Let’s be honest—sometimes we want all the flavours of a juicy burger without the bun coma afterwards. Enter: Burger Bowls. This recipe is basically everything you love about a burger—crispy potatoes, seasoned beef, melty cheese, tangy pickles, and that addictive sauce—piled high in a bowl. Think of it as a burger meets salad, meets comfort food.

What makes this such a win? It’s flexible enough to be a healthy burger bowl if you keep it light on cheese and sauce, or a full-on indulgence if you want to go all in. It’s also a fantastic low-carb burger idea if you swap the potatoes for cauliflower rice or zucchini fries.

Perfect for busy weeknights, backyard dinners, or when you just want a fun summer dinner recipe that doesn’t feel like the “same old, same old,” this dish will quickly earn a regular spot in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love These Burger Bowls

Ready in 30 minutes—weeknight lifesaver
Customizable: low-carb, gluten-free, or dairy-free options
Kid-friendly (especially when they can build their own bowls)
The sauce alone deserves its own fan club

Ingredients You’ll Need

Spice Mix

1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano or mixed herbs
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For the Bowls

2–3 medium potatoes (about 1 lb)
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
500 g (1.1 lb) lean beef mince
150 g shredded lettuce
100 g cheese (regular or dairy-free)
8–10 pickle slices

For the Burger Sauce

4 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp Dijon or yellow mustard
1 tsp pickle juice
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika

How to Make Burger Bowls

Mix the Spices
Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Crisp the Potatoes
Slice potatoes into thin chips, pat dry, then toss with 1 tbsp olive oil and half the spice mix. Bake at 390°F (200°C) for 30–40 minutes (or air fry 20 minutes) until golden.
Cook the Beef
Heat remaining olive oil in a skillet. Add mince, breaking it apart, until browned. Stir in the rest of the spice mix and cook until rich and flavorful.
Whisk the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust as needed.
Assemble the Bowls
Divide crispy potatoes into bowls. Add lettuce, seasoned beef, cheese, and pickles. Drizzle with sauce, then dig in.

Cooking Tips for the Best Burger Bowls

Want crunchier potatoes? Don’t overcrowd your baking tray. Space them out so they crisp instead of steam.
Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter swap for the beef mince.
For a burger salad vibe, replace potatoes with chopped cucumbers or cherry tomatoes.
If your sauce feels too thick, thin it with a splash of milk or extra pickle juice.
Make extra sauce—it’s amazing as a dip for fries or roasted veggies.

A Personal Touch

This dish was born out of one of those “what’s for dinner?” nights when I had some beef mince, a couple of potatoes, and not much else. I tossed them together, threw on some pickles (because everything is better with pickles), and whipped up a quick sauce. My kids were suspicious at first—“Wait, where’s the bun?”—but after one bite, they were sold.

Now, Burger Bowls are our go-to when we want something fun, fast, and a little different from the usual. And honestly, I love how customizable they are—everyone in the family gets to build their own version, which saves me from playing short-order cook.

What to Serve with Burger Bowls

These bowls are filling on their own, but pairing them with a side can take things to the next level:

A crisp coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing
Grilled corn on the cob (summer vibes, anyone?)
A light cucumber salad for freshness
Or simply some extra fries or sweet potato wedges if you’re feeling classic

They’re also perfect with an ice-cold lemonade, iced tea, or even a frosty beer for a casual dinner at home.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store components separately if possible. Beef mince will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Potatoes: Best eaten fresh, but can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to crisp back up.
Sauce: Stash in the fridge for up to a week—it just gets better as the flavors mingle.
Assembly tip: If you know you’ll have leftovers, don’t assemble extra bowls ahead of time. Keep everything in separate containers and build fresh when you’re ready to eat.

FAQs

Can I make these low-carb?

Yes! Skip the potatoes and use cauliflower rice, zucchini fries, or extra greens for a low-carb burger idea.

Can I prep this ahead for meal prep?

Definitely. Cook the beef and potatoes in advance, then store separately. Assemble fresh and drizzle sauce right before eating.

Do I have to use beef mince?

Not at all. Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based mince for a vegetarian option.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar gives you that classic burger taste, but mozzarella or dairy-free shreds work too.

The Final Bite

These Burger Bowls take everything we love about burgers and reimagine them in a way that’s lighter, fresher, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Whether you’re looking for a fun burger salad, a hearty beef mince recipe, or just a family-friendly meal that doesn’t take hours, this dish checks all the boxes.

So next time you’re craving burger night, skip the buns and grab your bowls—you might just find your new favourite dinner.

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Burger Bowls

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Author: Olivia Hartwellen
Total Time: 30–50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Burger Bowls are a fun, customizable twist on a classic burger—without the bun. Featuring crispy potatoes (or low-carb swaps), seasoned beef, melty cheese, tangy pickles, and a creamy burger sauce, this dish is hearty, versatile, and perfect for busy weeknights or family-style dinners. It’s everything you love about a burger in bowl form.

Ingredients

Scale

Spice Mix:

1½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano (or mixed herbs)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For the Bowls:

2–3 medium potatoes (about 1 lb)
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
500 g (1.1 lb) lean beef mince
150 g shredded lettuce
100 g cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or dairy-free)
8–10 pickle slices

For the Burger Sauce:

4 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp Dijon or yellow mustard
1 tsp pickle juice
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika

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Instructions

Mix the Spices: Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Crisp the Potatoes: Slice potatoes into thin chips, pat dry, and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil + half the spice mix. Bake at 390°F (200°C) for 30–40 minutes (or air fry ~20 minutes) until golden.
Cook the Beef: Heat remaining olive oil in a skillet. Add mince, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in the remaining spice mix and cook until browned and flavorful.
Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide crispy potatoes into bowls. Top with lettuce, seasoned beef, cheese, and pickles. Drizzle with sauce and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the potatoes on the tray for maximum crispiness.

Substitute beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based mince for lighter options.

Make it low-carb with cauliflower rice or extra greens instead of potatoes.

Store sauce in the fridge for up to 1 week—it’s also great as a dip.

For meal prep, keep components separate and assemble before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Plats
Method: Stovetop + Baking / Air Fryer
Cuisine: American

Burger Bowls: A Fun Twist on a Classic Favourite