Description
These Loaded Burger Bowls are a fun, healthy twist on a fast-food classic. By deconstructing the burger, you get all the savory beef, crispy potatoes, and fresh toppings you crave, but without the heavy bun. Drizzled with a creamy, tangy homemade special sauce that rivals the famous drive-thru version, these bowls are satisfying, customizable, and perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
The Crispy Potatoes
- 2 lb 10 oz potatoes (approx. 4 large), cut into ¾-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons sea salt flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
The Seasoned Beef
- 1 lb 2 oz lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
The Special Burger Sauce
- 1 cup whole-egg mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons gherkins (dill pickles), finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin)
The Fresh Toppings
- 1 large Romaine (cos) lettuce, sliced
- 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 7 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup gherkins (dill pickles), sliced
Instructions
Preheat
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Roast Potatoes
Place potato cubes in a large baking dish (or two) to ensure they are spread out in a single layer. Season: Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat. Bake: Roast for 40 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Cook Beef
While potatoes roast, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté: Add the diced onion and cook for 1–2 minutes until softened.
Brown
Add the beef and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
Season Beef
Add salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 1 more minute to toast the spices. Remove from heat.
Make Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, chopped gherkins, mustard, ketchup, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Adjust: Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a drizzling consistency.
Assemble
Divide sliced lettuce among four bowls. Top with warm crispy potatoes, seasoned beef, and shredded cheese.
Garnish
Add tomatoes, red onion, and sliced pickles.
Serve
Drizzle generously with the special burger sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
Potato Crispiness: Do not crowd the potatoes! If the cubes are touching or piled on top of each other, they will steam instead of roast. Use two baking sheets if necessary to ensure every potato gets a golden crust.
Sauce Texture: Chop the gherkins for the sauce very finely so they distribute evenly and don’t clog up a squeeze bottle (if you use one).
Beef Flavor: Let the beef sit for a minute in the hot pan before stirring. That initial sear creates browning (the Maillard reaction) which adds much more flavor than just steaming the meat.
Meal Prep: Store the beef and potatoes in one container (to be reheated) and the cold salad ingredients in another. Keep the sauce separate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Bowls
- Method: Roasting / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Fast-Food Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bowl
- Calories: 850
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1450mg
- Fat: 58g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 42g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: burger bowls, loaded fries, healthy burger recipe, gluten free dinner, special sauce recipe, big mac bowl, ground beef recipes, sheet pan potatoes