Finding recipes that are both delicious, nutritious, and budget friendly, can be a game-changer. This fantastic recipe has gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok—the Big Mac Bowl. Not only is this recipe a delectable take on the classic Big Mac, but it has also been credited with helping individuals achieve their weight loss goals. In fact, I saw an inspiring story of a TikTok user who lost an incredible 50 pounds while enjoying these mouthwatering bowls.
Why I Love the Big Mac Salad
I enjoy making big mac bowls because they are a bit healthier, and they use ground beef, which I almost always have on hand. They are a great way to use up the last of a jar of pickles and making Big Mac sauce is easy and can be made with condiments you likely have on hand.
Big Mac Bowl Basics
The Big Mac Bowl is the perfect solution to craving takeout without all the takeout cost and calories. You can make as many bowls as you’d like by just increasing the ingredients. I usually start with 2lbs of ground beef and that will make at least 8 Big Mac Bowls. Packed with all the classic components, this recipe offers a nutritious twist that will keep you and your wallet full.
Ingredients:
- Half an onion, chopped
- Tomatoes, diced
- Pickles, chopped
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Ground beef
- Salt and pepper
- Lettuce (Romaine or Iceberg)
- Thousand Island dressing or homemade Big Mac sauce
How to Make the Big Mac Salad
- Start by browning the ground beef in a pan over medium heat. Season it with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- While the beef is cooking, chop the onion, dice the tomatoes, and shred the cheddar cheese.
- Next, slice the lettuce into thin strips and set it aside.
- Once the ground beef is cooked, assemble your Big Mac Bowls. Begin by creating a bed of lettuce in each bowl.
- Add a generous portion of the browned ground beef on top of the lettuce.
- Sprinkle the chopped onions, diced tomatoes, pickles, and shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
- To complete the dish, drizzle Thousand Island dressing or homemade Big Mac sauce over the toppings.
- Feel free to customize your bowl with additional toppings or adjust the quantities to your liking.
- Serve and enjoy your homemade Big Mac Bowls—a flavorful and healthier alternative to the classic fast-food indulgence!
Alternative Options:
I recently tried making this big mac bowl into a bacon cheeseburger bowl and using a real grilled cheeseburger. I diced red onion, instead of white, removed the shredded cheese since the burger already had cheese on it, and added crumbled bacon. Ths time, I tried the burger sauce from primal kitchen. The outcome was outstanding! It just goes to show you that you can really make these your own and you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
Make the Big Mac Salad Today!
If you’re seeking a delicious, cheap, and healthy alternative to satisfy your Big Mac cravings, look no further than the Big Mac Salad recipe. With its combination of fresh ingredients, flavorful toppings, and the option to create your own dressing, this recipe provides a guilt-free way to enjoy the classic flavors of a Big Mac while supporting your budget and health goals! You can see how this fit into my $80 weekly budget for my family of 5 in this youtube video! And if you’re looking for more satisfying budget meals make sure to check out these $10 dinners!
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Big Mac Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Big Mac Salad has all the flavors of a Big Mac without all the cost and calories. They are pantry friendly and delicious for all ages!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 head iceberg or romaine lettuce (shredded)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup minced onion
- 1/2 cup minced pickles
- 1/2 cup thousand island dressing (or homemade big mac sauce)
Instructions
- Start by browning the ground beef in a pan over medium heat. Season it with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Once the ground beef is cooked, assemble your Big Mac Bowls. Begin by creating a bed of lettuce in each bowl. (4 bowls total)
- Add 1/4 of the ground beef to each bowl as well as 1/4 of each of the other ingredients.
- Drizzle each bowl with 2tbs of dressing.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to customize your bowl with additional toppings or adjust the quantities to your liking.
I recently tried making this big mac bowl into a bacon cheeseburger bowl and using a real grilled cheeseburger. I diced red onion, instead of white, removed the shredded cheese since the burger already had cheese on it, and added crumbled bacon. I even tried the burger sauce from primal kitchen. The outcome was outstanding! It just goes to show you that you can really make these your own and you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Cuisine: American
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