BYOB: Build-your-own bowls dinner inspiration

Too many cooks in the kitchen? There’s no such thing with build-your-own bowl dinners. Get everyone involved to make dinners that are as fun to create as they are delicious to eat. 

Because bowl dinners are endlessly customizable and low-pressure on the cook, they are perfect for quick weeknight dinners that can be easily packed up for lunch. They also accommodate picky eaters and take the stress out of feeding large groups of people. Kids love the independence that comes with building their own dinner bowl, and adults love the chance to add an extra helping of their favorite topping. 

All build-your-own bowls follow the same concept — start with the base layer, add your protein, heap on the fixings, and drizzle some sauce. Read along for some starting suggestions and add your own personal touches. 

Burger bowls

Whether you’re trying to go low-carb or forgot to grab buns at the store, don’t let that stop you from enjoying a juicy burger. Consider this permission to eat your burger with a fork. 

Base layer: Chopped romaine or mixed greens

Protein: The mighty burger! Delicious grilled or on the cast iron. Strapped for time? Pop your favorite frozen burger on the grill. 

Fixings: Caramelized onions, roasted mushrooms, tomatoes, thinly sliced purple onion, bacon, blue cheese, cheddar cheese, pickles

Sauce: Special sauce! Mix ¼ cup of mayo, 1 tbsp. ketchup, 1 chopped garlic clove or ¼ tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. yellow or Dijon mustard, 1 tsp. sriracha, 1 tbsp. pickle juice or vinegar, ½ tsp. paprika, salt and pepper into a bowl. Adjust according to taste preferences. 

Sides: French fries! Eating a burger (even with a fork) without French fries is a no-go. 

Mediterranean bowls

These Mediterranean bowls are so customizable (and healthy!) they could have a designated spot in your weekly meal rotation and never get old. 

Base layer: Rice, cauliflower rice, couscous, quinoa, or mixed greens

Protein: Greek turkey meatballs, Greek marinated chicken, or falafel 

Fixings: Crispy roasted chick peas, plain chick peas, pickled onions, diced cucumber, diced purple onion, cherry tomatoes, roasted veggies, hummus, and feta cheese

Sauce: Greek salad dressing and/or tzatziki

Sides: Pita bread, homemade or store bought. 

Taco bowls

Get ready for Taco (in a bowl) Tuesday! 

Base layer: Cilantro-lime rice or chopped romaine 

Protein: Ground beef, grilled chicken, or black beans

Fixings: Tomatoes, sliced avocado or guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, chopped jalapenos, Mexican street corn, and fajita vegetables

Sauce: Salsa and/or lime crema 

Don’t stop there! The options for bowl dinners are endless. Here are some additional ideas for build-your-own bowl inspiration: 

• Asian bowls
• Korean beef bowls
• Breakfast for dinner bowls
• Italian deli-sandwich bowls

Grab your fork and get bowl-ing!