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Savory Smash Burger Bowl 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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