Name: Diner-Style Cheeseburger Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 large Russet potatoes, cut into thick wedges (Cut potatoes to the same size for even roasting.); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt (Divided); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (Divided); 1 pound 85/15 ground beef (Do not drain all the fat when cooking.); 1 teaspoon salt (Divided); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (Divided); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 cup beef broth or water (Warm before adding to speed deglazing.); 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Use sharp cheddar for stronger flavor.); 1 cup sliced dill pickles; 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Can mix half with Greek yogurt to reduce richness.); 2 tablespoons yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish (Check labels for gluten-free.); 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon sugar (Adjust to taste.)

Here is an easy, diner-style cheeseburger bowl you can make at home.

introduction

This Diner-Style Cheeseburger Bowl brings burger flavors into a simple bowl with lettuce, beef, roasted potato wedges, cheese, pickles, and a tasty special sauce. For another easy bowl idea, see the Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe for a different flavor profile.

why make this recipe

This recipe is fast, hands-on, and fed four people easily.
It uses simple ingredients you may already have.
You get the comfort of a cheeseburger without bread and with crispy potatoes.

how to make Diner-Style Cheeseburger Bowl

Follow the steps below. Work while the potatoes roast so the meal comes together hot.

Ingredients :

1 pound 85/15 ground beef, 1 teaspoon salt, divided, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 cup beef broth or water, 2 large Russet potatoes, cut into thick wedges, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup sliced dill pickles, For the Special Sauce:, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish, 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Directions :

Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. In a large bowl, toss the potato wedges with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until deeply golden and crispy.

Make the Special Sauce: While the potatoes roast, combine all Special Sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.

Brown the Beef (The Flavor Infusion Secret): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and begin breaking it up with a spatula. Season immediately with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, the garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the beef is fully browned, about 8 minutes.

Maximize Flavor and Moisture: DO NOT drain the fat completely. If you have excess rendered grease (more than 1 or 2 tablespoons), spoon some out, but leave the remaining fat and all the flavorful brown bits in the pan. Now, pour the 1/4 cup of beef broth (or water) directly into the hot pan. Scrape up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir the beef for 30 seconds as the liquid reduces and coats the meat. This process deglazes the pan, concentrating all the flavor back onto the beef and preventing it from tasting dry. Remove from heat immediately.

Assemble the Bowls: Divide the shredded lettuce evenly among four large bowls. Layer the seasoned ground beef, roasted potato wedges, shredded cheddar cheese, and pickle slices over the lettuce.

Finish and Serve: Drizzle the Special Sauce generously over the top of the beef and cheese. Serve immediately while the beef and potatoes are still warm.

how to serve Diner-Style Cheeseburger Bowl

Serve the bowls hot so the beef and potatoes stay warm.
Offer extra sauce on the side for people who want more.
Add a cold soda or simple iced tea to match the diner feel.

how to store Diner-Style Cheeseburger Bowl

Store components separately for best results.
Keep beef and potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keep lettuce and pickles in separate containers and the sauce in a small jar for up to 4 days.
Reheat beef and potatoes in a skillet or oven until hot, then assemble.

tips to make Diner-Style Cheeseburger Bowl

Cut potatoes to the same size so they roast evenly.
Leave a little fat in the pan when cooking beef for better taste.
Warm the broth before adding to the beef to speed deglazing.
Taste the sauce and adjust sugar or vinegar to your liking.
Use sharp cheddar for stronger flavor.

variation

Add a fried egg on top for a brunch twist.
Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter note.
Use turkey or plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Add diced tomatoes or red onion for extra crunch and color.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. All ingredients here are naturally gluten-free. Check labels on the pickle relish and mustard to be sure.

Q: Can I bake the beef instead of pan-cooking?
A: You can, but pan-cooking gives the browned bits that add flavor. If you bake, add a little broth after cooking to keep it moist.

Q: Can I make the potatoes ahead?
A: Yes. Reheat them in the oven at 400°F for 10–15 minutes to bring back crispness.

Q: How can I make the sauce less rich?
A: Mix half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt to reduce richness.

Q: Is this recipe easy to scale?
A: Yes. Double the ingredients to feed more people and use a larger baking sheet and skillet.

Conclusion

This Diner-Style Cheeseburger Bowl is simple and full of classic flavors. For a classic diner cheeseburger inspiration, try the recipe over at Luke’s Diner Cheeseburgers – Simply Whisked.