Description
Loaded Burger Bowls with Special House Sauce bring all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a healthy, deconstructed bowl. Ground beef is seasoned and cooked to crispy perfection, then combined with fresh chopped lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, onions, avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese. A tangy, creamy house sauce made with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and spices ties everything together. Optional crispy French fries or tater tots add a fun side or topping. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick family meal or casual dinner.
Ingredients
House Sauce
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup or BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow or Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice brine from the pickle jar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
- Cayenne pepper, to taste (optional for a spicy sauce)
Bowl Ingredients
- 4 to 6 cups chopped or shredded lettuce
- 1 to 2 cups sliced or diced pickles
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onions (or caramelized or pickled onions)
- 1 cup diced avocados
- Optional: French fries or tater tots (from frozen foods aisle, cook separately)
Beef Seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 to 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, thoroughly combine mayonnaise, ketchup or BBQ sauce, mustard, pickle juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix until creamy and smooth. Refrigerate if making ahead.
- Prep Bowl Ingredients: Chop or shred the lettuce, slice or dice pickles, dice tomatoes and avocado, shred cheddar cheese, and slice onions. Set aside or refrigerate if prepping early. If using French fries or tater tots, cook them according to package instructions in the oven or air fryer.
- Season the Beef: Place ground beef in a medium bowl and sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper over it. Mix gently until evenly combined without overworking the meat.
- Form Patty: Shape the seasoned beef into a thick patty about 3/4-inch to 1-inch thick for even cooking and browning.
- Heat Skillet: Preheat a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. If your beef is extra lean, add a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking and aid browning.
- Cook Beef Patty: Place the patty in the hot skillet and let it cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes until the bottom develops crispy, browned bits.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Carefully flip the patty and cook for another minute on the other side until browned.
- Crumble and Finish Cooking: Break the patty into roughly 1-inch pieces in the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains and beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Assemble Bowls: Arrange the cooked beef in bowls or plates. Add the prepared chopped lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, cheddar, onions, and avocado. Drizzle generously with the special house sauce. Serve immediately, optionally topped or accompanied by cooked fries or tater tots.
Notes
- The house sauce can be prepared up to several days in advance and refrigerated to develop flavors.
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika in both the sauce and beef seasoning.
- Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce in the sauce mixture for a tangier kick.
- If you prefer softer onions, caramelize or pickle the red onions before adding to the bowls.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease, but add a drizzle of oil when cooking to prevent sticking if it's very lean.
- French fries or tater tots are optional but add a fun texture and flavor contrast and can be cooked in an air fryer or oven per package instructions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
