Big Mac Bowl Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the iconic flavors of a Big Mac without the carbs. It combines the savory taste of ground beef, melted cheese, and pickles with a creamy special sauce, all nestled on a bed of crisp iceberg lettuce. It’s not only keto-friendly but also high in protein, making it a filling and satisfying meal. Whether you’re on a low-carb diet or simply craving something flavorful, this Big Mac Bowl will become your go-to healthy comfort food.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 teaspoon minced garlic

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 4+ dill pickles, sliced

• ½ cup onion, minced

• 1 head iceberg lettuce

• ½ teaspoon sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning

For the Big Mac Sauce:

• ½ cup mayo

• 2 tablespoon low carb pickle relish (or chopped pickles with juice)

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• ½ teaspoon yellow mustard

• ¼ teaspoon monk fruit (adjust if using chopped pickle for the relish)

• ½ teaspoon garlic salt or garlic powder + salt

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Beef:
   In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Stir and cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside to cool.

2. Make the Special Sauce:
   In a small bowl, combine the mayo, pickle relish (or chopped pickles with juice), ketchup, yellow mustard, monk fruit (if using), garlic salt, and onion powder. Stir well to combine.

3. Assemble the Salad:
   Lay the lettuce in the bottom of 4 bowls. Top with the cooked beef, followed by the pickles, onion, and shredded cheese. Drizzle the Big Mac sauce over the top or serve it on the side. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add extra pickles, onions, or cheese, depending on your preference.

4. Serve and Enjoy:
   Enjoy your keto-friendly Big Mac Bowl immediately!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 people

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Protein Options: If you’re not a fan of ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein for a different twist.

• Lettuce Alternatives: While iceberg lettuce gives a nice crunch, feel free to use other leafy greens like butter lettuce or spinach for variation.

• Extra Veggies: Add low-carb veggies like tomatoes or cucumbers to enhance the salad’s freshness and texture.

• Cheese Choices: Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Swiss, or your favorite low-carb cheese.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Keep the Big Mac sauce separate to maintain the salad’s freshness.

• Reheating: If you prefer to eat the beef warm, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before adding it to your salad.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.

2. Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Absolutely! While iceberg lettuce offers a great crunch, you can use butter lettuce, romaine, or even spinach for a different flavor and texture.

3. Can I make the Big Mac sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the Big Mac sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. This helps to save time on busy days.

4. How can I reduce the fat in this recipe?

You can reduce the fat by using leaner ground beef, low-fat mayo, and lower-fat cheese options.

5. Can I use regular ketchup instead of low-carb ketchup?

Regular ketchup contains sugar, so if you want to keep the recipe low-carb, it’s best to stick with a low-carb version or use sugar-free ketchup.

6. What other protein can I use in this bowl?

You can substitute the ground beef with chicken, turkey, or even ground lamb. If you’re looking for a non-meat option, consider a plant-based protein like tempeh.

7. Can I use other types of pickles?

Yes! You can use bread-and-butter pickles or sweet pickles if you don’t mind the added sugar, but for a true low-carb version, dill pickles are the best choice.

8. Can I freeze this Big Mac Bowl?

It’s best to freeze the cooked beef separately from the salad ingredients, as the lettuce and sauce won’t freeze well. Once the beef is thawed, you can assemble the salad fresh.

9. Is this recipe suitable for a Whole30 diet?

No, since this recipe contains dairy and non-compliant ingredients in the sauce (like ketchup and mayonnaise), it wouldn’t be Whole30 compliant. You could modify the sauce with Whole30-approved ingredients to make it compliant.

10. How do I make this recipe spicier?

You can add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to give the Big Mac Bowl an extra kick!

Conclusion

This Big Mac Bowl is a fantastic, healthier alternative to the classic Big Mac, without sacrificing any of the flavors you love. It’s perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet, or simply looking to enjoy a delicious, high-protein meal. With a simple list of ingredients and quick prep time, you can have this tasty dish ready in no time. Enjoy the Big Mac experience in a fresh, healthier way!

Print