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Home ยป Recipes ยป Gluten Free Dinner Recipes

Loaded Big Mac Burger Bowls

thriving gluten free recipes

by Thriving Gluten Free Published: Apr 30, 2021 ยท Modified: Apr 10, 2026 ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท 2 Comments

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These Big Mac Burger Bowls are an easy gluten free meal loaded with all the flavors of your favorite fast food burger. Lettuce, pickles, ground beef, the most delicious homemade special sauce, and you can't have a burger without fries. I promise you won't even miss the bun!ย 

Big Mac burger bowl with ground beef, lettuce, pickles, cheese, fries and special sauce

Gluten Free Big Mac Burger Bowls: No Buns Needed!

If you've been craving a burger and fries, but...

  • you want to go the healthier route
  • you want to stay celiac safe and not chance gluten cross-contamination at a fast food restaurant.
  • or, you want to save money and not buy expensive gluten free buns...

Then you have to try these burger bowls! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want comfort food without hitting the drive-thru. It's easy, customizable, and seriously satisfying.

What Ingredients Do I need to Make This Easy Big Mac Burger Bowl Recipe?

Go ahead and add everything you love about a burger, minus the bun! Here are some ideas:

  • Lean Ground Beef. Seasoned with salt, onion powder & garlic powder.
  • Lettuce
  • Onions
  • Tomatoes
  • Dill Pickles
  • Bacon
  • Avocado
  • Fries. Use GF Frozen French fries, or make your own "fries" using russet potatoes or try our favorite recipe for sweet potato fries.

You'll top the burger bowls with a homemade Big Mac Special Sauce recipe. Here's what you'll need to make it:

  • Mayo
  • Ketchup
  • Yellow Mustard
  • Dill Relish
  • White Vinegar
  • Seasonings: Paprika & Onion Powder

If you love this easy gluten free dinner recipe made with ground beef, I think you'll also love this One Pan Taco Skillet Dinner and this Easy Gluten Free Enchiladas with Ground Beef. Be sure to also check out my entire collection of gluten free 30 minute meals for busy weeknights!

Ingredients for Big Mac burger bowls including ground beef, lettuce, pickles, and cheese

How to Make the Best Big Mac Burger Bowls

1. Cook the Fries

If using frozen fries, bake or air fry according to package instructions until crispy.

If making homemade fries:

  • Preheat oven to 425ยฐF
  • Toss cut potatoes with olive oil and salt
  • Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway

2. Make the Special Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, and spices until smooth and creamy.

Pop it in the fridge while you prep everything else. The flavor gets even better as it sits.


3. Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and break it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.


4. Assemble the Bowls

Start with a base of shredded lettuce, then layer on:

  • Cooked ground beef
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Diced onions
  • Pickles

Drizzle generously with that creamy special sauce!


5. Add the Fries

Serve fries on the side or pile them right into the bowl for the ultimate loaded experience.

I like to serve everything buffet style so picky eaters can choose what they like in their hamburger bowls!ย 

Meal Prep Tips

These Big Mac bowls are perfect for prepping ahead:

  • Store components separately for best texture
  • Keep sauce in a sealed container for up to 5 days
  • Reheat beef and fries, then assemble fresh

These Big Mac Burger Bowls with Special Sauce and Fries are everything you love about a classic burger just transformed into a fresh, fun, and totally crave-worthy way. Whether you're trying to eat a little cleaner or just want to switch things up, this recipe hits that perfect balance of indulgent and wholesome.

Have you made these healthy burger bowls? Be sure to leave a comment below and tag me on instagram @thrivingglutenfree so I can see how they turned out!

Let's Eat!

Overhead view of Big Mac burger bowls with lettuce, beef, pickles, fries and special sauce
Thriving Gluten Free

Loaded Big Mac Burger Bowls

5 from 1 vote
Big Mac burger bowls with special sauce and fries! An easy 30-minute dinner with ground beef, lettuce, pickles, cheese, and homemade special sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, gluten-free
Calories: 518
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

Burger Bowl Meat
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef browned and drained
  • ยฝ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ยฝ teaspoon Onion Powder
  • ยฝ teaspoon Salt
Salad Base & Topping Options
  • 2 heads Romaine Lettuce shredded
  • Dill Hamburger Pickles
  • Onion
  • Tomatoes
  • Avocado
  • Bacon cooked and crumbled
  • French Fries roast your own potato wedges, sweet potato fries, or use gluten-free frozen fries
Big Mac Special Sauce
  • ยพ cup Mayo
  • 3 tablespoon Ketchup
  • 2 tablespoon Dill Relish
  • 2 teaspoon Yellow Mustard
  • 2 teaspoon White Vinegar
  • ยฝ teaspoon Paprika
  • ยฝ tsp Onion Powder

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat then brown ground beef, crumbling with a spatula. Once cooked, drain grease if needed then add the seasonings to the meat. Stir to combine.
  2. Meanwhile, prepare your burger bowl fixings. Bake your fries and cook the bacon, if using. Chop your veggies- you can always do this ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to eat.
  3. Make the Big Mac Special Sauce. Mix together all of the ingredients and stir well. Set aside.
  4. Assemble your bowl! Start with a layer of shredded lettuce, then spoon the ground beef mixture on top. Add remaining toppings to your liking and drizzle with the sauce. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 518kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 29gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 20gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 88mgSodium: 870mgPotassium: 1231mgFiber: 7gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 27485IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 124mgIron: 6mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

More Gluten Free Dinner Recipes

  • Gluten free beef enchiladas made with ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheese baked in enchilada sauce.
    Easy Gluten Free Enchiladas with Ground Beef
  • easy stuffed pepper soup recipe gluten free
    Easy Stuffed Pepper Soup (Gluten Free, One Pot)
  • one Pan Chicken sausage and risotto dinner recipe gluten free
    One Pan Chicken Sausage Risotto Skillet Dinner
  • gluten and dairy free Philly cheesteak bowls recipe
    Gluten and Dairy Free Philly Cheesesteak Bowls

Comments

  1. Craig says

    May 04, 2022 at 10:54 am

    5 stars
    I was recently diagnosed with celiac and this has been the first thing I've cooked since. It was amazing! Really does taste like a big mac and the avocado is a nice touch as well. The sauce is really the star here though. Will probably make a ton of it to use for everything. Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
    • ThrivingGlutenFree says

      May 14, 2022 at 2:14 pm

      Hi Craig! I am so happy you enjoyed the recipe! If you ever have questions or need any celiac support, please feel free to reach out ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
5 from 1 vote

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Hi, I'm Debby! The recipe creator, mom and blogger behind Thriving Gluten Free. Our oldest daughter was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2011, so we've been navigating gluten-free living ever since. I love to share our favorite recipes, products and tips to help make your gluten-free life easy, healthy and delicious!

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