Bison Burger Bowl: A Quick, Healthy, and Delicious Low-Carb Meal
Ever wondered how to make a burger healthier without sacrificing taste? Look no further! This Bison Burger Bowl is your answer to a quick, nutritious, and utterly delicious meal that’ll have you saying goodbye to buns forever. For more low-carb alternatives, you might want to explore these Turkey and Avocado Lettuce Wraps, a delightfully fresh option for sandwich lovers!
KEY INFO:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Difficulty level: Easy
Dietary tags: Gluten-free, Dairy-free optional, Paleo, AIP-friendly, Low-Carb
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
– Large mixing bowl
– Skillet or grill pan (a regular grill works too!)
– Cutting board and knife
– Spatula
– Tongs (for bacon)
Don’t have a grill? No worries! Your trusty oven will do the trick for both the bison and bacon. Curious about other creative low-carb swaps? Check out these Cheese Shell Tacos, a game-changing taco makeover.
INGREDIENTS:
– 450g (1 lb) ground bison
– 3 slices bacon
– 2 cups mixed leafy greens (I love a combo of arugula and romaine)
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 tomato, sliced
– 1/2 avocado, sliced
– 30g (1 oz) sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil (optional)
– 2 tbsp diced kosher dill pickles (optional)
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1-2 tbsp pesto (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
METHOD:
1. In a large bowl, mix the ground bison with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Add Worcestershire sauce if using. Form into 2-3 patties.
2. Heat your skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the bison patties for about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. They should have a nice char on the outside but still feel slightly soft in the center.
3. In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
4. While the meat’s cooking, prep your toppings. Slice the onion, tomato, and avocado. Chop the pickles if using.
5. Time to assemble! Divide the greens between bowls and drizzle with lemon juice. Top with the cooked bison patty, crispy bacon, and all your chosen toppings.
6. Finish with a dollop of pesto and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy. If you’re looking for an exciting side, try pairing this with Buffalo Cauliflower Wings for a tangy twist.
CRUCIAL TIPS:
• Don’t overwork the bison meat – mix just until combined to keep it tender.
• Bison cooks faster than beef, so keep an eye on it!
• Let the patties rest for a few minutes after cooking for juicier results.
I’ve made this dish countless times, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. The lean, flavorful bison paired with crispy bacon and fresh veggies creates a perfect balance that’ll leave you satisfied without feeling heavy.
Remember, this recipe is your playground! Want it cheesier? Throw on some sharp cheddar. Craving more crunch? Add some crushed nuts. The possibilities are endless. For a vegetarian twist on burger night, consider trying these Spicy Black Bean Burgers.
Storage:
Keep any leftover cooked bison in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying it out. This technique is also handy when making a batch of Bison Chili for meal prep.
Scaling:
This recipe’s a breeze to scale up for meal prep or down for a solo dinner.
Common mistakes:
The biggest pitfall is overcooking the bison. It’s leaner than beef, so it can dry out quickly. Aim for medium-rare to medium for the juiciest results.
Variations:
Try swapping the pesto for a zesty avocado aioli, or go full diner-style with ketchup and mustard. You can even mix things up with different greens like kale or spinach for extra nutrients. For an Italian-inspired twist, you might enjoy these Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs as they deliver a similar healthy flavor-packed punch.
Trust me, once you try this Bison Burger Bowl, you’ll wonder why you ever needed a bun in the first place. It’s my go-to for a quick, healthy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Give it a shot and let me know what you think!
