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Burger bowls are one of my favorite ways to enjoy all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger without the bun. I’m big on stacking my burger with as many toppings and sauces as possible, and these bowls make it that much easier to pile on my favorites. With seasoned beef, crispy fries, fresh veggies, and a creamy burger sauce, this bowl has everything you love in one hearty dish. Plus, it’s one of the easiest recipes to customize and make it how you love it.
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Pin ItBurger bowls have been popular lately, and for good reason. If you’re a fan of a good burger, you’ll love this version. They’re easy to prep ahead, customizable with your favorite toppings, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you need a fun dinner idea or a meal prep-friendly option, this burger bowl hits the spot. It’s also a great way to feed a family and let everyone choose their own toppings. Pile in your favorite sauces, mix-ins, and burger fixings for a deconstructed take on the classic. My go-tos are dill pickles, onions, and a creamy sauce. What are yours? Share your favorite burger toppings in the comments!
Tips for Beginners
- Use an air fryer for the fries. It gives you that perfect crisp without the extra oil, and they reheat well if you’re prepping ahead.
- Chill the burger sauce for at least 30 minutes. This not only thickens it up but also lets the flavors meld together for a richer, tangier bite.
- Prep and chop toppings in advance. Keep them in airtight containers so you can throw the bowls together in minutes, even on busy nights. I love doing this at the beginning of the week and then enjoying these bowls for lunches or a quick dinner.
Burger Bowsl
Ingredients
Hamburger Meat
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Burger Sauce
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 3 tbsp pickle juice
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Bowl Fixings
- 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 pint grape tomatoes halved
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup dill pickle chips
- 3 cups frozen French fries or sweet potato fries cooked until crispy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.1½ lbs ground beef, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the gorund beef and cook for a few minutes until the meat is fully cooked through.1 tbsp olive oil
- Whisk together the burger sauce ingredients in a dish.⅔ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup ketchup, 2 tbsp mustard, 3 tbsp pickle juice, ½ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Layer an equal amount of lettuce at the bottom of each bowl. Top with an equal amount of ground beef, tomato, onion slices, dill pickle chips, French fries, and cheddar cheese.8 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1 pint grape tomatoes, ½ red onion, ½ cup dill pickle chips, 3 cups frozen French fries or sweet potato fries, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Drizzle burger sauce over the top of each bowl.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Burger Bowls Step by Step
Gather all the ingredients together.
Mix the beef: In a large bowl, combine 1½ lbs ground beef, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Mix until just combined.
Cook the beef: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the beef mixture and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through.
Make the burger sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together ⅔ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup ketchup, 2 tbsp mustard, 3 tbsp pickle juice, ½ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp onion powder, and ¼ tsp garlic powder until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
Build the bowls: To assemble, divide 8 cups of chopped romaine lettuce evenly among 4 bowls. Top each with a portion of the cooked beef, 1 pint halved grape tomatoes, ½ thinly sliced red onion, ½ cup dill pickle chips, 3 cups crispy French fries, and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Drizzle the prepared burger sauce over the bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy!
How to Store and Reheat
If you have leftovers, store the beef, toppings, and sauce in separate airtight containers to keep everything fresh. The cooked beef will last up to 4 days in the fridge and can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Fries are best eaten fresh, but you can re-crisp them in the oven or air fryer. When reheating, warm the beef on the stove or in the microwave, then build your bowl with fresh lettuce and toppings before drizzling on the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
I usually enjoy these burger bowls just as they are, but sometimes it’s fun to make the meal feel like a full-on burger night. If I’m craving extra crunch, I’ll throw in some oven-baked onion rings or zucchini fries. For balance, a fresh fruit salad or a simple coleslaw on the side works perfectly. On nights when I want something lighter, roasted vegetables are my go-to.
What Else Can I Add?
Burger bowls are endlessly customizable—try mixing and matching add-ins to make them your own:
- Proteins: swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
- Cheese: try pepper jack, Swiss, blue cheese crumbles, or dairy-free alternatives.
- Toppings: crispy bacon, avocado slices, pickles red onions, sautéed mushrooms, or jalapeños.
- Carbs: sub fries with sweet potato fries, roasted potatoes, or even mac and cheese bites.
- Greens: mix in spinach, kale, or arugula with the romaine for extra freshness.
- Sauces: drizzle BBQ sauce, ranch, burger sauce, or hot sauce for a flavor twist.
