Burger Bowls

Serving up scrumptious burger bowls might just be one of my kitchen triumphs! I first stumbled upon this delightful dish during a casual dinner with friends. The simplicity of a classic burger transformed into a beautifully deconstructed bowl caught my eye and stole my heart. Why? It’s easy, versatile, and utterly satisfying! Just imagine tender beef cooked to perfection, crisp potato chips, and a generous drizzle of sauce, all nestled on a bed of crisp lettuce. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be craving it again and again.

Reasons to try it

So, why should you dive into the world of burger bowls tonight? Well, first and foremost, they’re a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of a classic burger without the fuss of bread! It’s purely about the good stuff—the delicious beef, those crispy potatoes, and the fresh veggies—all mingling together in a vibrant bowl.

Not only do they satisfy that urge for something hearty, but they also allow for creativity. You can mix and match toppings based on what you have on hand or what you crave. Are you feeling spicy? Toss in some jalapeños. Love a bit of avocado? Why not add that creamy dream? Plus, they’re customizable for dietary preferences—with simple swaps, this recipe can be dairy-free, gluten-free, or even plant-based if you step up with those meat alternatives.

Now, let’s talk flavor! The magical spice blend—smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder—will elevate your bowl to new heights. The warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen while you cook is a bonus that no one can resist.

Gather these ingredients

Alright, let’s make sure you have everything you need for the magic to unfold:

• 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika: This provides a smokiness that’s reminiscent of a backyard BBQ. It’s a flavor enhancer that’ll leave your taste buds dancing.

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must-have in any savory dish—garlic is like a hug for your palate that ties everything together.

• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and sweetness without the hassle of chopping. The more, the merrier!

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or mixed herbs: Because who doesn’t love a bit of herbal freshness? It gives character to your beef.

• ½ teaspoon salt: A pinch is essential to enhance every other flavor.

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right kick without overpowering.

• 2-3 medium potatoes: These are going to be your crispy base, and when sliced into chips, they are hard to resist. Sweet potatoes can even stand in if you want a sweet twist!

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided): The key to that golden-brown finish. Use extra virgin for delicious flavor.

• 500 grams lean beef mince: You could easily substitute for turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian meal.

• Lettuce (shredded): Any type works—romaine, iceberg, or even spinach to add some leafy goodness.

• Cheese (dairy-free or regular): Go ahead and sprinkle your favorite cheese on top. It’s comfort food, after all!

• Pickle slices: These tart and crunchy goodies will brighten the flavors.

• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise: The creaminess will balance perfectly against all the other bold ingredients.

• 1 tablespoon ketchup: A classic condiment that brightens everything.

• 1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow): For that zesty tang that screams “burger-time!”

• 1 teaspoon pickle juice: Don’t toss that pickle juice! It’s a secret weapon to elevate your sauce and add a subtle punch.

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: A touch more for your sauce, trust me!

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Rounding out the sauce’s flavor profile beautifully.

The cooking process explained

Let me take you through this culinary journey step-by-step:

1. Mix the spice magic: In a small bowl, blend together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Set this aside—this is your flavor bomb!

2. Prep your potatoes: Wash and slice the potatoes into chips. Give them a good pat down with paper towels—this is crucial for crispiness! Toss them into a large mixing bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and sprinkle in half of your spice mix. Give them a nice massage to coat thoroughly.

3. Crisp them up: Spread the seasoned chips on a baking tray, or if you’re like me, toss them in an air fryer. Bake in a preheated oven to 200°C (390°F) for about 30–40 minutes, or air fry for about 20 minutes, until they’re golden, crunchy, and calling your name!

4. Cook that beef: While those beauties are baking, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over high heat. Toss in the beef mince and break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once it’s brown and starting to sizzle, sprinkle in the rest of your spice mix. Continue cooking until that beef is richly browned and bathed in flavor.

5. Whip up the burger sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Taste it; you may want to adjust with more seasoning or a touch of sweetness.

6. Assemble your masterpieces: Once everything is crispy and cooked, divide the golden chips into bowls. Layer in shredded lettuce, top with that glorious beef mince, melted cheese, and delightful pickle slices. Drizzle your creamy sauce generously over the top.

Best way to enjoy it

Now, how do you serve this delightful dish? The beauty of burger bowls is that each bowl can be a reflection of your preferences! Lay the base with crispy potato chips, as they provide that satisfying crunch that complements the beef’s richness.

You might wish to pair these beauties with a light, fresh drink like iced tea or a soda. If you’re like me, perhaps a zesty slaw would tickle your fancy on the side, giving a refreshing crunch and tanginess to balance your meal. And don’t skip the dessert—cookies or a fruity sorbet would perfectly round off this meal!

Storage and reheating tips

You’ve got leftovers? Lucky you! Here are some tips on keeping them fresh:

• Store any leftover beef, potatoes, and toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3–4 days.

• To reheat, warm beef in a frying pan over medium heat until heated through. For the potatoes, you can toss them back in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore that crispiness.

• I don’t recommend freezing these after they’re assembled, as the lettuce won’t hold up well. But the separate components can freeze nicely—with cooked beef lasting about 3 months in the freezer.

Pro chef tips

Want to elevate this dish to new highs? Here are a few secrets:

• Happy herbs: Toast your spices in the pan before adding beef for an extra layer of depth! You’ll smell that goodness coming alive instantly.

• Layering love: Think of adding layers of flavor. Maybe some sautéed onions on the beef or even a slice of avocado for creaminess.

• Crunch factor: If you’re willing to go the extra mile, make homemade potato chips! Just thinly slice potatoes, fry in hot oil, and sprinkle with your spice mix!

• Dietary adjustments: Need to lighten it up? Utilize ground turkey or plant-based proteins for a healthier twist.

Creative Twists

This recipe is a playground for variety! Here are a few spins you might like:

• Asian-style burger bowl: Swap the spices for soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. Top with shredded carrots and green onions for a tasty twist.

• Tex-Mex flair: Use taco seasoning for your beef, and add corn, black beans, and avocado to the mix. A dollop of guacamole would be heavenly!

• Italian vibes: Add Italian seasoning to your beef and layer with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil!

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 to follow

1. Mix the spice mix ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Wash and cut the potatoes into chips; pat dry with paper towels.
3. Place the chips in a large mixing bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and half of the spice mix. Mix well to coat.
4. Arrange the potatoes on a baking tray; cook in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 30–40 minutes, or air fry for 20 minutes until crispy.
5. Meanwhile, heat the remaining olive oil in a frying pan over high heat. Add the beef mince, breaking apart with a spoon. Once browned, add the remaining spice mix; cook until darkened and moisture evaporates.
6. In a small bowl, combine burger sauce ingredients; taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Once potatoes are ready, divide among bowls. Fill with shredded lettuce, add beef mince, cheese, and pickles. Drizzle burger sauce and serve!

Common questions

1. Can I make this vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Use a plant-based meat substitute or black beans instead of beef.

2. What type of potatoes should I use?
   You can use any type, but waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or russets give the best texture for crisper chips.

3. How long does this dish take to prepare?
   Prep and cooking time is approximately an hour, giving you time to prep, cook, and assemble.

4. Can I prep this in advance?
   Yes! You can prepare the beef and cut the potatoes a day ahead. Just reheat and assemble when you’re ready to eat.

5. What should I serve on the side?
   A fresh salad or roasted vegetables would be wonderful companions to balance out the meal.

So, let’s savor this gem of a recipe together! I can’t wait for you to try it. Dive in, experiment with your creations, and share the joy! We’re all in this cooking adventure together, so please share your thoughts or tips when you recreate it. Happy cooking!

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Burger Bowls

Cooking Method: Roasting, Sauteing Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food E Easy Gluten Free High Protein W Weeknight

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 40 mins Total Time 55 mins

Cooking Temp: 200  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 650

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Savor the flavors of a classic burger in a bowl, loaded with layers of crispy potatoes, seasoned beef, fresh lettuce, and a drizzle of creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Burger Bowl

• 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika (For seasoning the beef and the sauce)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (Used in the spice mix and the sauce)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (Adds flavor without chopping)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or mixed herbs (For herbal freshness)
• ½ teaspoon salt (Enhances flavors)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (Adds a kick)
• 2-3 medium potatoes (For making chips)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided) (For the chips and beef)
• 500 grams lean beef mince (Can substitute with turkey or plant-based meat)
• Lettuce shredded (Any type of leafy green)
• Cheese dairy-free or regular (To top the bowl)
• Pickle slices (For tanginess)
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise (For creaminess in the sauce)
• 1 tablespoon ketchup (A classic condiment)
• 1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow) (For zesty flavor)
• 1 teaspoon pickle juice (Enhances the sauce flavor)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Prepare the Spice Mix

   In a small bowl, blend together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Set this aside.
   Mark as complete

2. Prep the Potatoes

   Wash and slice the potatoes into chips. Pat dry with paper towels. Toss them into a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and half of the spice mix. Coat thoroughly.
   Mark as complete

3. Crisp Up the Chips

   Spread the seasoned chips on a baking tray or cook in an air fryer. Bake in a preheated oven to 200°C (390°F) for about 30–40 minutes, or air fry for about 20 minutes, until crispy.
   Mark as complete

4. Cook the Beef

   In a frying pan over high heat, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the beef mince, breaking it apart while it cooks. Once browned, add the remaining spice mix and cook until richly browned.
   Mark as complete

5. Make the Burger Sauce

   In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and smoked paprika. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
   Mark as complete

6. Assemble the Bowls

   Divide the crispy chips into bowls. Layer with shredded lettuce, beef mince, cheese, and pickle slices. Drizzle with the burger sauce and serve.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 650kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 44g68%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 80mg27%

Sodium 820mg35%

Potassium 1200mg35%

Total Carbohydrate 40g14%

Dietary Fiber 6g24%

Sugars 4g

Protein 34g68%

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Vitamin A 40 IU

Vitamin C 20 mg

Calcium 200 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 2 IU

Vitamin K 15 mcg

Thiamin 0.3 mg

Riboflavin 0.4 mg

Niacin 7 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 50 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 230 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 5 mg

Selenium 25 mcg

Copper 0.3 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: burger bowl, deconstructed burger, easy dinner, customizable, hearty meal