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Burger bowls are the perfect way to satisfy that burger craving without the heaviness of a bun They have all your favorite burger flavors stacked high in a colorful bowl crunchy lettuce juicy seasoned beef tangy pickles and sweet potato fries for a delicious twist on the classic
My family first tried these during a hectic week and now they are our go to whenever we want something cozy but light The sweet potato fries always get rave reviews at our table
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: this is the star so look for beef that is at least ninety percent lean which cooks up tender and less greasy
- Worcestershire sauce: adds a deep umami flavor try to use one with minimal additives
- Dijon mustard: brightens everything up go for a quality brand with plenty of tang
- Garlic powder onion powder and smoked paprika: these dried spices are essential for classic burger vibe pay attention to freshness for the best boost
- Plain Greek yogurt: for the sauce keeps it creamy and light use any fat level you enjoy
- Mayonnaise: for richness choose a creamy type for the smoothest sauce
- Ketchup: gives a touch of sweetness
- Finely chopped dill pickles and dill pickle juice: bring crunch and signature tang use good quality pickles for the freshest flavor
- Kosher salt and black pepper: essential for balance be sure to season the beef well
- Bag of frozen sweet potato fries: pick a brand with only a few ingredients for crispiness and true sweet potato taste
- Romaine lettuce: the crisp base of the bowl wash and chop fresh for a clean crunch
- Cherry tomatoes and red onion: for juicy pop and sharpness slice them thin for best layering
- Dill pickle chips: more tang and classic burger flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Toppings:
- Chop romaine lettuce into bite size pieces Halve cherry tomatoes Slice red onion thinly Arrange these with dill pickle chips so they are ready to grab
- Make the Burger Sauce:
- In a bowl whisk together Greek yogurt mayonnaise ketchup finely chopped pickles dijon mustard and pickle juice Taste and add a little salt and pepper as needed Keep in the fridge until time to build your bowls
- Bake the Sweet Potato Fries:
- Spread sweet potato fries on a baking sheet and bake according to the package directions You want them golden and crisp for both texture and flavor
- Cook the Burger Meat:
- In a skillet over medium high heat add the ground beef Break it apart as it browns Season generously with salt and pepper Add Worcestershire sauce dijon mustard garlic powder onion powder and smoked paprika Stir well so spices coat the meat Cook until browned and fully cooked through then remove from heat
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide chopped lettuce into serving bowls Add scoops of burger meat top with fries cherry tomatoes onion slices dill pickle chips and a generous drizzle of burger sauce Serve right away while the fries are crispy
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I am always amazed by how the burger sauce takes the whole bowl up a notch The tang of pickles with creamy yogurt reminds me of summer cookouts with my family on the back deck One bite and I am right back at those sunny afternoons
Storage Tips
Store every element in its own container in the fridge and everything stays fresher for days The meat reheats quickly in the microwave or a skillet on the stove Fries keep their crunch best when baked fresh or quickly reheated under the broiler Avoid dressing the salads until ready to eat
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey chicken or a plant based meat alternative if you prefer Try shredded iceberg instead of romaine or add sliced avocado for richness If sweet potatoes are not your thing swap in regular fries or roasted cauliflower florets
Serving Suggestions
Pile everything into a big platter for a fun DIY dinner night so everyone can build their own burger bowl Style with extra pickles a sprinkle of shredded cheese or jalapeños for a little heat For a lighter side add extra fresh veggies like cucumber or shredded carrots
Cultural Historical Context
Burger bowls are a fun modern spin on classic American hamburgers born out of the growing trend toward fresh bowl style meals They combine the comfort of a burger with the variety of flavors and textures from a loaded salad making them perfect for home cooks looking for something comforting yet a bit lighter
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the sweet potato fries?
Yes, you can use traditional potato fries, tater tots, or even baked potato wedges for a different twist.
- → What other toppings can I add?
Add sliced avocado, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, or sautéed mushrooms to customize your bowl.
- → Is ground turkey an option for the meat?
Absolutely—ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well in place of beef.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store the components separately in airtight containers and assemble fresh bowls as needed for up to 4 days.
- → What can I use instead of Greek yogurt in the sauce?
Swap in sour cream, more mayonnaise, or a dairy-free alternative to suit your taste and needs.