Dinner

Big Mac in a Bowl Recipe

ByHugo Harnd December 3, 2025December 3, 2025

Introduction

If you love the flavors of a Big Mac but want a lighter, low-carb option, this Big Mac in a Bowl recipe is perfect for you. It captures all the classic taste with fresh ingredients and no bun. Ready in minutes, it’s a satisfying meal for any day of the week.

A white bowl filled with a layered salad starting with a base of green leafy lettuce, topped with small chunks of cooked brown ground meat, then spread with thin orange shredded cheese. Slices of green pickles are placed over the cheese, and the dish is sprinkled with small diced purple onions. A creamy pinkish-orange dressing is drizzled over the top, with black pepper and small white sesame seeds scattered across. A silver fork rests inside the bowl on the left side, all set on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon cooking oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 head iceberg lettuce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup dill sandwich pickles
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 Tablespoon sesame seeds
Big Mac Sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

Step 1: Wash and dry the lettuce, then chop it to your desired size.
Step 2: Heat the cooking oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Brown the meat, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked and no longer pink. Remove the beef from the pan with a slotted spoon to drain excess grease.
Step 4: In a large salad bowl, layer the chopped lettuce, cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, pickles, and chopped onions.
Step 5: Garnish the bowl with Big Mac Sauce, sprinkle sesame seeds on top, and add a dash of black pepper if desired.
Step 6: Serve immediately and enjoy your Big Mac flavors without the bun.

Tips & Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
Add a few cherry tomatoes or sliced avocado for extra freshness and creaminess.
Use shredded iceberg or Romaine to keep the salad crisp and light.
For homemade Big Mac Sauce, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, finely chopped pickles, and a dash of vinegar.

Storage

Store the cooked ground beef and chopped vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Combine and add the sauce just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp. Reheat the beef gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a layered salad starting with a base of green leafy lettuce, topped with dark brown cooked ground meat pieces. On top of the meat, there are thin light orange shredded cheese strips scattered evenly. Greenish-yellow sliced pickles are spread on the cheese, mixed with small diced purple onions. A light pink creamy sauce generously drizzles over the top, sprinkled with sesame seeds and cracked black pepper. Behind the bowl, there is a small glass bowl with pickles and another glass bowl with the same pink sauce, all placed on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the Big Mac Sauce myself?

Yes, you can easily whip up a homemade Big Mac Sauce by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, finely chopped pickles, vinegar, and a pinch of sugar. Adjust the ingredients to taste.

Is this recipe suitable for low-carb diets?

Absolutely. This recipe replaces the bun with lettuce, making it a great low-carb and keto-friendly meal option while still delivering classic Big Mac flavors.