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High Protein Big Mac Bowls

These High Protein Big Mac Bowls are a deconstructed version of the classic burger, featuring seasoned beef, special sauce, sharp cheddar, pickles, and crisp lettuce without the bun.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Fast Food
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Base
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend) Juicy without being overly greasy
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the beef
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt To season the beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper To season the beef
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 small minced onion For additional flavor
For the Toppings
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce Base for the bowl
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese For melting over the beef
  • 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles For crunch
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning For added flavor
For the Big Mac Sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise Full-fat or avocado
  • 2 tablespoons low-carb pickle relish Or chopped pickles with juice
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon monk fruit To balance flavors
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Method
 

Making the Big Mac Sauce
  1. Add 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to a small bowl. Full-fat mayo gives you the creamiest, richest base.
  2. Stir in 2 tablespoons of low-carb pickle relish.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of ketchup and 1 tablespoon of mustard.
  4. Add 1 teaspoon of monk fruit, 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, and whisk everything together thoroughly.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce while you cook the beef.
Cooking the Beef Base
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the minced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds.
  4. Add the ground beef, break it apart, and cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes.
  5. Continue breaking up and stirring the beef until fully cooked through. Season with sea salt and black pepper.
  6. Drain off excess grease if needed, and sprinkle cheddar cheese over the cooked beef.
Assembling the Bowls
  1. Start each bowl with 1/4 cup of shredded iceberg lettuce.
  2. Spoon a generous portion of the cheesy beef over the lettuce base.
  3. Add sliced dill pickles on top.
  4. Drizzle the Big Mac sauce over everything.
  5. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning.

Notes

Double the sauce if you think you might run out. Use fresh garlic in the beef for better flavor. Prep the bowls ahead but store components separately. Feel free to add a fried egg on top for extra protein.