Introduction

These burger bowls offer all the classic flavors of a burger without the bun, making for a lighter, gluten-free meal that’s full of satisfaction. Crispy seasoned potato chips, savory spiced beef, fresh lettuce, and a tangy homemade sauce come together perfectly in every bite.

A white bowl filled with three main layers: on the bottom right, there is a layer of cooked ground beef topped with light brown sauce drizzled over it, and three round green pickles placed on top; next to it, on the left side, is a layer of golden-brown seasoned fries with a few light brown sauce drizzles; the top half of the bowl is filled with bright green chopped romaine lettuce with some light brown sauce drizzled on it; a small pile of shredded pale yellow cheese is placed near the fries. The bowl is on a white marbled surface, accompanied by another white bowl of golden-brown fries at the top right and a small white bowl of pickles at the bottom right. Some loose green lettuce pieces and a beige cloth are on the surface nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
2-3 medium potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
500 grams lean beef mince/ground beef
Lettuce (shredded)
Cheese (dairy-free or regular)
Pickle slices
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)
1 teaspoon pickle juice (from the jar of pickles)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Wash and cut the potatoes into chips, then pat them dry with paper towels. Place the potato chips in a large mixing bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and half of the spice mix. Toss well to coat the potatoes evenly.
Step 3: Arrange the seasoned potatoes on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 30–40 minutes, or cook in an air fryer for about 20 minutes, until they are golden and crispy.
Step 4: While the potatoes are cooking, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over high heat. Add the beef mince and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Once browned, sprinkle in the remaining spice mix and continue cooking until the meat is deeply browned and excess moisture has evaporated.
Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir to create the burger sauce and adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 6: When the potatoes are done, divide them into bowls. Add shredded lettuce to fill the bowls, then top with the cooked beef mince, cheese, and pickle slices. Drizzle the burger sauce over everything and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, soak potato chips in cold water for 30 minutes before drying to remove excess starch.
Swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based mince for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Use your favorite cheese or omit it to keep the dish dairy-free.
Add sliced tomatoes or red onion for extra freshness and crunch.

Storage

Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the beef mince gently in a pan or microwave, and crisp the potato chips again in the oven before serving. Assemble bowls fresh to keep the lettuce crisp.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl with four main layers: on the bottom left, thick golden brown seasoned fries; to the right of the fries, a small pile of light yellow shredded cheese; on the right side covering almost half the bowl, browned ground beef drizzled with a light pink creamy sauce; on the top left and top center, bright green chopped lettuce with three slices of green pickles placed on top. Nearby, there is a white bowl filled with more crispy fries, a small white bowl holding extra pickle slices, and a white cup with creamy pink sauce. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a cream-colored cloth napkin. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the spice mix in advance?

Yes, the spice mix can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for several weeks, making assembling the burger bowls quick and easy.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the burger sauce?

You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter sauce while maintaining creaminess.