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Keto Big Mac Bowl - All the Flavor, None of the Bun

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground beef: 85% or 90% lean
  • Yellow onion: Finely diced
  • Garlic: Minced (optional)
  • Romaine or iceberg lettuce: Chopped for crunch
  • Cheddar or American cheese: Shredded or chopped slices
  • Dill pickles: Chopped (look for no-sugar-added)
  • Tomato: Diced (optional, for freshness)
  • Sesame seeds: For that “sesame bun” vibe
  • Avocado: Sliced (optional, adds healthy fats)
  • Olive oil or ghee: For cooking
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Smoked paprika and onion powder: Optional seasoning for the beef
  • Mayonnaise: Full-fat
  • Sugar-free ketchup: Check labels for carb count
  • Dill pickle relish or finely minced dill pickles
  • Yellow mustard
  • Apple cider vinegar: Just a splash
  • Onion powder and paprika
  • Sweetener (optional): A pinch of erythritol or allulose to balance acidity
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Make the special sauce: In a small bowl, whisk 1/2 cup mayo, 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup, 1 tablespoon dill relish, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Add a tiny pinch of keto-friendly sweetener if you like. Season with salt and pepper. Chill while you cook the beef.
  2. Prep the veg: Chop lettuce, dice tomato (if using), and chop pickles. Set aside. Toast 1 teaspoon sesame seeds in a dry skillet over low heat for 2–3 minutes if you want extra flavor.
  3. Cook the beef: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil or ghee. Add 1 pound ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Stir in 1/4 cup finely diced onion and 1 clove minced garlic (optional). Cook until browned with a few crispy bits, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
  4. Melt the cheese: Lower the heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar or lay chopped American slices over the hot beef. Cover for 1 minute to melt, or mix in until gooey.
  5. Assemble the bowls: Add a generous bed of chopped lettuce to each bowl. Spoon on a portion of the cheesy beef. Top with chopped pickles, tomato, and avocado slices if using. Drizzle with special sauce.
  6. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Add extra sauce on the side for dipping. Taste and adjust salt or acidity as needed.