why make this recipe
This Burger Bowls dish is quick, filling, and gives burger flavors without a bun. It uses simple ingredients and cooks fast. You get crispy potatoes, seasoned beef, fresh lettuce, cheese, pickles, and a tasty sauce in one bowl.
introduction
These bowls are easy to make and good for busy nights. You can change toppings to your taste. If you like a cheesy version with crispy potatoes, see this Cheesy Burger Bowls with Crispy Potatoes and Fresh Toppings for ideas.
how to make Burger Bowls
You cook potatoes until crisp, brown the beef with spices, and mix a simple burger sauce. Then you assemble bowls with lettuce, beef, cheese, pickles, and sauce. The dish comes together fast and everyone can add their own toppings.
Ingredients :
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or mixed herbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2-3 medium potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 500 grams lean beef mince
- Lettuce (shredded)
- Cheese (dairy-free or regular)
- Pickle slices
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard (dijon or yellow)
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice (from the jar of pickles)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Directions :
- Mix together the spice mix ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Wash and cut the potatoes into chips, then pat them dry with paper towels. Place the chips in a large mixing bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle in half of the spice mix. Mix well to ensure the potatoes are thoroughly coated.
- Arrange the potatoes on a baking tray and cook in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 30–40 minutes, or in the air fryer for about 20 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- While the potatoes are cooking, heat the remaining olive oil in a frying pan over high heat. Add the beef mince, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Once browned, sprinkle in the remaining spice mix and continue cooking until the meat is darkened and any excess moisture has evaporated.
- In a small bowl, combine the burger sauce ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Once the potatoes are ready, divide them among your bowls. Fill the remaining space in each bowl with shredded lettuce, then add the cooked beef mince, cheese, and pickles. Drizzle the burger sauce over the top and serve.
how to serve Burger Bowls
Serve warm in bowls. Let each person add extra sauce, ketchup, or hot sauce. Offer extra pickles, chopped onions, or sliced tomatoes on the side. Eat with a fork.
how to store Burger Bowls
Store the beef, potatoes, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Use within 3 days. Reheat the potatoes in the oven or air fryer to keep them crisp. Reheat the beef in a pan until hot.
tips to make Burger Bowls
- Dry the potato chips well before roasting. This gives better crisping.
- Cook the beef on high heat to brown it and remove moisture.
- Make the sauce ahead and keep it chilled. It saves time.
- Use thinly sliced cheese so it melts easily on hot beef.
- Taste the sauce and add more pickle juice or mustard if you want more tang.
variation (if any)
- Make it vegetarian: use plant-based mince or cooked lentils instead of beef.
- Make it spicy: add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef or sauce.
- Swap potatoes for sweet potato fries for a sweeter flavor.
- Turn it into a salad: skip the potatoes and add extra veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen fries instead of fresh potatoes?
A: Yes. Cook frozen fries according to the package and season them with a little of the spice mix after cooking.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a meal plan?
A: Yes. Store components separately. Reheat the beef and potatoes before serving and add fresh lettuce and sauce.
Q: Is the sauce dairy-free?
A: The sauce uses mayonnaise and other non-dairy items, so it is dairy-free if you use dairy-free mayo. Check the labels.
Q: Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes. Ground chicken or turkey works well. Cook until no pink remains and moisture has evaporated.
Conclusion
This Burger Bowls recipe is a simple, tasty way to enjoy burger flavors without a bun. For another full recipe idea with a house sauce and ranch fries, check this Pinch of Yum’s Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries recipe.
Burger Bowls
Ingredients
Spice Mix
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or mixed herbs
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 2-3 medium potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 500 grams lean beef mince
- Lettuce (shredded)
- Cheese (dairy-free or regular)
- Pickle slices
Burger Sauce
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard (dijon or yellow)
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice (from the jar of pickles)
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
Preparation
- Mix together the spice mix ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Wash and cut the potatoes into chips, then pat them dry with paper towels.
- Place the chips in a large mixing bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle in half of the spice mix. Mix well to ensure the potatoes are thoroughly coated.
Cooking Potatoes
- Arrange the potatoes on a baking tray and cook in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 30–40 minutes, or in the air fryer for about 20 minutes, until golden and crispy.
Cooking Beef
- While the potatoes are cooking, heat the remaining olive oil in a frying pan over high heat.
- Add the beef mince, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Once browned, sprinkle in the remaining spice mix and continue cooking until the meat is darkened and any excess moisture has evaporated.
Making Burger Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the burger sauce ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assembly
- Once the potatoes are ready, divide them among your bowls.
- Fill the remaining space in each bowl with shredded lettuce, then add the cooked beef mince, cheese, and pickles.
- Drizzle the burger sauce over the top and serve.