Burger Bowls with Special Sauce

This hearty burger bowl is my solution for anyone who craves a good burger but wants something fresher and more nutritious. The combination of seasoned beef, crispy potatoes, and fresh toppings all drizzled with a special sauce creates the perfect deconstructed burger experience that satisfies without the bun.

I started making these burger bowls when my family was trying to cut back on bread but still wanted their burger fix. Now everyone requests it at least once a week even in preference to regular burgers.

Ingredients

• Spice mix: Combining smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs creates that classic burger flavor without any additives
• Potatoes: Cut into chips provide that essential crispy element that makes every burger meal complete
• Lean beef mince: Keeps the dish protein rich while being healthier than fattier cuts
• Fresh lettuce and other toppings: Add crunch, texture, and nutrients
• Homemade burger sauce: With the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory brings everything together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Spice Mix:

Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This seasoning blend is the secret to making both the potatoes and beef taste amazing. Make sure to mix thoroughly so all the spices are evenly distributed.

Prepare the Potatoes:

Wash and cut potatoes into chips, then pat them completely dry—this helps them crisp up better. Toss them with olive oil and half of your spice mix, making sure every piece is well coated. The oil helps the spices stick and aids in crisping. Arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.

Bake or Air Fry:

Cook the potatoes at 200°C in a conventional oven for 30 to 40 minutes or in an air fryer for about 20 minutes. The potatoes should be golden brown on the outside and tender inside. For extra crispiness, flip them halfway through cooking time.

Cook the Beef:

Heat oil in a frying pan over high heat, then add the beef mince. Break it into small pieces as it cooks—this creates more surface area for browning and flavor development. Once browned, add the remaining spice mix and cook until the meat develops a deeper color and any moisture has evaporated.

Make the Burger Sauce:

Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Stir until completely smooth and taste to adjust seasonings. This sauce should have a perfect balance of creaminess, tang, and subtle smokiness.

Assemble the Bowls:

Start with a base of crispy potatoes, then add shredded lettuce. Top with the seasoned beef mince, cheese, and pickle slices. Finish with a generous drizzle of the homemade burger sauce, making sure it gets distributed throughout the bowl.

Save This

The smoked paprika in this recipe is my absolute favorite ingredient. It adds that slightly charred backyard grill flavor that reminds me of summer cookouts with my family. When my kids were younger, they used to pick out the pickles, but now they fight over who gets more of them in their bowl.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lower carb option, replace the potato chips with roasted cauliflower florets tossed in the same spice mix. They still provide that roasted flavor and nice texture while cutting back on carbohydrates significantly.

For vegetarians, substitute the beef mince with a plant-based mince alternative, crumbled tofu, or even roasted mushrooms. The spice mix works equally well with these alternatives, giving you that savory burger flavor profile.

If you prefer a different protein, chicken mince, turkey mince, or even lamb works wonderfully with the same spicing. Each brings its own character to the dish while maintaining the burger bowl concept.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this into a party spread by setting up a burger bowl bar. Arrange all components in separate bowls and let everyone build their own creation. This is particularly fun for family gatherings or casual dinner parties.

For a complete meal, add some avocado slices, roasted corn kernels, or even a fried egg on top. These additions bring extra nutrition and make the bowl even more satisfying and colorful.

Serve with a side of pickle spears or extra sauce for dipping those crispy potatoes. Sometimes the simple accompaniments make all the difference.

Storage Tips

The cooked beef can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to restore moisture.

Store the burger sauce separately in a jar with a tight lid—it will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator and actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld.

The potato chips lose their crispness when stored but can be refreshed in an air fryer or hot oven for 5 minutes before serving leftover bowls.

Common Queries

→ Can I make these burger bowls vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives, grilled portobello mushrooms, or seasoned lentils. The special sauce and other toppings work perfectly with these substitutions.

→ How can I make this dish lower in carbs?

To reduce carbohydrates, replace the potato chips with roasted cauliflower florets or zucchini rounds. You can also increase the lettuce portion for a more salad-focused meal while keeping the seasoned beef and special sauce.

→ Can I prepare components ahead of time?

Yes! The special sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The seasoned beef can be cooked a day in advance and reheated when ready to serve. For best results, cook the potato chips fresh before serving.

→ What's the best cheese to use in these bowls?

Cheddar, American, or pepper jack work wonderfully for a classic flavor. For a lighter option, try crumbled feta or goat cheese. Dairy-free cheese alternatives also work great for those with dietary restrictions.

→ What other toppings can I add to my burger bowl?

Get creative with toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced red onions, avocado chunks, crispy bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños for heat, or a fried egg on top. Customize based on your favorite burger toppings!

→ Is the special sauce spicy?

The standard special sauce has mild heat from the paprika and mustard. For a spicier version, add sriracha, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to taste. For a milder version, reduce or omit the paprika.