Smash Burger Bowl: Low-Carb, High-Protein Recipe (Print Version)
Low-carb smash burger bowl packed with protein. Enjoy all the classic burger flavors without the bun. Quick, healthy, and satisfying weeknight meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Diabetic-Friendly
# Ingredients:
→ The Smashed & Seared Core
01 -
1 1/2 lbs 80/20 ground beef
02 -
4 slices American cheese
03 -
1 tbsp avocado oil
04 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Crisp Garden Medley
05 -
1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
06 -
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
07 -
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
→ Signature Tangy Drizzle
08 -
1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
09 -
2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
10 -
1 tbsp dill pickle relish
11 -
1 tsp yellow mustard
12 -
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
13 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
14 -
1/4 tsp garlic powder
→ Savory Accents
15 -
1/2 cup chopped dill pickle slices
16 -
1 tsp sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Combine 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise, 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup, 1 tbsp dill pickle relish, 1 tsp yellow mustard, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and set aside. This signature drizzle is key to your Smash Burger Bowl: Low-Carb, High-Protein Delight.
02 -
Chop 1 large head romaine lettuce, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice 1/4 cup red onion. Divide these crisp garden medley ingredients evenly among 4 serving bowls, creating a fresh base for your meal.
03 -
Divide 1 1/2 lbs 80/20 ground beef into 8 equal, loose balls. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Do not press them yet; they will be smashed directly on the hot griddle for the best sear and flavor.
04 -
Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until smoking. This high heat is crucial for achieving the perfect crust on your Smash Burger Bowl: Low-Carb, High-Protein Delight patties.
05 -
Place 2-3 beef balls on the hot skillet. Using a sturdy spatula and parchment paper, firmly smash each ball into a thin patty (about 1/4-inch thick). Cook for 2-3 minutes until deeply browned and crusty.
06 -
Flip the patties. Immediately place 1/2 slice of American cheese on each patty. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked through. Repeat with remaining beef and cheese.
07 -
Assemble your delicious Smash Burger Bowl: Low-Carb, High-Protein Delight by placing 2 cheesy smash burger patties over the prepared lettuce and veggies in each of the 4 serving bowls. Top with 1/2 cup chopped dill pickle slices and a generous drizzle of the tangy sauce.
08 -
Garnish your Smash Burger Bowl: Low-Carb, High-Protein Delight with 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional). Serve immediately for a fresh, satisfying, and low-carb meal that's packed with flavor.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra crispy smash, ensure your skillet is screaming hot and don't overcrowd it. Work in batches if necessary to maintain high heat.
02 -
Feel free to customize your bowl with other low-carb toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or sugar-free bacon bits for added flavor and texture.
03 -
Store leftover patties and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat patties gently and assemble fresh.
04 -
This bowl is fantastic on its own, but for a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a side of roasted radishes or cauliflower tots.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
02 -
Spatula
03 -
Mixing bowls
04 -
Whisk
05 -
Cutting board
06 -
Chef's knife
07 -
Measuring cups
08 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 840 kcal
Total Fat: 74 g
Total Carbohydrate: 11 g
Protein: 40 g