Enjoy all the flavors of a classic fast food cheeseburger in a healthier way with our Big Mac bowl recipe! This hearty salad is topped with a simple special sauce dressing and is low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly.
INGREDIENTS
For the Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
For the Salad:
- 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 Big Mac Sauce:
- ½ cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons low-carb pickle relish (or chopped pickles with juice)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- ½ teaspoon yellow mustard
- ¼ teaspoon monk fruit sweetener (adjust 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 ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic, stirring occasionally.
- Cook for about 6–7 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink.
- Drain excess grease and set aside to cool while prepping the salad.
Step 2|: Make the Special Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, pickle relish, ketchup, mustard, sweetener, garlic salt, and onion powder until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
- Divide chopped lettuce into four bowls (or one large serving bowl).
- Sprinkle the cooked beef over the lettuce, followed by pickles, onions, and shredded cheese.
- Drizzle the Big Mac sauce on top or serve it on the side.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Customize with extra pickles, onions, or cheese as preferred.
NOTES & SUBSTITUTIONS
- Traditional Big Macs don’t include tomatoes, but feel free to add them for extra color or low-carb veggies.
- Swap iceberg lettuce for butter lettuce or another leafy green.
- Use ground turkey or lean beef for a lighter version.
- Short on time? Replace homemade sauce with a low-carb Thousand Island dressing or Sir Kensington’s Special Sauce.
- Opt for sugar-free pickle relish to keep carbs in check.
Enjoy this flavorful, keto-friendly Big Mac bowl for a delicious and satisfying meal! 🍔🥗
