Savory Smash Burger Bowl Recipe

Introduction

The Savory Smash Burger Bowl is a delicious, comforting dish that combines crispy potatoes, caramelized onions, and juicy smashed beef all layered with melty cheese and a flavorful homemade sauce. It’s a satisfying meal perfect for those who want all the flavors of a burger without the bun.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Beef (lean beef for a healthier option)
• 3 medium Red Potatoes (can substitute with brown rice)
• 1 cup Onions (caramelized for added depth)
• 1 cup Shredded Cheese (Colby Jack or pepper jack recommended)
• 1/2 cup Mayo (adjust for desired creaminess)
• 2 tbsp Ketchup (use low-sugar for a healthier option)
• 1 tbsp Mustard (Dijon is a great choice)
• 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup Pickles (adds crunch)
• 1 cup Lettuce (any leafy greens work)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prep the base by dicing the red potatoes. Toss them with olive oil and season as desired. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the potatoes for 16 to 18 minutes until they are crispy and golden.
2. Step 2: Caramelize the onions by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until they turn golden brown and sweet.
3. Step 3: Increase the skillet heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Use a spatula to smash the beef as it cooks for 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: Make the sauce by whisking together mayo, ketchup, mustard, and Cajun seasoning in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
5. Step 5: Assemble the bowls by starting with a base of crispy potatoes, then add the smashed beef, caramelized onions, and shredded cheese. Drizzle with the sauce and top with pickles and lettuce for crunch and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• For a healthier bowl, swap red potatoes with cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice.
• Use pepper jack cheese for a bit of a spicy kick.
• Try adding avocado slices or a fried egg on top for extra richness.
• Adjust the Cajun seasoning to control the heat level of your sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to keep the potatoes crispy as much as possible. Adding fresh lettuce and pickles after reheating will keep the bowl fresh and crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Yes, you can roast the diced potatoes in a regular oven at 425°F for about 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

You can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based meat alternative. Adjust the seasoning and cooking time accordingly for best results.

Savory Smash Burger Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 80 reviews

This Savory Smash Burger Bowl combines crispy air-fried red potatoes, caramelized onions, and smashed ground beef with a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce and melty shredded cheese, all served in a bowl for a deconstructed burger experience that’s easy to customize and perfect for a hearty meal.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 3 medium Red Potatoes, diced
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for potatoes)
• Salt and pepper, to taste (for potatoes)

Beef

• 1 lb Ground Beef (lean for healthier option)
• Salt and pepper, to taste (for beef)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for cooking beef and onions)

Onions

• 1 cup Onions, diced

Sauce

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Ketchup (preferably low sugar)
• 1 tbsp Mustard (Dijon recommended)
• 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (adjust to taste)

Assembly & Toppings

• 1 cup Shredded Cheese (Colby Jack or Pepper Jack recommended)
• 1/2 cup Pickles, sliced
• 1 cup Lettuce or any leafy greens

Instructions

1. Prep the base: Dice the red potatoes into bite-sized pieces, then toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C), then add the potatoes and cook for 16 to 18 minutes until they develop a crispy golden exterior while remaining tender inside.
2. Caramelize the onions: While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook slowly for about 10 to 15 minutes until they become golden brown and develop a rich, sweet flavor.
3. Cook the beef: Increase the skillet heat to medium-high, add the ground beef, and press it down with a spatula to ‘smash’ it into a thin layer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping as needed, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and Cajun seasoning until smooth and well combined. Adjust the seasoning to your liking for creaminess and spice.
5. Assemble the bowls: Start by layering the crispy red potatoes in your serving bowls. Top with the smashed beef, caramelized onions, and shredded cheese. Drizzle the Cajun mayo sauce over the top, then garnish with pickles and fresh lettuce or leafy greens for crunch and freshness.

Notes

• For a healthier alternative, lean ground beef and low-sugar ketchup are recommended.
• You can substitute red potatoes with brown rice if preferred.
• Dijon mustard adds great flavor to the sauce but can be swapped out with yellow mustard.
• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
• Leftover bowls can be refrigerated and reheated; the sauce is best added fresh.

Keywords: smash burger bowl, air fryer potatoes, caramelized onions, easy burger recipe, Cajun mayo sauce, quick weeknight dinner