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Loaded Burger Bowls with Special Sauce

Enjoy all the flavors of a loaded burger without the bun! These easy Burger Bowls feature seasoned ground beef, crispy baked potato “fries,” cheese, pickles, lettuce, and a delicious homemade burger sauce.

Ingredients

(Based on 1x column, serves approx. 2-3 based on 1lb beef)

Spice Mix:

  • ▢ 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon dried oregano or mixed herbs
  • ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
  • ▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Bowls:

  • ▢ 2-3 medium potatoes (e.g., Russet or Yukon Gold)
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • ▢ 1 lb lean beef mince (ground beef, 80/20 recommended)
  • ▢ Lettuce, shredded
  • ▢ Cheese, shredded or sliced (e.g., cheddar, American)
  • ▢ Pickle slices

For the Burger Sauce:

  • ▢ 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon pickle juice (from the jar)
  • ▢ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ▢ ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Make Spice Mix and Prepare Potatoes:

  • In a small bowl, mix together all the Spice Mix ingredients: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano/herbs, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
  • Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
  • Wash the potatoes well (peel if desired). Cut them into your preferred “chip” shape – wedges or thick-cut fries work well (aim for relatively even thickness).
  • Pat the cut potatoes thoroughly dry with paper towels – this is crucial for crispiness!
  • Place the dried potato pieces in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and sprinkle in half of the prepared spice mix. Toss well until the potatoes are evenly coated.

2. Cook the Potatoes:

  • Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. Do not overcrowd the pan (use two trays if necessary).
  • Oven Method: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.
  • Air Fryer Method: Cook in the air fryer basket (likely in batches) at around 390°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket periodically, until golden and crispy.

3. Cook the Ground Beef:

  • While the potatoes are cooking, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the ground beef to the hot pan. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned.
  • Drain off any excess fat from the skillet very well.
  • Sprinkle the remaining half of the prepared spice mix over the browned beef. Stir well and continue cooking for another minute or two until the meat is darkened slightly and the spices are fragrant. Remove from heat.

4. Make the Burger Sauce:

  • While beef and potatoes cook, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard (Dijon or yellow), pickle juice, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
  • Whisk or stir until well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (maybe a pinch more salt or pepper).

5. Assemble the Burger Bowls:

  • Once the potatoes are cooked and crispy, divide them among your serving bowls.
  • Fill the remaining space in each bowl with a generous amount of shredded lettuce.
  • Top the lettuce and potatoes with the cooked, seasoned ground beef mince.
  • Add your desired amount of cheese (shredded or sliced) and pickle slices over the beef and potatoes.

6. Sauce and Serve:

  • Drizzle the homemade burger sauce generously over the top of everything in the bowl.
  • Serve the Loaded Burger Bowls immediately while the potatoes and beef are warm.