Indulge Guilt-Free: The Ultimate Low Carb Five Guys Style Burger in a Bowl (Keto-Friendly Copycat Recipe)

Craving a classic burger without the carb overload? This Low Carb Burger in a Bowl offers the irresistible flavors of a Five Guys burger, reimagined as a healthier, low-calorie, and keto-friendly meal. Packed with all your favorite burger fixings, including savory cheese and crispy bacon, this recipe proves you don’t have to sacrifice taste for a mindful eating plan. Get ready for burger night, reinvented!

Ingredients and Smart Substitutions for Your Burger Bowl

Crafting the perfect low-carb burger bowl is all about fresh, high-quality ingredients and smart substitutions that don’t compromise on flavor. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and how you can customize it to your preferences or dietary needs:

• Turkey Bacon: We opt for turkey bacon to keep this recipe on the healthier, lower-fat side. If you prefer the classic taste, feel free to use pork bacon, but consider using half the amount to manage the calorie and fat content. To achieve extra crispiness, cook it slowly over medium heat until golden brown.
• Extra-Lean Ground Beef: The foundation of any great burger is the beef. Extra-lean ground beef provides excellent protein with less fat, making it ideal for a healthier meal. However, you can easily substitute with other ground meats like ground chicken or turkey for a different flavor profile or to match specific dietary preferences. Ensure whatever meat you choose is well-seasoned to bring out its best flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple yet essential. These seasonings are crucial for enhancing the natural flavors of your ground beef and ensuring your patties are perfectly seasoned. Adjust to your personal taste – a pinch more salt can bring out even more deliciousness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded or sliced cheddar cheese melts beautifully over the hot patties, giving you that authentic Five Guys experience. While cheddar is highly recommended for its classic flavor and melting properties, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a kick, or even a smoky provolone to add a unique twist.
• Iceberg Lettuce: The crisp, refreshing crunch of iceberg lettuce provides the perfect base for this burger bowl, mimicking the bun texture and offering a satisfying contrast to the warm ingredients. If you prefer a more nutrient-dense leafy green, romaine lettuce offers a similar crunch, while butter lettuce or spinach provide a softer texture and milder flavor.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These small, sweet tomatoes burst with flavor and add a vibrant pop of color. Cherry or grape tomatoes are excellent for meal prepping as they hold their shape and freshness well. If you’re planning to enjoy your burger bowl immediately, larger varieties like Roma or heirloom tomatoes can be diced for a juicier addition.
• Pickles: The tangy bite of pickles is essential for that classic burger flavor. You can buy pre-sliced dill pickles for convenience or slice regular dill pickles yourself. If pickles aren’t your favorite, simply omit them or replace them with another tangy element like pickled onions or capers.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, pungent flavor and a beautiful purple hue. For a milder taste, yellow onions or white onions can be used. Alternatively, you could lightly caramelize them for a sweeter, more mellow flavor, or even substitute with green onions for a fresher, lighter touch.
• Jalapeño: For those who love a bit of heat, fresh jalapeño slices are a fantastic addition. To temper the spice, remove the seeds and membranes before slicing. If you prefer a milder chili flavor, consider using pickled jalapeños or banana peppers. Of course, if spice isn’t your thing, feel free to leave them out entirely.

Dressing – The Secret Sauce to Your Burger Bowl

This dressing is designed to emulate the classic burger sauce, bringing all the flavors together in perfect harmony. Here’s how to make it and ideas for variations:

• Light Mayo: Forming the creamy base of our dressing, light mayonnaise helps keep the calorie count down while delivering rich flavor. For a healthier, tangier alternative, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used, though this will subtly alter the dressing’s classic taste.
• Ketchup: A staple in any burger dressing, ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and tomato tang. If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, BBQ sauce can be a delicious substitute, but be aware it will introduce a distinct smoky and sweet character to your dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard provides a sophisticated, slightly spicy kick that elevates the dressing. Yellow mustard can be used as a more traditional burger condiment flavor, offering a sharper, less complex taste.
• Water: A small amount of water helps to thin the dressing to the perfect pourable consistency, ensuring it coats all your delicious ingredients evenly.

How to Craft Your Perfect Burger in a Bowl: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious low-carb burger in a bowl is simpler than you might think. Follow these detailed steps to assemble a meal that’s both satisfying and healthy:

1. Prepare the Crispy Turkey Bacon: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay your turkey bacon slices flat in the pan, ensuring they don’t overlap too much. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the bacon is beautifully crispy and cooked through. Once done, remove it from the skillet, place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat, and let it cool. Once cool enough to handle, chop or break the slices in half for easy topping.
2. Assemble Your Fresh Ingredients: While the bacon cooks, dedicate some time to preparing your fresh vegetables. Wash and chop the iceberg lettuce, slice the cherry tomatoes (or dice larger tomatoes), prepare your pickles, thinly slice the red onion, and if using, slice the jalapeño. Divide all these fresh ingredients evenly among four large salad bowls, creating a colorful and inviting base for your burger bowl.
3. Whip Up the Zesty Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the light mayo, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and water. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, perhaps adding a pinch more salt or pepper, or a dash of hot sauce if you like extra heat. Set this delicious sauce aside.
4. Form the Flavorful Beef Balls: In a separate large bowl, combine the extra-lean ground beef with salt and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix the seasoning into the meat, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to tough patties. Divide the seasoned beef mixture into eight equal-sized balls. These will be smashed into thin patties, a signature Five Guys technique for maximum surface area and flavor.
5. Smash and Cook the Beef Patties: Heat the same large skillet (or a clean one) over medium-high heat. Once hot, place two beef balls onto the skillet. Immediately use a sturdy spatula, preferably one with a flat bottom, to firmly smash each beef ball down into a very thin patty, pressing firmly. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until a beautiful brown crust forms and the meat is cooked through. Repeat this process with the remaining beef balls. For the ultimate cheesy experience, place cheddar cheese on four of the cooked patties, then top each with another patty to create a double cheeseburger effect. Allow the cheese to melt slightly from the residual heat.
6. Final Assembly and Enjoyment: Carefully place two of the cheesy double burger patties into each prepared salad bowl, nestling them among the fresh vegetables. Top with the crispy turkey bacon pieces. Finally, drizzle a generous amount of your homemade burger dressing over the entire bowl. Toss gently if desired, or dig in layer by layer. Serve immediately and savor every delicious, low-carb bite!

How Does This Recipe Compare to Five Guys’ Burger Bowl?

This recipe is a loving homage to the famed Five Guys secret menu burger bowls, delivering all the classic flavors without the bun. My version captures the essence of their beloved offering, incorporating the same core ingredients you’d expect: fresh lettuce, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese. The primary distinction between this homemade burger bowl and Five Guys’ is in the presentation and the overall “salad” approach. While Five Guys essentially serves a deconstructed burger with minimal greens, my recipe embraces the salad format, making it a more balanced and refreshing meal.

This approach allows for greater customization and a more generous portion of fresh, crunchy vegetables, transforming a typical burger into a satisfying salad. Moreover, crafting it at home gives you complete control over the quality and quantity of each ingredient, allowing you to tailor it perfectly to your taste and dietary goals. If you’re not a fan of specific Five Guys inclusions like jalapeño peppers or pickles, this recipe encourages you to easily swap them out for other veggies of your choice, making it truly your own personalized burger experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Low Carb Burger Bowls

Storing and Reheating Your Burger Bowl for Optimal Freshness

Proper storage is key to enjoying your low-carb burger bowls throughout the week, especially if you’re meal prepping. The best method for maintaining freshness, much like any layered salad, is to utilize mason jars. Mason jars are fantastic for meal prep because they allow for strategic layering that keeps ingredients crisp and prevents sogginess. Start by adding the dressing to the bottom, followed by the heavier, moisture-resistant vegetables (like pickles and firm tomatoes), then the leafy greens, and finally the cooked meat and bacon on top. This layering technique acts as a natural barrier, protecting the delicate greens from the dressing until you’re ready to eat.

Once assembled, store your mason jar burger bowls upright in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes for a convenient, grab-and-go lunch or dinner option. If you prepare extra dressing, it will last even longer in a separate airtight container in the fridge, allowing you to streamline your prep time for future meals.

Since this is primarily a salad, there’s no need to reheat the entire dish. However, if you prefer your beef patties and bacon warm, simply store these components separately from the salad. When you’re ready to eat, warm the beef and bacon gently on a pan or in the microwave, then add them to your chilled salad. To enjoy, give the mason jar a good shake to distribute the dressing and combine all the ingredients, then pour your perfectly mixed salad into a bowl. For ultimate convenience on the go, many find it perfectly manageable to eat directly from the mason jar!

Expert Tips for Freezing Your Beef Patties

Freezing beef patties is an excellent way to save time on future meal prep and ensure you always have a quick protein source on hand. You can freeze the burger patties both raw or cooked, depending on your preference and meal plan.

Freezing Raw Patties:

To prepare raw patties for freezing, flatten your seasoned beef balls into uniform burger shapes. This ensures even cooking later. To prevent them from sticking together, place a small piece of wax paper or parchment paper between each patty as you stack them. This crucial step makes it easy to separate individual patties without thawing the entire stack. Place the stacked patties inside an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty Ziploc bag, pressing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, you can place them directly from frozen onto a hot skillet or grill, allowing a few extra minutes for cooking time.

Freezing Cooked Patties:

If you have leftover cooked patties or prefer to batch-cook, these can also be frozen effectively. Allow the cooked patties to cool completely to room temperature first; this prevents condensation from forming and ice crystals from damaging the texture. Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 30 minutes until firm. This prevents them from sticking together. Then, transfer the firm patties to an airtight container or a freezer bag, removing excess air, and label them. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, you have a couple of options: cook them on a pan or in the oven directly from frozen until thoroughly warmed through, or thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This flexibility makes your burger bowls an even more efficient meal prep solution.

Discover More Burger-Inspired Low-Carb Recipes

If you loved this low-carb burger in a bowl, you’ll be thrilled to explore other creative ways to enjoy classic burger flavors without the bread. Here are some fantastic recipes that keep the taste high and the carbs low:

• Burger Lettuce Wraps with Special Sauce: A fresh, crunchy take on burgers, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
• Meal Prep Low Carb Big Mac Salad Jars: Get the iconic Big Mac taste in a convenient, portable salad jar, ideal for meal prepping.
• Quesadilla Burger {Applebee’s Copycat}: A delicious fusion of a burger and a quesadilla, offering a unique and flavorful experience.

Essential Meal Prep Tools for This Recipe

To make your low-carb burger bowl meal prepping even easier and more efficient, consider investing in these helpful kitchen tools:

• Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on turning this meal into delicious leftovers that stay fresh.
• I source all my high-quality ground beef from Butcher Box, which offers convenient delivery of frozen meats right to my door.
• For longer storage, freeze this recipe in glass microwave-safe bowls for up to 3 months without compromising quality.
• Here’s the specific brand of light mayo I personally use to create the perfectly balanced dressing for this recipe.