacon, shredded cheese, lettuce, and dressing, with a fork and knife on the side.

Tips

Top tip: Prep all your toppings while the patties and bacon are cooking to save time and keep everything fresh and warm for assembly.

Use room temperature meat for even cooking and juicier patties.
Don’t press down on the patties while cooking to keep them from drying out.
Cook the bacon first if you want to use the drippings to cook the patties for extra flavor.
Slice the avocado last to prevent browning before serving.
Chill your lettuce and veggies for a refreshing contrast to the warm meat and bacon.
Double the sauce and store it in the fridge. It’s great for other bowls or burgers.
Taste and adjust the seasoning before forming the patties to ensure the flavor is just right.

A fork holding a bite of salad with ground beef, lettuce, tomato, onion, bacon, and creamy dressing above a bowl of the same salad.

Serving suggestions

This delicious burger bowl pairs perfectly with air fryer frozen sweet potato fries or potato wedges. For a refreshing drink option, serve it with a sweet and tangy cherry limeade. It’s the perfect contrast to the savory bowl and helps cool things down, especially if you spice up your sauce.

If you're looking to add a unique side or appetizer, my pink deviled eggs are a colorful and tasty choice. They add a touch of whimsy to your table while keeping things low-carb and high-protein, just like this burger bowl. The vibrant pink hue also makes them a great conversation starter if you’re hosting guests.

Storage

To store your bacon avocado burger bowl, keep the components separate for the best texture. Place the cooked burger patties and crumbled bacon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Store the chopped veggies and lettuce in a separate container, and keep the sauce in a small jar or container with a lid. Avocado is best added fresh, but if you’ve already sliced it, sprinkle with a little lemon juice to slow browning and store it in an airtight container.

When you’re ready to eat, reheat the burger patties and bacon in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or microwave them in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Then assemble the bowl with fresh veggies and sauce just before serving. This method keeps everything tasting fresh while making it quick and easy to enjoy leftovers.

FAQs

What kind of ground meat can I use instead of beef?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a plant-based alternative, depending on your dietary preference or what you have on hand.

Is this recipe keto or low-carb friendly?

Absolutely! This recipe skips the bun and focuses on high-protein, low-carb ingredients like meat, avocado, bacon, and fresh vegetables.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free or Whole30 compliant?

To make it dairy-free or Whole30, use a compliant mayo for the sauce, skip any cheese if you plan to add it, and ensure your ketchup and bacon are sugar-free and Whole30-approved.

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