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Burger Bowls

Quick and delicious Burger Bowls that deliver classic burger flavors without the bun, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive treat.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20) can swap with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for depth of flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce optional, but enhances flavor
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced, can substitute with shallots
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens can include spinach, arugula, or romaine
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or your favorite melting cheese
  • 1/2 cup dill pickles or quick-pickled cucumbers sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced, soak in cold water for 10 minutes
  • 1/2 cup cooked corn kernels optional, for sweetness
For the Special Sauce
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon pickle juice
  • 1 pinch smoked paprika

Method
 

Preparation of Special Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Cooking the Onions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced onion with a pinch of salt and cook until caramelized, about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside half of the onions.
Brown the Beef
  1. Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef to the skillet with remaining onions, and break into pieces.
  2. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until no pink remains, about 5–7 minutes.
  3. Drain excess fat if desired.
Add Garlic and Cheese
  1. Stir in minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
  2. Reduce heat to low and sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef, allowing it to melt.
Assemble the Bowls
  1. In each bowl, create a base with mixed greens.
  2. Top with the cheesy beef mixture, then add cherry tomatoes, pickles, corn, and reserved caramelized onions.
  3. Drizzle with special sauce and garnish with parsley or chives.
Serve
  1. Serve warm and offer extra sauce on the side.

Notes

Store components separately in the refrigerator for best texture. Can freeze cooked beef without cheese.