Introduction

The Savory Smash Burger Bowl is a delicious and satisfying twist on the classic smash burger, served over crispy red potatoes instead of a bun. With caramelized onions, a flavorful homemade sauce, and melty cheese, this bowl is perfect for anyone craving all the flavors of a burger in a fresh, gluten-free format.

Savory Smash Burger Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Step 1: Prep the base by dicing the red potatoes. Toss them with olive oil and your preferred seasoning. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the potatoes for 16-18 minutes until they are crispy and golden.
Step 2: Caramelize the onions by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until they turn a rich golden brown.
Step 3: Increase the skillet heat to medium-high, add the ground beef, and smash it flat with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Whisk together the mayo, ketchup, mustard, and Cajun seasoning in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the seasoning to your preference for spice and creaminess.
Step 5: Assemble the bowls by layering the crispy potatoes first, then the smashed beef, caramelized onions, and shredded cheese. Drizzle the sauce over the top, and finish with pickles and lettuce for crunch and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For a healthier option, substitute red potatoes with cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice.
Swap out Cajun seasoning for smoked paprika and garlic powder if you prefer a milder spice level.
Use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick or cheddar for a classic flavor.
Try adding avocado slices or a fried egg on top for more creaminess and richness.

Storage

Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the potatoes and beef in a skillet or oven to keep them crispy and avoid sogginess. Add fresh toppings and sauce after reheating for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply substitute the shredded cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free mayo to keep it creamy without dairy.

Can I prepare this recipe without an air fryer?

Absolutely. You can roast the diced potatoes in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Savory Smash Burger Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 101 reviews

This Savory Smash Burger Bowl combines crispy air-fried red potatoes, caramelized onions, and juicy smashed ground beef, topped with melty cheese and a flavorful homemade sauce. It’s a delicious, deconstructed burger experience in a bowl, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Base

3 medium Red Potatoes, diced
Olive oil for tossing and cooking (approx. 2 tbsp)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Beef and Onions

1 lb Ground Beef (use lean beef for a healthier option)
1 cup Onions, diced
Olive oil for caramelizing (1-2 tbsp)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

1/2 cup Mayonnaise
2 tbsp Ketchup (use low-sugar if preferred)
1 tbsp Mustard (Dijon recommended)
1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (adjust to taste)

Toppings

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

Instructions

Prep the Base: Dice the red potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and air fry the potatoes for 16-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until the potatoes are crispy and golden.
Caramelize Onions: While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook slowly for 10-15 minutes until they turn golden brown and develop a sweet, rich flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Cook the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef to the skillet and smash it down into a thin layer. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes, then flip and continue cooking for a total of 5-7 minutes until beef is browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and Cajun seasoning until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Adjust seasonings to taste for desired creaminess and spice level.
Assemble the Bowls: Start by placing the crispy air-fried potatoes as the base in your serving bowls. Add a layer of smashed beef, followed by caramelized onions. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the warm ingredients so it melts slightly. Drizzle the prepared sauce on top, then finish with pickles and fresh lettuce or greens for crunch and freshness. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

For a healthier option, use lean ground beef or substitute red potatoes with brown rice.
Use low-sugar ketchup and adjust the amount of mayonnaise to control the overall creaminess and calorie content.
Feel free to add other burger toppings like tomato slices, avocado, or pickled jalapeños for extra flavor.
This recipe is versatile and can be customized with different cheeses or additional spices in the sauce.
Leftover components can be stored separately and reassembled to maintain texture.

Keywords: smash burger bowl, air fryer potatoes, caramelized onions, ground beef, burger bowl, easy dinner, quick meal, Cajun seasoning