Loaded Burger Bowls

Featured in: Hearty and Delicious Meals

Enjoy a satisfying meal featuring oven-baked potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and layers of classic burger toppings. Each bowl combines crisp romaine, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, and sliced gherkins, finished with a creamy, tangy burger sauce. Perfect for a hearty lunch or weeknight dinner, these bowls capture beloved burger flavours in a fresh, vibrant presentation that’s easy to serve and customize. Great for gatherings or family meals, this dish delivers all the essentials in every bite!

Tags: #halal #over-30-minutes #family-friendly #budget-friendly #north-american #baked #beef #high-protein #medium #dinner

sana kitchen chef
Updated on Thu, 03 Jul 2025 13:14:47 GMT
A bowl of Loaded Burger Bowls filled with various ingredients. Pin it
A bowl of Loaded Burger Bowls filled with various ingredients. | recipebyme.com

Loaded burger bowls are my answer to the craving for a big juicy burger without the heaviness of a bun or the grease. Everything you want from a classic drive-through burger lands in a fresh and hearty bowl Built around crispy roasted potatoes savory beef a creamy punchy burger sauce and crisp toppings this recipe never fails to satisfy my family on weeknights when we want something comforting and fun

The first time I served these burger bowls my friends could not believe how much they tasted like a burger but felt so much fresher between the crunch of lettuce and the creamy sauce these really hit the spot

Ingredients

  • Washed potatoes: add bulk and crispiness use waxy varieties for best texture
  • Sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper: to bring out the potatoes natural flavor use freshly cracked pepper for a little kick
  • Olive oil: helps roast the potatoes evenly and adds flavor choose extra virgin for best results
  • Lean minced beef: brings rich flavor without extra grease choose beef with 10 percent or less fat
  • Onion: finely diced weaves into the beef and adds sweetness pick firm onions for best result
  • Sweet paprika: for warmth and color go for high-quality Spanish paprika if possible
  • Onion powder and garlic powder: deepen the beef and sauce flavor always check your spices are fresh for maximum impact
  • Whole-egg mayonnaise: is the base of the sauce and adds creaminess choose a thick style for rich texture
  • Finely chopped gherkins or dill pickles: add tang and crunch opt for refrigerated pickles for more flavor
  • Dijon mustard: brings zing and complexity refrigerated Dijon has the best kick
  • Ketchup: lends the burger sauce a classic hint of sweetness look for brands with less sugar if you prefer
  • Shredded cheddar: melts over the beef choose a sharp or medium cheddar for big flavor
  • Cos or romaine lettuce: shredded for refreshing crunch select bright green crisp leaves
  • Cherry tomatoes: chopped for juicy pops of flavor go for ripe and firm tomatoes
  • Red onion: thinly sliced for sweetness and color soak slices in ice water for milder taste if desired
  • Sliced gherkins: more crunch and tang look for snappy pickles
  • Water: to thin the burger sauce as you like add sparingly

Instructions

Prep the Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to a roaring 220 C or 425 F set to 200 C or 400 F if you have a fan forced oven. Cut your potatoes into even cubes about the size of a sugar cube and toss them in a big roasting dish. Sprinkle with sea salt and cracked black pepper then drizzle over the olive oil. Toss with clean hands until every piece is glossy. Spread them out in a single layer with space between the cubes for ultimate crunch
Roast the Potatoes:
Slide the tray into the oven and roast for 40 minutes. About halfway through use a wide spatula to turn the cubes so they crisp on all sides. When finished the potatoes should be golden crisp at the edges and tender on the inside
Cook the Beef:
Warm olive oil in a large heavy pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and stir for one to two minutes you want it soft but not browned. Drop in the beef and use a spatula to break it into small bits. Keep cooking for four to five minutes until the beef is browned and smells irresistible. Sprinkle in the salt paprika onion powder garlic powder and pepper. Give it all a stir and cook for one more minute just until the spices feel fragrant
Whip Up Burger Sauce:
In a medium bowl add mayonnaise chopped gherkins Dijon mustard ketchup paprika onion powder and garlic powder. Mix together well with a spoon. Drizzle in one tablespoon of water at a time while mixing until you hit a pourable creamy consistency
Build Your Bowls:
Set out four serving bowls. Scatter a generous handful of lettuce in the bottom of each. Pile the roasted potatoes over the greens then spoon over the hot beef and scatter with shredded cheese. Top each bowl with juicy cherry tomatoes sliced red onion and extra sliced gherkins. Finish with lavish drizzles of your homemade burger sauce
A bowl of salad with meat, cheese, and vegetables, including lettuce, tomatoes, and potatoes. Pin it
A bowl of salad with meat, cheese, and vegetables, including lettuce, tomatoes, and potatoes. | recipebyme.com

I absolutely love how the sweet paprika works its way into both the beef and sauce just a hint gives the whole dish a burger shop aroma. One night the bowl was so good my youngest declared it better than any burger she had ever had and now this recipe is a birthday request

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days Keep sauce and beef separate for best texture when reheating potatoes re crisp best in the oven even after a day or two Store greens and other toppings separately and add fresh before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap beef for ground turkey chicken or even finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian version Cheddar can be replaced by any melty burger cheese or even a sprinkle of parmesan for sharper flavor If you are not a fan of gherkins use diced pickled jalapenos for a spicy twist

Serving Suggestions

These burger bowls are meal in themselves but are great with a side of crunchy pickles sweet potato fries or a handful of tortilla chips Sometimes I set out a buffet of extra toppings like avocado roasted peppers and hot sauce so everyone can build their dream bowl

Cultural Context

Loaded burger bowls are a playful twist on classic American comfort food taking inspiration from the iconic fast food cheeseburger This layered meal offers all the nostalgic flavor but with a lighter and fresher feel perfect for modern weeknight dinners

Seasonal Adaptations

Top with grilled corn or chopped fresh herbs in summer Add roasted root vegetables in fall for earthier flavor Mix in shredded cabbage or carrot in winter for color and crunch

Success Stories

One friend brought these to a family gathering where they disappeared in minutes and everyone wanted the recipe Leftover burger bowls have become my trusted lunch for workdays they feel like comfort food but never weigh me down

Freezer Meal Conversion

While potatoes and lettuce are best fresh you can freeze individual portions of cooked beef and burger sauce Defrost in the fridge and reheat the beef gently before assembling the bowls with fresh greens and toppings

A bowl of salad with meat, cheese, and vegetables, including tomatoes and lettuce. Pin it
A bowl of salad with meat, cheese, and vegetables, including tomatoes and lettuce. | recipebyme.com

Loaded burger bowls are perfect for weeknights and special occasions alike. Customize toppings to keep every meal exciting and satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef for a lighter option. Adjust seasonings to taste for your preferred meat.

→ How do I get the potatoes crispy?

Spread potatoes in a single layer, use enough oil, and roast at high heat. Turn them halfway through baking for even crispness.

→ What cheese is best for this dish?

Cheddar provides classic flavour, but you can use any melty cheese like Monterey Jack, Colby, or sliced American if you prefer.

→ Is there a way to prepare this ahead?

You can bake potatoes and cook the beef in advance. Assemble bowls and add fresh toppings just before serving for best texture.

→ How can I make the dish healthier?

Use lean meats, opt for low-fat mayonnaise in the sauce, and increase the amount of fresh salad for extra greens.

Loaded Burger Bowls

Potatoes, savoury beef, crisp greens, cheddar, tangy sauce—layered for a hearty, flavour-packed bowl.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Sana

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (Four loaded bowls)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Potatoes

01 2 pounds 10 ounces washed potatoes, peeled or unpeeled, cut into 3/4 inch cubes
02 2 teaspoons sea salt flakes
03 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
04 4 tablespoons olive oil

→ Beef

05 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 1 onion, finely diced
07 1 pound 2 ounces lean ground beef
08 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes
09 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
10 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
11 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
12 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper

→ Burger Sauce

13 1 cup whole-egg mayonnaise
14 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
15 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
16 1 tablespoon ketchup
17 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
18 1 teaspoon onion powder
19 1 teaspoon garlic powder
20 1 to 2 tablespoons water

→ To Serve

21 1 large romaine lettuce, cut into strips
22 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or other burger cheese
23 7 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
24 1/2 red onion, finely sliced
25 1/4 cup sliced dill pickles

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 425°F. Arrange potato cubes evenly in a large baking dish, or use two if necessary to prevent overlap. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, then drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat all pieces well.

Step 02

Bake potatoes for 40 minutes, turning halfway through, until crisp and golden brown.

Step 03

Heat olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes until softened.

Step 04

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, breaking up the meat until starting to brown.

Step 05

Add sea salt, sweet paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for 1 additional minute. Remove pan from heat.

Step 06

In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped dill pickles, Dijon mustard, ketchup, sweet paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Add water, a tablespoon at a time, until desired sauce consistency is reached.

Step 07

Divide romaine lettuce among four bowls. Top with roasted potatoes, cooked beef, and shredded cheddar cheese. Add cherry tomato halves, sliced red onion, and dill pickles. Generously drizzle with burger sauce and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large baking dish
  • Heavy skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains egg, dairy, and possible traces of gluten depending on condiments used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 642
  • Total Fat: 41.7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 44.5 g
  • Protein: 28.2 g