Epic Loaded Burger Bowls
This recipe deconstructs the classic burger into a vibrant, satisfying bowl. It features perfectly seasoned ground beef, a rainbow of fresh toppings, and a tangy special sauce, capturing all the indulgent flavors of a burger without the bun.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Serving bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef 85/15 or 90/10
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- ½ yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp dill pickle relish
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl, prepare the special sauce by whisking together the mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Cover and chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the other components.
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it into crumbles. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir to combine and cook for one more minute, then remove from heat.
- To assemble, divide the chopped romaine lettuce among four bowls. Top the lettuce with a generous scoop of the warm seasoned beef.
- Arrange the cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped dill pickles around the beef. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the warm meat.
- Drizzle the chilled special sauce generously over the bowls. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
For best results, let the sauce chill for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. When cooking the beef, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure it sears properly. Always drain the excess grease before adding the Worcestershire sauce for the best texture. Assemble the bowls and add the sauce just before serving to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy. For variations, try adding crispy bacon, caramelized onions, or a fried egg on top. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef, and other cheeses like Swiss or provolone also work well.