📝 About This Recipe
Experience all the nostalgic, savory glory of the world's most famous double-decker burger without the carb-heavy bun. This vibrant bowl features juicy, seasoned ground beef nestled atop a bed of crisp shredded lettuce, drizzled with a handcrafted sugar-free 'Special Sauce' that hits every tangy and creamy note. It is the perfect low-carb solution for satisfying those fast-food cravings while fueling your body with high-quality protein and fats.
🥗 Ingredients
The Beef Base
- 1.5 pounds Ground Beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for maximum flavor)
- 1/2 cup Yellow Onion (finely diced)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
Sugar-Free Special Sauce
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (full fat, avocado oil mayo preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Sugar-Free Ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Yellow Mustard
- 2 tablespoons Dill Pickle Relish (ensure no added sugar)
- 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (for color and depth)
The Salad Components
- 6 cups Iceberg Lettuce (shredded into thin ribbons)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded or small cubes)
- 1/2 cup Dill Pickle Slices (crinkle cut for authenticity)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (toasted, for that 'bun' flavor)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, and smoked paprika until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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2
Place a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula.
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3
Add the finely diced yellow onion to the skillet with the beef. Sauté together until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions are translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes.
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4
Season the beef mixture with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well to incorporate the spices.
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5
Carefully drain any excess grease from the pan, leaving just a touch for moisture. Turn off the heat.
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6
While the beef is still warm, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the meat in the pan. Cover with a lid for 1 minute to allow the cheese to melt into the beef.
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7
Prepare four large serving bowls by creating a generous base of shredded iceberg lettuce in each.
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8
Divide the warm, cheesy beef mixture evenly among the four bowls, placing it directly over the lettuce.
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9
Top each bowl with halved cherry tomatoes and a handful of dill pickle slices.
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10
Drizzle the chilled 'Special Sauce' generously over each bowl using a spoon or a squeeze bottle for a professional look.
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11
Finish each dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to mimic the classic sesame seed bun experience.
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12
Serve immediately while the beef is warm and the lettuce is crisp for the perfect temperature contrast.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the best texture, use iceberg lettuce as it provides the iconic crunch associated with fast-food burgers. If you prefer a more 'charred' flavor, let the beef sit undisturbed in the pan for 2-3 minutes before breaking it up to get a nice crust. Make the sauce a day in advance; the flavors intensify and become much more balanced after 24 hours. To keep this strictly Keto, ensure your pickles and relish are not 'Bread and Butter' style, as those contain high amounts of sugar. If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a teaspoon of pickle juice for extra tang.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a cold glass of sparkling water with a wedge of lemon to cut through the richness. Serve alongside air-fried radish slices or zucchini fries for a complete 'burger and fries' feel. For an extra kick, add a few slices of fresh jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the beef. A crisp dry Rosé or a light Keto-friendly lager complements the savory-tangy profile beautifully.