Burgers Just Got Better. (WAY Better.) Try Our Spartan-Approved Skillet Recipe

We're primed to hack it on the race course after a helluva long year. Are you? Sure, true to your unstoppable grit, determination, and perseverance, you've done your best to stay OCR-ready while sheltering at home. But with Spartan races back in full swing, it's time to clean up your nutrition program and ditch poor pandemic habits once and for all. In partnership with Renaissance Periodization, we created a four-part MACROS 101 series to optimize your nutrition so you can get faster, stronger, and prevent injury. Download the free nutrition plan and use these healthy recipes to inspire your next meal. We've got you covered for your most EPIC return to racing ever. AROO!

Finally, you can kiss the grill (and patty mess) goodbye. This burger-in-a-bowl skillet recipe is so easy there's just no excuse not to get your daily dose of recovery protein. Paired with nutrient-rich veggies, lean ground beef helps reduce iron deficiency and promotes muscle-mass growth as you train harder, longer.

"This is everything that you love about burgers, but in a bowl," says Nick Shaw, co-founder of Renaissance Periodization and nutrition coach to OCR elites, CrossFit champions, UFC fighters, Navy SEALs, Olympians and more. "If you're aiming to get more carbs, stir in whole grain “croutons” made out of whole grain hot dog buns. If you miss cheese, top with nonfat feta—the options are endless."

Pro Tip: "Definitely adjust this to your liking by adding your favorite burger toppings or seasonings at the end," says Shaw. "Plus, kids love this recipe!"

skillet burger ingredients

Instructions:

Combine beef, garlic, green pepper, onion and salt and pepper in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and cook until beef is no longer red in the middle.
Hold a paper towel with tongs and dab pan to remove excess liquid.
Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce and mustard. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Fold in chopped pickles and remove from heat.