This gluten-free Healthy Burger In A Bowl is a lighter way to get your burger fix! 
Sometimes, I’m in the mood for a juicy burger piled high with all the fixings, complete with a fluffy, pillowy bun. Other times, I’m ready to shake things up, skip the bun, and turn my burger into a salad. But there’s a third option, too! What if you could have the best of both worlds? That was the inspo behind this healthy burger bowl recipe, complete with gluten-free burger bun croutons and a tangy homemade ketchup dressing. It’s everything you love about a classic burger, reimagined into a fresh, satisfying, and slightly cheeky meal.
I’m particularly fond of the twist that sets this burger bowl apart from similar variations: those crispy burger bun croutons. They deliver all the carby satisfaction of a traditional bun but in crunchy, bite-sized pieces scattered over your bowl. And, in using a gluten-free bun, this recipe works perfectly for those who avoid traditional breads.
This recipe is the ultimate salad-meets-burger mashup, where you get to enjoy your favorite flavors—juicy patties, tangy pickles, crisp lettuce, smokey grilled onions—without feeling overly weighed down. And if you’re going full low-carb, you can ditch the croutons entirely or toss in some keto-friendly fries for a creative carb-conscious swap.
Is This Burger In A Bowl Healthy?
Healthy is in the name for a reason! The fresh veggies offer a nice dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and if you stick with a light ground beef option (I used 93% lean), you can keep the overall fat and calorie count down. Of course, if you wanted to go even leaner, you could always make the burger patties with ground turkey instead of beef. The dressing for this burger bowl is my take on homemade ketchup, which includes more natural, limited ingredients than most store-bought varieties that are often laden with sodium and high-fructose corn syrup. Overall, this is a relatively wholesome recipe to enjoy as part of a healthy diet.
Endless Topping Options
This bowl, while fantastic as is, also makes an excellent base to enjoy all of your favorite burger toppings—without having to stick to the “rules” of what fits between two buns. I love the classic combo of shredded cheddar cheese, tangy pickles, and a drizzle of yellow mustard. To kick it up another notch, add some crispy turkey bacon or creamy avocado slices for an extra layer of flavor.
For a lighter, fresher take, pile on sliced cucumbers or roasted red peppers. Feeling bold? Throw in a handful of jalapeños or caramelized mushrooms for a rich, umami kick. Go gourmet with a fried egg on top. The options don’t stop at toppings, either. You can swap the Romaine for baby spinach, kale, or even some peppery arugula. Mix, match, and make it your own to your heart’s content.
How To Make Ahead And Store
This burger bowl is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, try to store the individual components (cooked patties, dressing, lettuce, chopped veggies) separately for best results. Otherwise, the ingredients will start to get soggy. In separate airtight containers, your leftovers will last up to 3 days in the fridge. The croutons should be stored in a dry, airtight container at room temperature during this time.
Serving Suggestions
This healthy burger bowl is a meal in itself. But if you want a fitting side to snack on or you’re feeding a larger crowd, you can’t go wrong with some fries! For a lighter take, try these Keto French Fries, Baked Sweet Potato Fries, or Parsnip Fries.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef I use 93% lean
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 large onion sliced
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- salt to taste
- 1 gluten-free, whole-grain hamburger bun
- 4 cups Romaine lettuce roughly chopped
- 2 cups Roma tomatoes roughly chopped or sliced
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- Pickles optional
- Yellow mustard for garnish
For the dressing:
- 1 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 teaspoons white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons agave or honey
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Heat your grill to high heat. Loosely form the beef into 4 large patties, about 3/4-inch thick, and use your thumb to make an indent in the center of each one.
- Rub each burger with 1 teaspoon of oil on both sides. Rub the remaining oil all over the sliced onion. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place the burgers and onions on the grill and cook for 3 minutes. Flip and cook an additional 4 minutes (for medium-rare), or until desired doneness is reached. Remove from grill and cover to keep warm.
- Place the bun cut-side down onto the grill and cook until lightly charred, about 2 to 3 minutes. Once charred, cut into cubes to make the croutons.
- Divide the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and pickles between 4 bowls, followed by the burgers, onions, and croutons.
- In a medium bowl, stir together all the dressing ingredients until well mixed. Divide between the bowls.
- Drizzle each bowl with some yellow mustard. Enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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