Smash Burger Bowl: Quick Low-Carb Dinner Recipe (Print Version)
Enjoy a quick, healthy, and low-carb Smash Burger Bowl. All the classic burger flavors without the bun, packed with fresh veggies for a satisfying dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Diabetic-Friendly
# Ingredients:
→ The Smashed Patty Foundation
01 -
1 1/2 lbs 90/10 lean ground beef
02 -
1 tsp garlic powder
03 -
1/2 tsp onion powder
04 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Crisp Garden Base
05 -
8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
06 -
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
07 -
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
08 -
1/2 cup dill pickle slices, chopped
→ Creamy Burger Drizzle
09 -
1/2 cup avocado oil mayonnaise
10 -
2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
11 -
1 tbsp yellow mustard
12 -
1 tbsp dill pickle relish
13 -
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
→ Savory Crunch & Finish
14 -
4 slices sharp cheddar cheese, quartered
15 -
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
16 -
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Combine 1/2 cup avocado oil mayonnaise, 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp dill pickle relish, and 1 tsp apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. This creamy drizzle is essential for your Smash Burger Bowl: Quick & Healthy Low-Carb Dinner.
02 -
In a large bowl, combine 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced), and 1/2 cup dill pickle slices (chopped). Toss gently to combine. This forms the fresh, crisp foundation for your low-carb meal.
03 -
Divide 1 1/2 lbs 90/10 lean ground beef into 4 equal portions, forming loose balls. Season generously with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Prepare for smashing to create the perfect Smash Burger Bowl: Quick & Healthy Low-Carb Dinner.
04 -
Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Place beef balls onto the hot surface. Using a sturdy spatula and a second spatula or press, firmly smash each ball into a thin patty (about 1/4-inch thick).
05 -
Cook smashed patties for 2-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip, immediately top each with a quartered slice of sharp cheddar cheese, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and beef is cooked through.
06 -
Divide the prepared salad base among 4 serving bowls. Top each bowl with a cheesy smash burger patty. Crumble 4 slices cooked bacon over the burgers and salad.
07 -
Drizzle each Smash Burger Bowl: Quick & Healthy Low-Carb Dinner generously with the prepared burger sauce. Garnish with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra crispy smash, ensure your skillet is smoking hot before adding the beef. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat.
02 -
Feel free to customize your bowl! Add sliced jalapeños, a fried egg, or extra pickles for more flavor. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground "meat" and vegan cheese.
03 -
Leftover burger patties and salad base can be stored separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat patties gently and assemble bowls fresh for best results.
04 -
If you're not strictly low-carb, a side of sweet potato fries or a toasted bun for the burger makes a great addition to this meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet or cast-iron pan
02 -
Sturdy spatula
03 -
Mixing bowls
04 -
Sharp knife
05 -
Cutting board
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 715 kcal
Total Fat: 56 g
Total Carbohydrate: 7 g
Protein: 44 g