Hearty Satisfying Burger Bowls for Weeknights (Print Version)

Craving a burger without the bun? These satisfying burger bowls are packed with flavor, fresh veggies, and a tangy sauce. Perfect for a quick, hearty dinner!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free (without bun)

# Ingredients:

→ Burger Bowl Base

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
02 - 2 large Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, diced
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Flavorful Patty Mix

05 - 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

→ Saucy Drizzle & Toppings

08 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
09 - 1/4 cup ketchup
10 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
11 - 1 tsp pickle juice (optional)
12 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
13 - 1/2 cup dill pickles, sliced or chopped

→ Fresh Fixings

14 - 2 cups shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce
15 - 1 large tomato, diced
16 - Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish, optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get those potatoes ready for your satisfying burger bowls. Dice your potatoes into bite-sized cubes, about 1/2 inch. Toss them with a drizzle of olive oil, a good pinch of salt, and some fresh black pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet – don't overcrowd them, or they'll steam instead of roast! Pop them into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until they're golden brown and tender. While they're roasting, chop your onion and mince your garlic. This is where the kitchen starts to smell amazing, honestly!
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Season it with salt, pepper, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Cook until it’s browned all over, about 5-7 minutes, making sure there are no pink bits left. Drain any excess fat – don't skip this, or your satisfying burger bowls will be greasy! Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the onions are softened and translucent. The aroma is just incredible at this point, truly.
03 - While the beef and potatoes are doing their thing, let's make that special sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and a tiny splash of pickle juice if you have it (trust me, it adds a zing!). Whisk it all together until it's smooth and creamy. Taste it! Does it need more tang? A little more sweetness? Adjust it to your liking. This sauce is what really ties all the elements of your satisfying burger bowls together, giving it that classic burger joint vibe. Don't be afraid to experiment!
04 - Once your potatoes are beautifully roasted and the beef is cooked, it’s assembly time! Grab your favorite bowls. Start with a generous scoop of those crispy, tender potatoes at the bottom. This is your foundation, your cozy bed for all the deliciousness to come. Next, layer on a good portion of the seasoned ground beef mixture. I always try to get a little bit of the onion and garlic in each scoop. This is where I sometimes get a little messy, honestly, but it's all part of the home-cook charm, right?
05 - Now for the fresh stuff! Sprinkle a handful of shredded cheddar cheese over the warm beef, letting it get just a little melty. Then, add a generous amount of shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes. Don't forget those crucial dill pickles! Slice them up or add whole spears, whatever makes you happy. I usually go for a mix of textures here. This step is all about making your satisfying burger bowls look as good as they taste, piling everything high and colorful.
06 - Finally, the moment of truth! Drizzle a good amount of your homemade burger sauce over the top of each bowl. You can be as light or as heavy-handed as you like – I tend to go for heavy, because, sauce! A final sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives, if you're feeling fancy, and your satisfying burger bowls are ready to devour. Take a moment to admire your handiwork. It should look vibrant, smell amazing, and honestly, taste even better. Dig in!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overmix the burger meat, it makes it tough!
02 - You can prep all the veggies the day before to save time.
03 - Sweet potato fries are a surprisingly good swap for regular potatoes.
04 - A sprinkle of fresh dill really brightens everything up.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet
02 - mixing bowls
03 - cutting board
04 - sharp knife
05 - baking sheet

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 650
Total Fat: 40g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 45g

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