Healthy Deconstructed Burger Bowl {Complete Meal!}

Enjoy a healthy deconstructed burger bowl with fresh veggies, seasoned meat, crispy bacon, and homemade croutons—perfect for meal prep and burger night!

healthy big mac burger bowl

Burgers are a classic favorite, but sometimes you want all the flavors of a juicy burger without the heavy bun. That’s where this Healthy Deconstructed Burger Bowl comes in! It’s loaded with fresh veggies, seasoned ground turkey, crispy bacon, and homemade croutons for a delicious and well-balanced meal. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb alternative or just want a fresh twist on a traditional burger, this cheeseburger salad is the perfect way to satisfy your cravings.

This burger bowl recipe is ideal for busy weeknights because it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and great for meal prep. You can customize it with your favorite burger toppings and enjoy it as a hearty lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a classic burger in a healthier form. Let’s break down why this will become one of your favorite meals!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • All the flavor, none of the guilt – You get all the flavors of a juicy burger without the excess carbs or grease.
  • Quick & easy dinner – Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal comes together in under 30 minutes!
  • Customizable – Use lean ground beef, ground chicken, or turkey to make it your own. Add your favorite toppings like cheddar cheese, avocado, or sweet potatoes.
  • Meal prep friendly – Store ingredients separately in airtight containers for an easy meal prep option.
  • Perfect for burger night – Skip the fast food and make this healthy burger bowl at home!
ingredients in healthy deconstructed burger bowls

Breakdown of the Ingredients

Meat Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey – A lean alternative to ground beef, but you can also use ground chicken or hamburger meat.
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder – Adds a savory depth to the seasoned ground beef (or turkey!).
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps cook the meat to perfection over medium heat in a large skillet.

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped – A fresh, crispy base for the cheeseburger bowls.
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved – Adds a pop of juicy sweetness; you can also use cherry tomatoes.
  • 1 small red onion, chopped – A little bite to complement the other salad ingredients.
  • 1 cup bread & butter pickles, chopped – Brings a touch of tanginess; for a sharper bite, use dill pickles.
  • 1 package of bacon – Adds crispiness and flavor to the homemade burger bowls.
  • 2 hamburger buns – Used to make crunchy homemade croutons.

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise – The base for the creamy burger sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup – Adds a little bit of sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon dill – Provides a fresh, herby note.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt & pepper – Enhances the overall flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

  1. Cook the meat – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, season with garlic powder, and cook for 5-10 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it’s fully cooked.
browned ground turkey for burger bowls
  1. Make the croutons – Cut hamburger buns into small pieces and place them in an air fryer at 350°F for 4 minutes. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the bacon – Lay the bacon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F for 10 minutes until crispy. Let it cool on paper towels, then chop into small pieces.
  3. Make the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, dill, salt, and black pepper to create a homemade special sauce.
  4. Assemble the salad – In a large bowl, start with the romaine lettuce. Layer in the grape tomatoes, red onion, pickles, chopped bacon, and cooked ground turkey.
  5. Finish it off – Top with homemade croutons and drizzle with the creamy burger sauce. Enjoy your deconstructed burger bowl!
prepared homemade burger bowls

​More Easy Meal Prep Recipes

How to Store this Recipe

This big mac bowl is excellent for meal prep! Here’s how to store each component:

  • Cooked ground beef or turkey – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Chopped fresh veggies – Keep in a separate container to maintain crispness.
  • Dressing – Store in a small bowl with a lid in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  • Croutons – Keep at room temperature in an airtight container to stay crunchy.

Tips for Making this Recipe

  • Use different proteins – Try lean ground beef, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for variety.
  • Add more toppings – Throw in some cheddar cheese, avocado slices, or sweet potato fries for extra flavor.
  • Adjust the dressing – Add a splash of pickle juice or onion powder for a zesty kick.
  • Make it low carb – Skip the croutons and add more fresh veggies for a lettuce wrap burger experience.
  • Serve with a side – Pair with homemade french fries or sweet potatoes for a complete meal.

This deconstructed burger bowl is the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic burger in a delicious bowl. Whether you’re making it for burger night or meal prepping for the week, this healthy burger bowl will become one of your most popular recipes!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses ground turkey, you can substitute lean ground beef, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat.

How do I keep the croutons from getting soggy?

Store them separately in an airtight container at room temperature and add them to the salad just before serving.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Keep all components stored separately and assemble just before eating for the best texture.

What are some other dressing options?

You can swap the creamy burger sauce for a drizzle of ranch, honey mustard, or a tangy vinaigrette.

Can I add more veggies to this salad?

Definitely! Try adding avocado, shredded carrots, bell peppers, or cucumbers for extra crunch and nutrients.

deconstructed burger bowl with fresh veggies, meat, and homemade dressing

Healthy Deconstructed Burger Bowl {Complete Meal!}

Enjoy a Healthy Deconstructed Burger Bowl with fresh veggies, seasoned meat, crispy bacon, and homemade croutons—perfect for meal prep and burger night!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 413 kcal

Ingredients
  

Meat Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
  • 1 red onion chopped
  • 1 cup bread & butter pickles chopped
  • 1 package bacon
  • 2 hamburger buns

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup olive oil mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp dill
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet, heat olive oil with ground turkey and garlic powder. Cook for 5-10 minutes until meat is cooked through. 
  • Begin making croutons by taking hamburger buns, and slicing them into cubes. Place in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 minutes. Set aside. 
  • Take bacon and bake in the oven at 400°F for 10 minutes until crispy. Chop cooked bacon and set aside. 
  • Begin making dressing by combining mayo, ketchup, dill, salt, and pepper. 
  • Begin assembling the salad. Place chopped lettuce in a bowl, followed by tomatoes, onion, pickles, bacon, and ground turkey. 
  • Lastly, top salad with homemade croutons and dressing. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 413kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 27gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 1292mgPotassium: 637mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 9384IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 79mgIron: 3mg
Keyword burger, healthy, low carb, meal prep, salad
Tried this recipe?Mention @confessionofadietitian or tag #confessionofadietitian!

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