Description
This loaded burger bowl combines crispy potatoes, seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, fresh toppings, and creamy burger sauce in one easy comfort-food dinner. It’s customizable, protein-packed, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Bowls
- Lean ground beef
- Red potatoes
- Shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
- Chopped lettuce or mixed greens
- Small onion
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
For the Burger Sauce
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Cajun seasoning
Optional Toppings
- Pickles
- Extra lettuce
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Crisp the Potatoes
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Cut the potatoes into evenly sized chunks so they cook consistently.
- Place them into a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper, tossing well so every piece gets coated.
- Transfer the potatoes into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for approximately 16 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. The potatoes should become golden brown with crisp edges and soft centers.
- If needed, cook for an extra minute or two for additional crispiness.
- Slowly Cook the Onions
- While the potatoes cook, place a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil followed by the diced onions.
- Cook slowly, stirring every few minutes, until the onions soften and develop a rich golden color. This process usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
- The slower cooking brings out the onions’ natural sweetness and adds deeper flavor to the bowl.
- Once finished, transfer the onions to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef
- Using the same skillet, raise the heat to medium-high.
- Add the ground beef and break it apart using a spatula.
- Press the beef firmly against the skillet while it cooks. This creates the signature crispy edges that make smash burgers so flavorful.
- Let sections of the beef sit undisturbed for short periods before stirring. That direct contact with the hot pan creates caramelization and texture.
- Cook until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper while still hot.
- If the skillet contains excess grease, carefully drain it before assembling the bowls.
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and Cajun seasoning.
- Whisk thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if desired. Add extra Cajun seasoning for more spice or extra mayo for a milder flavor.
- Build the Bowls
- Divide the crispy potatoes among serving bowls.
- Top each bowl with the cooked ground beef and caramelized onions.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese directly over the hot beef so it begins melting immediately.
- Drizzle the special burger sauce generously across the top.
- Finish with chopped lettuce, pickles, parsley, or any additional toppings you enjoy.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Substitute rice, cauliflower rice, or lettuce for the potatoes if preferred.
- Ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives also work well.
- Store each component separately for best meal prep results.
- The sauce can be prepared several days in advance and refrigerated until needed
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg