Description
Picture this: a weeknight dinner that’s both effortless and loaded with flavor, bringing all the nostalgic goodness of a classic hamburger without the heavy carbs or extra grease. Enter the Deconstructed Healthy Hamburger Bowl—a fresh, vibrant spin on the beloved comfort food. This recipe is perfect for those moments when you’re craving something hearty yet nutritious, a meal that feels indulgent but leaves you feeling energized.
The best part? It’s completely customizable, making it ideal for picky eaters, busy families, or anyone looking to meal prep for the week ahead. This bowl transforms humble ingredients into a vibrant, colorful meal that delivers on flavor and nutrition in equal measure. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or prepping for a week of lunches, this dish is bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or extra-lean)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg work well)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite variety)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (as a healthier alternative to sour cream)
- ¼ cup mustard (for drizzling)
- ¼ cup ketchup (use low-sugar for a healthier option)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is warm, crumble in the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the spices infuse the meat. - Prep the Veggies:
While the beef is cooking, prepare your veggies. Rinse and shred the lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion, chop the dill pickles, and dice the avocado. Set everything aside in individual bowls for easy assembly. - Build Your Bowls:
Start with a generous base of shredded lettuce in each bowl. Layer on the cooked ground beef, followed by your colorful veggies: tomatoes, carrots, red onion, pickles, and avocado. - Add the Toppings:
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the warm beef to let it melt slightly. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt and drizzle mustard and ketchup over the top. For a final touch, sprinkle sesame seeds for a burger-inspired flair. - Serve and Enjoy:
Grab a fork and dig into your delicious deconstructed hamburger bowl!
Notes
- If meal prepping, store the ground beef separately from the veggies to keep everything fresh. Reheat the beef before assembling your bowl.
- Want to save even more time? Use pre-shredded lettuce and store-bought diced veggies.