Build Your Own Burger Bowls- no bun ( or grill) required
Fresh Produce from the local market for the summer version
I don’t turn on the grill—that’s my husband’s job. But that doesn’t mean I don’t love a good burger dinner. This burger bowl is my version: no grill required, quick to pull together, and just as satisfying.
It’s also one of my favorite ways to use up ground beef, which—let’s be real—is a freezer staple for every busy mom I know. I still remember hearing, “Can you get out the beef?” growing up. That was the nightly cue that dinner planning had begun.
Now, in my own kitchen, I’ve found ways to make it even easier. I often cook the beef ahead of time so that when dinner time rolls around, it’s just a matter of layering ingredients into bowls. It’s fast, fresh, and totally customizable—which is perfect when you’ve got kids who all like different things.
The Base: Burger Bowl Essentials
Start with ground beef, seasoned simply with:
Salt
Pepper
Garlic
Brown it in a skillet, then layer it in bowls with ( think favorite burger toppings) :
Green leaf lettuce for a fresh, crunchy base
Chopped pickles for that signature tang
Fresh tomatoes (bonus points for juicy summer ones!)
Avocado
Shredded Cheese
And the sauce—more on that below 👇
The Secret Sauce
This is what pulls it all together. It’s creamy, tangy, and made with just a few pantry staples:
¼ cup Greek yogurt
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
A splash of pickle juice
Stir it all up and either drizzle it over the top or serve it on the side. (Also makes a great dip for veggies or fries!)
Why I Love This (Especially in Summer)
We eat these year-round, but they’re especially good in the summer. No need to fire up the grill. No need to turn on the oven. Just top your bowls and pair them with sweet corn on the cob and juicy farmers market tomatoes, and dinner’s done.
It’s satisfying without being heavy and easy without being boring.
Burger Bowl Variations
Make it your own! A few of our favorite twists:
Sloppy Joe style: Stir ketchup and mustard right into the meat while cooking for a saucy twist.
Top with guacamole
Swap in ground turkey or veggie crumbles
Serve with toasted buns on the side
You can also serve this “deconstructed” style for younger kids—or let everyone build their own. Dinner feels fun, and you’re still getting a nourishing, homemade meal on the table.
Shown here with shredded potatoes, and a side of snow- winter version
