Get ready for a fun twist on burger night! These Easy Cheesy Burger Bowls combine ground beef with cheesy goodness served over a bed of lettuce, just like a deconstructed burger!
You can top it off with your favorite fixings like pickles and tomatoes. It’s a great way to make burgers lighter without missing that yummy flavor. Who knew eating healthy could be so tasty? 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: I like using ground beef that’s 80% lean for a good balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, lean turkey or chicken can work too!
Potatoes: For the fries, any type of potato works, but Russets give that perfect crispy texture. Sweet potatoes are a tasty alternative, adding a hint of sweetness!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for these bowls. If you’re lactose intolerant, try dairy-free cheese or skip it altogether—you won’t lose too much flavor.
Dill pickles: If you’re not a fan of dill pickles, try bread-and-butter pickles or even sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick!
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Fries?
Making crispy fries is about cooking technique! Here are some tips to get them just right:
- Cut the potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
- Coat them in a good amount of oil, but don’t drown them—lightly toss is key!
- A high oven temperature helps them crisp up—425°F is perfect.
- Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet to prevent steaming.
- Flip them halfway through cooking for even browning.
Easy Cheesy Burger Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger Bowls:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups shredded Romaine lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8-10 dill pickle slices
- 3 large potatoes, cut into fries
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Burger Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp pickle juice (from pickle jar)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 30-35 minutes for cooking. You’ll spend the first half making some delicious homemade fries while your beef cooks and burger sauce comes together. Finally, just assemble and enjoy your tasty bowls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fries:
First, let’s get those fries going! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss the cut potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until they are well coated. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy. Yum!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the fries are baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as you cook it until it’s no longer pink—about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, you can drain it off. Season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to let those flavors mix together.
3. Make the Burger Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, pickle juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth. Give it a taste to make sure it’s just the way you like it and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
Now for the fun part—assembly! In four bowls, divide the shredded Romaine lettuce as the base. Top each bowl with an equally delicious scoop of the cooked ground beef, a handful of those crispy fries, a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and 2-3 dill pickle slices.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Drizzle the burger sauce over the top of each bowl just before serving for that extra deliciousness. Dive in and enjoy this amazing bowl that captures all the flavors of a classic burger!
Now you have a tasty, quick meal ready to enjoy—perfect for lunch or dinner! These Easy Cheesy Burger Bowls are sure to be a hit with everyone!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Burger Bowls
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives for a lighter option. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly and consider adding a little extra seasoning, as they tend to be milder in flavor than beef.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make these bowls vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with your favorite plant-based protein, like lentils, black beans, or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on what you choose!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover components in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the fries separate to maintain their crispiness. Reheat the beef and sauce on the stove or in the microwave, and enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Can I Prepare the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, making the burger sauce ahead of time is a great idea! You can prepare it up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving to blend the flavors again!
