introduction
This bright, customizable bowl brings all the flavors of a classic burger into a bowl — perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters. Burger Bowls are an easy, hands-on dinner that feels fresh but totally comfort-food satisfying. If you love skillet-style beef, you might also enjoy the hearty, homey twist in Amish Hamburger Steak Bake for another weeknight favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Burger Bowls
- Burger flavor without the bun — lower carbs and less mess.
- Ready in about 30–40 minutes (faster in an air fryer).
- Great for meal prep: stores well and reheats cleanly.
- Customizable for picky eaters — swap cheeses, sauces, or greens.
- Family-friendly and easy to scale for guests.
Ingredients Needed
Spice mix
- 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
Potatoes & oil
- 2–3 medium potatoes (russet or Yukon work well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
Protein
- 500 grams lean beef mince (about 1.1 lb)
Toppings
- Lettuce, shredded
- Cheese, dairy-free or regular, sliced or shredded
- Pickle slices
Sauce
- 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
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 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.
Serving Suggestions Burger Bowls
Serve these bowls hot with extra pickles and a side of oven-baked sweet potato fries or a crisp slaw. For a party spread, offer toppings (crispy onions, jalapeños, extra cheeses) so everyone builds their own. Pair with a spicy side like Buffalo Chicken Bowls for a fun mix-and-match game-day table.
Tips for Success Burger Bowls
- Dry the potatoes thoroughly before oiling — that’s the key to crispiness.
- Use high heat to brown the beef so it gets a deep caramelized flavor.
- Taste the sauce and adjust acidity with extra pickle juice or a squeeze of lemon if it feels flat.
- If prepping ahead, keep lettuce separate until serving to avoid sogginess.
- Leftover seasoned beef can be transformed into soup or casseroles; try it in a Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup for cozy leftovers.
variation (if any)
- Swap the beef for ground turkey or plant-based mince for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly bowl.
- Make it spicy: stir in 1 tsp sriracha or a pinch of cayenne into the sauce.
- Swap potatoes for roasted cauliflower or sweet potatoes for a flavor twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead for meal prep?
A: Yes — store cooked potatoes and beef separately in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days. Assemble just before eating for best texture.
Q: Can I use frozen fries instead of fresh potatoes?
A: Absolutely. Cook frozen fries according to package directions and toss with a little of the spice mix for consistent flavor.
Q: How do I keep the lettuce from getting soggy?
A: Keep shredded lettuce in a separate container and only add it to bowls at serving time. A paper towel in the container helps absorb extra moisture.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes — use dairy-free cheese and swap mayonnaise for a vegan mayo to keep the sauce creamy.
Q: Is an air fryer better than the oven for the potatoes?
A: An air fryer gives crispier results faster, but the oven works great too if you prefer to cook larger batches.
Ingredients
Spice mix
- 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
Potatoes & oil
- 2-3 medium potatoes (russet or Yukon work well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
Protein
- 500 grams lean beef mince (about 1.1 lb)
Toppings
- to taste Lettuce, shredded
- to taste Cheese, dairy-free or regular, sliced or shredded
- to taste Pickle slices
Sauce
- 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
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 Sauce and Serving
- 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.
