Description
The ultimate way to enjoy all the savory, tangy flavors of a classic burger without the bun. These bowls are packed with seasoned ground meat, crispy potatoes, and a signature pickle-infused ‘smash sauce’ for a fresh and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
The Burger Base
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 20 oz frozen French fries OR 16 oz baby potatoes (halved)
- 1 yellow onion (diced), 2 tsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp each: onion powder, garlic powder, garlic salt
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp black pepper
Signature Smash Sauce
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp mayo, 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp yellow mustard, 1/4 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2–3 tbsp dill pickle juice
Bowl Toppings
- 6 cups iceberg lettuce, 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup dill pickles, 1/2 cup red onion, 1 cup cheddar cheese
Instructions
Potatoes: Air fry halved baby potatoes at 400°F for 15 mins (shaking halfway) or roast in the oven for 20–25 mins until crisp.
Meat: Sauté yellow onion in oil. Add ground meat and seasonings. To get the ‘smash’ flavor, let meat sear undisturbed for 1-2 mins to form a crust before breaking into crumbles.
Sauce: Whisk Greek yogurt, mayo, ketchup, mustard, and Cajun seasoning. Stir in pickle juice 1 tbsp at a time until pourable.
Assemble: Layer crispy potatoes and warm meat in bowls. Top with cheddar, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and red onion.
Finish: Drizzle generously with smash sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
The ‘Smash’ Flavor: Do not break the meat up immediately! Letting it sit in a hot skillet creates the savory crust that defines a smash burger.
Sauce Secret: The dill pickle juice provides the vital acidity needed to cut through the richness of the beef and cheese.
Meal Prep Tip: Store meat and potatoes together for reheating, but keep fresh vegetables and sauce separate to maintain the lettuce’s crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet / Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large bowl
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 920
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 85
Keywords: smash burger bowls, healthy burger recipes, low carb burger bowl, homemade burger sauce, ground beef meal prep