Homemade Whopper Burger Bowl Recipe

30-minute meals burger bowl recipes clean eating fast food copycat healthy dinner ideas high protein meals low carb recipes serves 4

If you’re craving that smoky, juicy flame-grilled flavor of a Whopper — but want to skip the bun, the bloat, and the drive-thru — this one’s for you.

This Homemade Whopper Burger Bowl has all the fast-food flavor you love: seasoned beef, melty cheese, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onion, and a creamy “Whopper-style” sauce — but it’s served in a bowl instead of a bun.

It's low carb, high protein, and so easy to make at home in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect clean comfort food for burger night with a twist!

 

Ingredients:

For the beef:

  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15 or lean grass-fed)

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the bowls:

  • 4 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

  • ½ cup dill pickle slices

  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (or shredded)

  • Optional: avocado slices, grilled mushrooms, or jalapeños

For the “Whopper sauce”:

  • ¼ cup avocado oil mayo or Greek yogurt

  • 1 tbsp ketchup (no sugar added)

  • 1 tsp mustard

  • 1 tsp pickle juice

  • Pinch of garlic powder and smoked paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

 

Instructions:

  1. Cook the beef
    In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until fully browned and slightly crispy.

  2. Make the sauce
    In a small bowl, stir together mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust to taste.

  3. Build your burger bowls
    In each bowl, start with a base of chopped lettuce. Top with ground beef, tomatoes, pickles, red onion, cheese, and any extras you like.

  4. Drizzle with sauce and serve
    Spoon your homemade Whopper sauce on top and serve immediately.

 

Sarah’s Tips:

  • Dairy-free version: Skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

  • Meal prep tip: Store all components separately and assemble when ready to eat.

  • Want the grilled flavor? Add a splash of liquid smoke or grill your patties before crumbling.

  • Make it spicy: Add hot sauce or jalapeños to the bowl or sauce.

 

Flavorful Conclusion:

This Homemade Whopper Burger Bowl gives you all the fast-food flavor — without the bun or the crash. It’s bold, filling, and made with real, nourishing ingredients. Whether you're going low carb, skipping the bun, or just want a clean take on a classic, this bowl is your new burger night go-to.

 

Nutrition (per bowl, serves 4):

  • Calories: 420

  • Protein: 32g

  • Carbs: 10g

  • Fat: 28g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 3g

FREE MEGA BUNDLE: 
10 Done-for-You Nutrition Guides

Meal plans, snack ideas, food charts & more — all printable, all free.

Claim Your Free Bundle Now

New Recipes

Grilled Cheese-Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Apr 17, 2025

Grilled Feta with Herbs Recipe

Apr 17, 2025

Grilled Cheddar and Apple Sandwich Recipe

Apr 17, 2025

Grilled Blue Cheese Burgers Recipe

Apr 17, 2025

Grilled Goat Cheese Salad Recipe

Apr 17, 2025

Grilled Mozzarella Sandwich Recipe

Apr 17, 2025

Grilled Brie with Cranberries Recipe

Apr 17, 2025

Grilled Panini with Ham and Cheese Recipe

Apr 17, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions