FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Skip the Drive-Thru With My Big Mac Bowl Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make My Big Mac Bowl
• My Tips For A Crispy, Fluffy Base
• Big Mac Bowl Recipe card
• More Burger Bowl Recipes
• Recipe Reviews

Skip the Drive-Thru With My Big Mac Bowl Recipe

I’ve been on a serious burger kick lately, and this Big Mac bowl is my latest favorite. I based the recipe on my Big Mac salad , but this time I used a different, heartier base, and left out the tomatoes because the real McDonald’s burger doesn’t have any. Here’s why it’s everything you love about the classic, but better:

• Tastes like a Big Mac – Thanks to my copycat Big Mac sauce and all the classic toppings, this is quite literally like a Big Mac in a bowl.
• It’s NOT a salad bowl – While I love my greens, for this recipe I wanted a heartier bowl meal and not a salad! I opted for crispy roasted potatoes as the base, so you get that “fries on the side” vibe… except they catch that creamy, dreamy sauce instead. And don’t worry if you prefer something lighter — I’ve got alternatives to the spuds below!
• Clean ingredients – I felt so much better putting this new, cleaner spin on this dish. My version is gluten-free and uses real food staples.
• Easy one-bowl meal – I have a weakness for recipes that make my entire healthy dinner in one dish, and this one did just that. I used simple ingredients I already had (you probably do, too) and it took just half an hour!

If you’re craving all the flavor of a fast food burger without that “fast food feeling”, skip the drive-thru and make these Big Mac bowls with me!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my Big Mac bowl recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Ground Beef – I break it up as I cook this recipe, but you can also make my smash burger or classic burger recipe and serve the beef patties over the bowl instead. If you want something leaner, I recommend ground turkey or ground chicken.
• Potatoes – The base! I love using Yukon golds because they crisp up nicely and get fluffy inside. I never peel them, although you can. I didn’t enjoy the texture when I tried Russets, but was surprised at how much I loved roasted sweet potatoes as a non-traditional substitute. You can also use rutabagas , turnips , or other root vegetables for a healthier alternative and low carb option.
• Toppings – I tried to make my Big Mac bowls match the burger with iceberg lettuce, shredded cheese, dill pickles, onions, and sesame seeds . Feel free to use other greens (like romaine lettuce), add extra veggies you have in the fridge (sometimes I add tomatoes even if they’re “not supposed to” be in there), or swap in pickle relish (I usually skip it due to processed ingredients).
• Big Mac Sauce – I made my own version of this burger sauce with mayo , pickles, yellow mustard, white vinegar, paprika, and honey. It’s creamy, tangy, sweet, and pulls the whole burger bowl together.
• Olive Oil – For cooking the beef and potatoes. I’ve used avocado oil, too.
• Spices – I season the potatoes with garlic powder , sea salt, and black pepper , while the beef gets only salt and pepper. I also always roast my potatoes with baking powder , which makes them extra crispy.

How To Make My Big Mac Bowl

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Make the sauce. Follow the instructions for my Big Mac sauce and set it aside so the flavors can mingle while you prep everything else.
2. Cook the potatoes. In a large bowl, drizzle the diced potatoes with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and baking powder (if you’re using it), then toss to coat. Spread them out in an air fryer basket or on a baking sheet . Roast or air fry until golden and crispy.

1. Cook the beef. Heat olive oil in a large skillet (I prefer my enameled cast iron skillet for nice browning). Add the ground beef, break it up, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. I don’t usually drain my 85/15 beef, but you might need to if you have 80/20.
2. Assemble each Big Mac bowl. Divide the potatoes between your bowls and layer on the beef, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions. Drizzle with Big Mac sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

My Tips For A Crispy, Fluffy Base

• Try to keep the potato pieces about the same size, so they cook at the same rate. Smaller cubes = crispier bites, which is what I go for. I’ve tried 1/2 inch, 1 inch and even larger, and the small ones are definitely my fave. Plus, they cook faster and that’s always a plus!
• If you have time to prep ahead, soak the diced potatoes in water. Sometimes I do this for just half an hour before I start dinner, other times the night before and keep in the fridge. Soaking removes excess starch and helps them get more crispy! I’ve totally skipped this, though, and I promise this Big Mac bowl was still delicious.
• Make sure the spuds are in a single layer. If you pile them up, they’ll steam instead of crisp.
• Flipping the potatoes partway through helps them cook evenly and get crispy all over. I just use a spatula or give the basket a good shake.
• Should you cook them in the oven or air fryer? I’ve done both! I find that the oven method gives me the perfect amount of time to brown the beef and chop the toppings. However, air frying gave me much crispier results (no surprise there). When I use my air fryer, I prep the toppings beforehand to time this meal correctly.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

Potato Base:

• 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes (washed, dried, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes; no need to peel unless you want to) ▢
• 2 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder ▢
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 1 tsp Baking powder (optional, for crispier potatoes) ▢

Beef:

• 1 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 1 lb Ground beef ▢
• 1 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢

Toppings:

• 1/2 cup Iceberg lettuce (shredded) ▢
• 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded) ▢
• 1/2 cup Pickles (diced) ▢
• 1/4 cup Red onions (cut into thin quarter moons) ▢
• 2 tbsp Sesame seeds ▢
• 1 recipe Big Mac sauce ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Preheat either your air fryer or your oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
2. Make the homemade Big Mac sauce here . Set aside.
3. Place the diced potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the baking powder as well, if using. Toss to coat.
4. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in an air fryer basket, or on a baking sheet . Air fry for 8-12 minutes , or roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes , until golden and crispy. (I recommend tossing halfway through.) If they are done before everything else is ready, cover to keep warm.
5. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil for the beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, break apart with a spatula, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and moisture has evaporated.
6. Divide the potatoes among 4 bowls. Pile each bowl with the cooked ground beef, iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese, pickles, and red onions. Drizzle with Big Mac sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 Big Mac bowl, or 1/4 of the entire recipe

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the crispiest, fluffiest potato base, and how to time everything correctly. If you prefer something lighter or low carb, see my substitutions above.
• Storage & meal prep: This Big Mac Bowl is even better for meal prep than my salad version. Almost all the components can be reheated together, and they reheat quite well in the microwave (or oven) for lunch. I usually just combine everything except the lettuce in my meal prep containers , although you could store the pickles and red onions separately as well.
• Reheat: You can warm everything up in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or the oven at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes. I’ve also placed my glass meal prep containers right in my air fryer basket!
• Freeze: I wouldn’t freeze the full bowl, but the cooked beef and potatoes freeze well on their own, for up to 3 months.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Big Mac Bowl

More Burger Bowl Recipes

If you liked this Big Mac in a bowl recipe, I’ve got more ground beef bowls you can try next:

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Big Mac Bowl

My Big Mac bowl recipe has all the classic flavors in a bowl with ground beef, crispy potatoes, lettuce, pickles, cheese, and special sauce.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/big-mac-bowl/

Ingredients

Potato Base:

• 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes (washed, dried, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes; no need to peel unless you want to)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tsp Baking powder (optional, for crispier potatoes)

Beef:

• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 lb Ground beef
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper

Toppings:

• 1/2 cup Iceberg lettuce (shredded)
• 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup Pickles (diced)
• 1/4 cup Red onions (cut into thin quarter moons)
• 2 tbsp Sesame seeds
• 1 recipe Big Mac sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat either your air fryer or your oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
2. Make the homemade Big Mac sauce here . Set aside.
3. Place the diced potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the baking powder as well, if using. Toss to coat.
4. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in an air fryer basket, or on a baking sheet . Air fry for 8-12 minutes , or roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes , until golden and crispy. (I recommend tossing halfway through.) If they are done before everything else is ready, cover to keep warm.
5. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil for the beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, break apart with a spatula, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and moisture has evaporated.
6. Divide the potatoes among 4 bowls. Pile each bowl with the cooked ground beef, iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese, pickles, and red onions. Drizzle with Big Mac sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 Big Mac bowl, or 1/4 of the entire recipe

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the crispiest, fluffiest potato base, and how to time everything correctly. If you prefer something lighter or low carb, see my substitutions above.
• Storage & meal prep: This Big Mac Bowl is even better for meal prep than my salad version. Almost all the components can be reheated together, and they reheat quite well in the microwave (or oven) for lunch. I usually just combine everything except the lettuce in my meal prep containers , although you could store the pickles and red onions separately as well.
• Reheat: You can warm everything up in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or the oven at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes. I’ve also placed my glass meal prep containers right in my air fryer basket!
• Freeze: I wouldn’t freeze the full bowl, but the cooked beef and potatoes freeze well on their own, for up to 3 months.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)