This bowl gives you all the classic Big Mac flavors — seasoned beef, cheddar, lettuce, pickles, onions, and “special sauce” — but with much higher protein and fewer refined carbs. Most versions land around 35–60g protein per serving depending on the meat and sauce used.
Servings
2 large bowls
Estimated Macros (per serving)
- Calories: ~550–700
- Protein: 45–55g
- Carbs: 10–18g
- Fat: 30–38g
(Varies based on beef leanness and toppings.)
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 500g lean ground beef (90/10 or 95/5 preferred)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Bowl Base
- 4 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup diced white onion
- ½ cup dill pickle slices
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
High-Protein Big Mac Sauce
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp light mayo
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp pickle relish or finely chopped pickles
- 1 tsp pickle juice
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Greek yogurt is commonly used in higher-protein versions to keep the “special sauce” creamy while boosting protein.
Instructions
1. Cook the Beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and break it apart while cooking. Season with:
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- paprika
- Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper
Cook for about 7–9 minutes until browned and slightly crispy around the edges.
2. Make the Sauce
Whisk together:
- Greek yogurt
- mayo
- ketchup
- mustard
- relish
- pickle juice
- paprika
- garlic powder
- onion powder
Taste and adjust:
- more mustard = tangier
- more ketchup = sweeter
- more pickle juice = closer to authentic Big Mac flavor
3. Assemble the Bowls
Divide lettuce between two bowls.
Top with:
- cooked beef
- cheddar cheese
- onions
- tomatoes
- pickles
Drizzle generously with the sauce.
Optional: sprinkle sesame seeds on top for the “burger bun” vibe.
Meal Prep Version
This recipe is excellent for meal prep. Store:
- beef separately
- sauce separately
- veggies cold
Assemble fresh when eating.
Most meal-prep versions stay good for 3–4 days refrigerated.
Optional Upgrades
Extra Protein
Add:
- extra lean beef
- grilled chicken
- turkey bacon
- cottage cheese blended into the sauce
