Burger in a Bowl

Want a healthier way to serve up a burger? How about creating a Burger in a Bowl! It’s a fun, fresh way to have all the flavors of a burger- be it grass-fed beef, lamb, chicken, turkey,  veggie or vegan –  and instead of serving it on a bun, load it up with a mound of  healthy greens and veggies and then personalize it to your particular liking. Not only is this really simple to make, it’s healthy and delicious.  The combinations are truly endless, making it an adaptable meal that comes in particularly handy for mixed (meat-eating/ vegan) households.

For example, my husband Brian, loves his Burger in a Bowl with beef or lamb, topped with grilled onions and gorgonzola crumbles.  He also really loves a “Caesar” Burger, basically a Burger in a Bowl, loaded up with veggies, dressed with creamy caesar dressing.

I prefer a lighter Burger Bowl, so I’ll just make a simple balsamic vinaigrette to go with a veggie burger.  Sometimes I’ll add crumbled goat cheese. You can give it any spin you like, or just have a selection of veggies ( grilled and fresh) and dressings for family members or guests to assemble the bowls themselves — very fun and adaptable!  And a great way to use up stray veggies in the fridge and allow you to pull something together with what you have on hand. I love it!

Remember the vegan Lentil Burgers from last week? I made them, grilled them and wrapped the leftovers up and put them in the freezer. For the bowl above, I warmed one up in the toaster oven today and assembled the bowl adding some leftover pickled beets and shallots, turmeric sauerkraut, greens and avocado. A simple drizzle of olive oil and balsamic, and it was done. And guess what? So tasty!!!

If grilling, throw on some sliced onion, or any other grill-able veggies while you’re at it-  like zucchini, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, or even asparagus… why not?

Add a mound of greens to the base of the bowl- arugula, spinach, baby kale, mesclun or any salad green.

Then add fresh crunchy veggies like grated carrots or beets, sprouts, cucumber, radish or avocado. Use what’s in your fridge. Fresh herbs are always nice too.

Top with the grilled burger patty and spoon or drizzle your favorite dressing overtop.  Add crumbled cheese if you like, or leave it off for a clean/lean version.

Here above is a goat cheese-stuffed lamb burger, grilled to perfection.

Below is a vegan Sprouted Lentil Burger.

And these Thai Turkey Burgers  infused with ginger, garlic and lemongrass below would be a delicious option too!

Or make a Middle Eastern Style Falafel Burgers – basically a flavorful vegan chickpea patty that can be pan seared or baked.

So get your creative juices flowing and build your own perfect Burger in a Bowl!

Have fun with it and tell me about your creations below or show me your creations on instagram, hashtag #feastingathome. I always love seeing what you are up to in your kitchens and will repost my favorite photos!

Burger in a Bowl – a fun, tasty and healthier way to serve up our favorite summertime meal!

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