Easy Big Mac in a Bowl

I threw this together on a Tuesday night when the craving for fast food hit hard, but I had zero energy to actually go get any. Now it is become our weekly ritual because somehow putting everything in a bowl makes it feel fancy while still tasting exactly like comfort food.

My husband actually asked if we could have this instead of ordering takeout, which felt like a massive win in our house. The kids go wild for the sauce and somehow eat more vegetables when they are piled under seasoned beef.

Ingredients

• 500 g lean ground beef: The foundation that carries all those classic seasonings and gets perfectly crispy edges
• 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for bringing out the beefs natural flavor
• 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds the savory depth you expect from a great burger
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Gives it that slight smoky notes that makes it special
• 1 head romaine lettuce: Crisp and fresh, the perfect vehicle for all the toppings
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Little bursts of freshness that cut through the rich beef and cheese
• 1/2 red onion: Thinly sliced for that sharp bite that balances everything
• 2 dill pickles: Diced small so you get that tang in every single bite
• 100 g shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the warm beef and adds the creamy factor
• 120 g mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce that makes it irresistible
• 1 tbsp ketchup: Adds the subtle sweetness that makes the sauce taste familiar
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard: Provides the classic tang that cuts through the richness
• 1 tbsp dill pickle relish: Gives texture and that authentic pickle punch
• 1 tsp white vinegar: Brightens the entire sauce and keeps it from being too heavy
• 1/2 tsp onion powder: Deep savory flavor without any texture from fresh onion
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Rounds out all the flavors in the sauce
• 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle warmth that keeps you coming back for another bite

Instructions

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

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Crisp the beef perfectly:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the beef with all the seasonings, and break it apart while it cooks until browned and has some crispy edges

Prep your fresh toppings:

While the beef sizzles away, chop the lettuce into bite sized pieces, halve those cherry tomatoes, slice the onion thin, and dice the pickles so everything is ready to assemble

Make the magic sauce:

Whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika until completely smooth and let it sit for a minute to let the flavors meld

Build your masterpiece bowls:

Start with a bed of crisp lettuce, pile on that seasoned beef, then arrange the tomatoes, onions, pickles, and cheese on top

Finish with sauce:

Drizzle each bowl generously with the special sauce and serve right away while everything is still fresh

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

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Save Pin

My friend Sarah came over for lunch and admitted she was skeptical about how this would compare to an actual burger, but she went back for seconds and asked for the sauce recipe immediately.

Making It Your Own

The beauty of this bowl is that it adapts to whatever you have in the fridge or whatever diet you are following. I have made so many variations based on what we are craving that night.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this with some oven baked sweet potato fries or a simple cucumber salad on the side. The contrast between the warm seasoned beef and cool crisp sides is honestly perfection.

Meal Prep Magic

This is one of those rare meals that actually tastes amazing reheated the next day at work. Just keep the sauce separate until you are ready to eat and your future self will thank you.

• Store the sauce in a small mason jar for up to a week in the fridge
• Meal prep bowls stay fresh for about 3 days when kept chilled
• The beef actually develops more flavor after sitting overnight

Easily spray or drizzle oil for roasting vegetables, air frying, sautéing, and dressing salads with controlled coverage.

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Save Pin

This has become the meal I turn to when I want something that feels indulgent but still keeps me feeling great afterward.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this bowl dairy-free?

Yes, simply use vegan cheese shreds and dairy-free mayonnaise in the special sauce. The flavors remain just as satisfying.

→ How long does the special sauce keep?

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It actually tastes better after the flavors meld together for a day or two.

→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Ground turkey works perfectly as a lighter alternative. Season it the same way, though you may want to add a bit more olive oil since turkey is leaner.

→ Is this bowl keto-friendly?

Absolutely. With only 7g net carbs per serving, this bowl fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet while delivering 29g of protein.

→ Can I prep the ingredients ahead?

Yes, chop vegetables and cook the beef up to 3 days in advance. Store everything separately in the refrigerator and assemble when ready to serve.

→ What other toppings work well?

Sliced avocado, bacon bits, jalapeños, or sautéed mushrooms all make excellent additions. Get creative with your favorite burger toppings.