introduction
This recipe shows how to make easy Burger Bowls with fries, seasoned beef, lettuce, cheese, pickles and a simple burger sauce. The bowl is quick to make and easy to change. If you like bowls or burgers, this is a good mix of both. For a different take on hearty meat dishes, see this Amish hamburger steak bake for a family-style idea.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe when you want a burger meal without bread. It saves time and keeps food tidy in one bowl. The fries bake in the oven or crisp in an air fryer, and the beef cooks fast. If you like richer burger flavors, you might try this other version of hamburger bake for more ideas.
how to make Burger Bowls
Follow simple steps: season the potatoes and beef, bake or air fry the chips, cook the mince, make the sauce, and build the bowls. Read each step and prepare ingredients before you start. For a different fast burger method, check this crack burgers recipe for more tips on quick burger meat.
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 the bowls warm right after you make them. Place fries on one side and the beef mixture on the other. Add lettuce, cheese and pickles on top. Drizzle the sauce last. If you want, serve extra sauce on the side for dipping. For a lighter bowl with grains, see this grain bowl idea.
how to store Burger Bowls
Cool any leftovers to room temperature within two hours. Put beef and fries in separate airtight containers. Store in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat beef in a pan over medium heat. Reheat fries in the oven or air fryer to keep them crisp. Do not freeze with lettuce or sauce mixed in; store sauce in a small container and add fresh lettuce when serving.
tips to make Burger Bowls
- Cut potatoes into even pieces so they cook the same.
- Pat potatoes dry so they crisp in the oven or air fryer.
- Use high heat and drain excess moisture from beef so it browns well.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the salt or pickle juice to your liking.
- Make sauce ahead and chill. This keeps the bowl quick to assemble.
- For a different flavor, try smoked cheese or add sliced onions. For a creamy bowl option, try this creamy cajun bowl for inspiration.
Serving Ideas (if any)
- Add sliced tomatoes or grilled onions.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed veggies.
- Offer extra pickles or jalapeños for more bite.
- Make a double-meat bowl by adding cooked bacon or extra mince.
Final Thoughts
Burger Bowls are an easy way to enjoy burger flavors without the bun. They are simple to make, easy to change, and work for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Use the tips above for crisp fries and well-seasoned beef. Keep sauce and lettuce separate until serving for the best texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A: Yes. Cut sweet potatoes the same size and watch the cooking time. They may soften faster so check for doneness.
Q: Can I use a different meat or plant-based mince?
A: Yes. Turkey, chicken or plant-based mince all work. Cook until fully done and drain extra moisture for best browning.
Q: How can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese. Use a vegan mayonnaise to make the sauce dairy-free.
Q: Can I make everything ahead for a party?
A: You can cook the fries and beef ahead and reheat. Keep lettuce, cheese and sauce separate and assemble just before serving.
Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Yes. Adjust the spices and pickles to suit kids’ tastes and serve sauce on the side.
Conclusion
For a similar bowl idea with a tasty house sauce and fries, try this Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries Recipe to see another take on burger bowls. For a lighter take with a special sauce, you can also read this Healthy Burger Bowls with Special Sauce.
Burger Bowls
Ingredients
Method
- 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 half of the spice mix. Mix well.
- 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.
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a frying pan over high heat. Add the beef mince, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Once browned, sprinkle in the remaining spice mix and continue cooking until the meat is darkened.
- In a small bowl, combine the burger sauce ingredients and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Once the fries are ready, divide them among your bowls. Fill with shredded lettuce, cooked beef mince, cheese, and pickles.
- Drizzle the burger sauce over the top and serve warm.