Enjoy all the delicious flavors of a fast-food cheeseburger—without the bun! This Big Mac bowl is a hearty, protein-packed salad topped with a creamy special sauce dressing. It’s low carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly, making it a perfect option for a satisfying yet healthy meal.
INGREDIENTS
For the Salad:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4+ dill pickles, sliced
- ½ cup minced onion
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning
For the Special Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons low-carb pickle relish (or finely chopped pickles with juice)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- ½ teaspoon yellow mustard
- ¼ teaspoon monk fruit sweetener (increase slightly if using chopped pickles)
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt (or a mix of garlic powder + salt)
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic, cooking until the meat is browned and no longer pink (about 6-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Special Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, pickle relish, ketchup, mustard, sweetener, garlic salt, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
Divide chopped lettuce into four bowls (or one large serving bowl). Top with cooked beef, pickles, onions, and shredded cheese.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
Drizzle the special sauce over the salad or serve it on the side. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Add extra pickles, onions, or cheese to taste. Enjoy immediately!
RECIPE NOTES & CUSTOMIZATIONS
✔️ Add Extra Crunch: Swap iceberg for romaine, spinach, or shredded cabbage for more texture.
✔️ Boost the Flavor: Mix in a dash of Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika with the ground beef.
✔️ Make It Lighter: Use ground turkey or lean ground beef instead of the traditional 80/20 blend.
✔️ Meal Prep Friendly: Store ingredients separately in the fridge and assemble fresh for quick meals.
✔️ Sauce Swap: If you’re in a hurry, use a low-carb Thousand Island dressing or Sir Kensington’s Special Sauce instead of homemade.
✔️ Dairy-Free Option: Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast.
