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Savory Smash Burger Bowl Recipe

4.4 from 102 reviews

This Savory Smash Burger Bowl combines crispy air-fried diced red potatoes with caramelized onions and smashed ground beef, layered with shredded cheese and a tangy homemade sauce. It’s a flavorful, deconstructed burger experience served in a bowl for easy eating and a healthier twist on classic burger flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Main Components

  • 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)

Sauce

  • 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)

Additional Toppings

  • 1/2 cup Pickles (Adds crunch)
  • 1 cup Lettuce (Any leafy greens work)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Base: Dice the red potatoes into even bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 16-18 minutes, shaking halfway through, until they are golden and crispy on the outside and tender inside.
  2. Caramelize Onions: While the potatoes cook, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until the onions turn a rich golden brown and become sweet and tender. Lower the heat if the onions start to burn.
  3. Cook the Beef: Increase the skillet’s heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Use a spatula to smash the beef into an even layer in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up slightly to create that “smash burger” texture, and season well with salt and pepper. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through.
  4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and Cajun seasoning until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This sauce adds a flavorful, creamy kick to the bowl.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Start by placing the crispy air-fried potatoes as the base in each bowl. Add the smashed beef on top, followed by caramelized onions and shredded cheese to melt slightly from the residual heat. Drizzle the prepared sauce generously over the top. Finish by adding pickles and fresh lettuce for crunch and freshness. Serve immediately for the best taste.

Notes

  • You can substitute red potatoes with brown rice for a gluten-free or lower-carb option.
  • Use lean ground beef to keep the dish healthier and reduce excess fat.
  • The Cajun seasoning can be adjusted or omitted depending on your spice preference.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils.
  • Make sure to not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure potatoes crisp evenly.

Keywords: Smash burger bowl, air fryer potatoes, caramelized onions, smashed ground beef, Cajun sauce, easy burger bowl, weeknight dinner