Burger Bowls Recipe

If you dream about burgers but crave something lighter, look no further—Burger Bowls are here to save dinner! This playful twist on classic burgers tosses all your favorite flavors into a vibrant, customizable bowl for ultimate weeknight satisfaction. You’ll love how every bite invites you to build your perfect burger, forkful by forkful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • All the Burger Flavors—None of the Bun: Enjoy every satisfying, juicy, tangy note you crave from a classic burger, all packed into a single bowl.
  • Super Customizable: Build your own Burger Bowls to suit every appetite at the table—extra cheese, more veggies, or a spicy kick? You do you!
  • Meal Prep Magic: The components keep beautifully, so you can prep in advance and assemble in minutes on busy nights.
  • Family-Friendly Fun: Everyone from little kids to grown-up burger enthusiasts loves a meal they can assemble and drizzle with their favorite sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is one of those recipes where every simple ingredient truly shines! Together, they create the colors, crunch, and cheesiness that make Burger Bowls so irresistible—nothing fancy or complicated, just the good stuff done right.

  • Potatoes: Opt for medium potatoes with thin skin—Yukon golds or russets both roast up delightfully crisp and fluffy for your homemade “fries.”
  • Olive oil: Used for roasting potatoes and browning the beef; it adds richness and helps everything crisp nicely.
  • Lean beef mince: Ground beef keeps things classic and hearty; choose lean for a lighter bowl, but any ground beef works.
  • Lettuce: Fresh shredded lettuce brings crunch and coolness—a lovely contrast to the warm beef and potatoes.
  • Cheese (dairy-free or regular): Your choice of melty cheese; cheddar is classic, but vegan slices or shredded cheese work perfectly too.
  • Pickle slices: Tangy and crisp, pickles add that signature burger zing—use dill, sweet, or spicy, whatever you love.
  • Spice mix: A blend of smoked paprika, garlic and onion powders, oregano, salt, and black pepper gives both the potatoes and beef that savory, almost-grilled burger flavor.
  • Burger sauce: A quick, creamy blend of mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika that will make you want to drizzle it on everything!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about Burger Bowls is how endlessly adaptable they are. Feel empowered to swap, add, or skip anything to make this recipe fit your pantry, preferences, or dietary needs!

  • Go Plant-Based: Swap the beef mince for cooked lentils, your favorite veggie crumbles, or spiced tofu for a protein-packed vegetarian or vegan bowl.
  • Spice it Up: Add chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce in the burger sauce, or even pepper jack cheese for a spicy burger fiesta.
  • Extra Veggies: Layer in cherry tomatoes, sliced onions, sautéed mushrooms, or shredded carrots for added color, crunch, and nutrients.
  • Low-Carb Option: Replace the roasted potatoes with cauliflower florets or zucchini fries for a lighter, carb-conscious take on Burger Bowls.

How to Make Burger Bowls

Step 1: Mix the Signature Burger Spice Blend

In a small bowl, whisk together smoked paprika, garlic and onion powders, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This bold, smoky mix adds instant “burger” essence to every component—don’t skip it, and feel free to double and stash extra in your spice cupboard for next time!

Step 2: Roast (or Air Fry) Those Golden Homemade Fries

Wash and slice your potatoes into classic chip shapes or wedges, then pat them dry (for max crispiness). Toss with olive oil and half the spice mix, making sure every piece is coated. Lay them out in a single layer and roast in a preheated oven or air fryer until gorgeously crisp and golden—no limp fries allowed in these Burger Bowls!

Step 3: Sizzle and Spice the Beef

Heat your remaining olive oil in a skillet over high heat, then crumble in the beef mince. Brown it deeply, letting bits caramelize for extra flavor. Sprinkle over the rest of the spice mix and cook until everything is aromatic and any excess moisture has disappeared, leaving you with savory, juicy beef crumbles.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Burger Sauce

In a small bowl, blend mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, a splash of pickle juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Give it a taste—adjust as desired for a tangier, sweeter, or spicier sauce. This is the secret that’ll have everyone asking for “just a little more on top.”

Step 5: Build and Devour Your Burger Bowls

Ready for the fun part? Divide the crispy fries among the bowls, pile on cool shredded lettuce, then scoop over your spicy beef. Top with all the fixings—cheese, pickles, maybe even extra veggies if you like. Drizzle generously with the burger sauce, grab your fork, and dig in! Every bite is a “best part of the burger” moment.

Pro Tips for Making Burger Bowls

  • Potato Perfection: Pat your potatoes dry before tossing in oil and spices—removing excess moisture is the secret to extra crispy “fries” at the bottom of your bowls.
  • Sauce Customization: Play with your burger sauce! Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra smokiness, a squirt of sriracha for heat, or a dash of relish for extra tang.
  • Layer Like a Pro: Layer warm ingredients like fries and beef first to slightly melt the cheese—then top with cold ingredients and sauce for the best textures in every bite.
  • Make Ahead Magic: Batch-cook your beef and fries ahead of time. Store separately and reheat before assembling bowls for super-quick, crave-worthy lunches or dinners.

How to Serve Burger Bowls

Burger Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For that insta-worthy look and a little extra flavor, pile on some freshly chopped chives, a few jalapeño rings, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. A shower of crisp lettuce and a generous drizzle of burger sauce make each Burger Bowl inviting and utterly craveable.

Side Dishes

Burger Bowls are a complete meal on their own, but they go beautifully with a side of classic coleslaw, sweet potato wedges, or even a quick corn salad. For a cozy touch, serve with your favorite soup or a handful of potato chips for crunch!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting friends or a family dinner, set up a “Burger Bowl Bar” where everyone can customize their own. Serve ingredients in colorful bowls and let guests build their masterpiece. For packed lunches, layer portable jars with fries, beef, and toppings for a fun, on-the-go twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover components in separate airtight containers in the fridge—the beef, potatoes, toppings, and burger sauce all hold up well for up to 4 days. Assemble fresh portions as you go to keep everything tasting crisp and vibrant.

Freezing

The cooked beef mince freezes perfectly—just cool it completely and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. While the potatoes are best fresh, you can freeze pre-baked fries and crisp them up again in the oven or air fryer before serving.

Reheating

To revive leftover fries, pop them in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness. The beef reheats quickly in a skillet or microwave. Add cold toppings and sauce just before serving for the full Burger Bowls experience!

FAQs

  1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef in Burger Bowls?

    Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with lean ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat—which will all soak up the delicious spice blend and taste great in your bowl.

  2. Do the fries stay crispy after assembling the Burger Bowls?

    For best results, assemble your Burger Bowls right before eating so the fries keep their crispiness. If meal prepping, store fries and beef separately and only combine at mealtime for crunchy perfection.

  3. What cheeses work best for Burger Bowls?

    Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or Pepper Jack are all fantastic choices! You can use vegan cheese shreds or slices if you’re dairy-free—just pick something that melts nicely over warm ingredients.

  4. Can I prepare Burger Bowls for weekly meal prep?

    Yes! Batch-cook your beef and fries, store them in the fridge, and keep toppings and sauce separate. This way, you can quickly reheat and assemble fresh bowls throughout the week whenever hunger hits.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s just as joyful to build as it is to eat, Burger Bowls are sure to become a staple. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every vibrant, delicious forkful—don’t forget that extra drizzle of sauce!

Print
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Burger Bowls Recipe

Burger Bowls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 133 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Oven
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Burger Bowls are a deconstructed version of classic burgers, served in a bowl with all the delicious components like seasoned beef, crispy potatoes, lettuce, cheese, and a flavorful burger sauce.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Spice Mix:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or mixed herbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bowls:

  • 23 medium potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 500 grams lean beef mince
  • Lettuce shredded
  • Cheese dairy-free or regular
  • Pickle slices

For the Burger Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon mustard dijon or yellow
  • 1 teaspoon pickle juice from the jar of pickles
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Mix together the spice mix ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
  2. Wash and cut the potatoes into chips, pat them dry, coat with olive oil and half of the spice mix. Bake or air fry until crispy. Meanwhile, cook beef with remaining spice mix. Prepare the burger sauce by mixing all ingredients. Assemble the bowls by layering potatoes, lettuce, beef, cheese, pickles, and sauce.



Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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