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A healthy big mac bowl featuring seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, shredded cheddar, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and special sauce.
Reda

Big Mac Bowl (Deconstructed)

Enjoy all the iconic flavors of a Big Mac, deconstructed into a satisfying, low-carb bowl! This recipe features a savory seasoned ground beef patty, crisp iceberg lettuce, tangy pickles, fresh onion, cheddar cheese, and a homemade special sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 680
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Big Mac Special Sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise full-fat or light
  • 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp erythritol or sugar substitute (optional, for sweetness balance)
  • pinch salt to taste
  • pinch black pepper to taste
For the Beef Patty
  • 1 lb lean ground beef 85/15 or 90/10
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
For the Bowl Assembly
  • 4 cups iceberg lettuce shredded
  • 1/2 cup dill pickle slices chopped
  • 1/4 small red onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or American/Colby Jack
Optional "Bun" Croutons
  • 2 slices white bread or brioche cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp butter

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Small Skillet (optional, for croutons)

Method
 

Prepare the Special Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, erythritol (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth. Set aside.
Prepare Bowl Ingredients
  1. Shred the iceberg lettuce and divide it evenly between two large serving bowls. Chop the dill pickle slices into small pieces. Finely dice the red onion. Shred the cheddar cheese. Arrange these prepared ingredients around the lettuce in each bowl.
Cook the Ground Beef
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Optional "Bun" Croutons
  1. While the beef cooks, if making the croutons, melt butter in a separate small skillet over medium heat. Add the bread cubes and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Alternatively, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes, shaking halfway.
Assemble and Serve
  1. Spoon half of the cooked ground beef into each bowl on top of the lettuce and other toppings. Drizzle generously with the prepared Big Mac special sauce. If using, scatter the toasted "bun" croutons over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy your Big Mac Bowl!

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the special sauce. You can also add sliced tomatoes or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra Big Mac authenticity. Leftover special sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.