Bacon Avocado Burger Bowl

This Bacon Avocado Burger Bowl takes all the flavors you love in a classic bacon cheeseburger — smoky bacon, juicy beef, creamy cheese, crisp lettuce, and tangy pickles — and transforms them into a hearty, bun-free meal. With rich avocado, fresh veggies, and a zesty burger sauce drizzle, every bite is a balanced mix of savory, creamy, crunchy, and tangy. It’s a lighter take on a diner favorite, perfect for those craving comfort without the heaviness of bread.

Seasoned ground beef is cooked until tender and juicy, paired with crisp bacon crumbles, then layered over a bed of fresh greens and colorful vegetables. Slices of creamy avocado and shredded cheddar add indulgence, while a quick homemade burger sauce ties everything together with a tangy kick. The result? A low-carb, high-flavor dish that’s equally satisfying for lunch or dinner — no grill required.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Bowl:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)

  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled

  • 1 large avocado, sliced

  • 4 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced

  • ½ cup dill pickle chips or spears

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the Burger Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tbsp ketchup

  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard

  • 1 tbsp pickle relish

  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

Cook the Bacon & Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate, then crumble once cooled. In the same skillet, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Assemble the Bowls
Divide the lettuce evenly among 4 bowls. Top each with a portion of ground beef, crumbled bacon, sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, pickles, and shredded cheddar.

Drizzle & Serve
Spoon or drizzle the burger sauce generously over each bowl. Serve immediately for maximum crunch and freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: ~520 kcal per serving
Servings: 4

The Origin of the Bacon Avocado Burger Bowl

Burger bowls are a modern twist on the deconstructed burger trend, popularized by low-carb and keto diets. While traditional burgers rely on buns for structure, this style skips the bread entirely, letting the fillings shine as a fresh, colorful, and fork-friendly meal. The addition of avocado and bacon adds both indulgence and staying power, while the homemade sauce keeps it rooted in that nostalgic diner-burger flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Flavors: Smoky bacon and tangy pickles cut through the richness of beef and avocado.

  • Variety of Textures: Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crunchy bacon keep bites exciting.

  • Customizable: Easy to adapt with different cheeses, sauces, or toppings.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest results without being overly greasy.

  • Cook bacon first so you can use some rendered fat to flavor the beef.

  • Assemble just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

Variations

  • Spicy Southwest: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, add jalapeños, and drizzle with chipotle mayo.

  • Greek Style: Use lamb instead of beef, add feta cheese, cucumber, and tzatziki sauce.

  • Veggie Version: Replace beef with seasoned lentils or plant-based crumbles.

Make Ahead & Storage

  • Make Ahead: Cook and store beef and bacon separately in the fridge for up to 3 days; slice avocado fresh before serving.

  • Fridge: Store assembled components separately to maintain freshness; sauce can be kept in a sealed container for 5 days.

  • Freezer: Beef can be cooked and frozen for up to 3 months; bacon can also be frozen after cooking.

Serving Ideas

Serve with:

  • A side of sweet potato fries for a diner-style pairing.

  • A crisp dill pickle spear and sparkling water with lemon for a light touch.

  • A grilled corn salad for a summery spread.

Final Thoughts

The Bacon Avocado Burger Bowl is proof that you can have all the flavor of your favorite burger — smoky, juicy, creamy, and tangy — without the bun. It’s fresh, fast, and endlessly adaptable, making it just as welcome at a casual weeknight dinner as it is at a backyard BBQ. One bite and you’ll wonder why you didn’t start eating burgers this way sooner.