These burger bowls are a fun twist on your usual meal! They feature juicy burgers served over a bed of fresh veggies, making them colorful and healthy.
Honestly, it’s like having a picnic in a bowl! I love mixing in avocado and crunching on cucumbers with every bite. Super satisfying without the guilt! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) for a healthier option. If you want a lighter choice, ground turkey or lean ground chicken works great too! It still gives you that juicy flavor.
Potato Fries: While thick-cut fries are the traditional choice, sweet potato fries offer a nutritious and slightly sweeter alternative. If you don’t have fresh potatoes, frozen fries can also work; just adjust cooking time as needed.
Cheese: While sharp cheddar adds great flavor, you could switch it up with mozzarella or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for a non-dairy option.
Dill Pickles: Dill pickle slices are classic here, but you can also use sliced cucumbers for a fresher crunch or even jalapeños for some heat!
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Beef for Flavor?
Cooking the beef well is key to this dish. Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. This ensures the beef gets nice and browned, which adds flavor. Remember to:
- Add the beef and break it apart gently with a spatula. This helps cook it evenly!
- Season it well! Using garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika brings out the flavors beautifully.
- Make sure to drain any excess fat afterwards so your burger bowl stays healthy.
Pay attention, and you’ll have perfectly cooked beef that’s super tasty!
Healthy Burger Bowls with Fresh Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bowl:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup thick-cut potato fries or homemade baked potato wedges
- 1/4 tsp paprika (for fries seasoning)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (for fries seasoning)
- Salt and pepper for fries, to taste
- Dill pickle slices (about 8 slices)
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt for lighter version)
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 30 minutes for cooking, so you’ll be enjoying your delicious burger bowls in about 40 minutes in total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potato Fries/Wedges:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats up, cut your potatoes into thick wedges or fry shapes. Toss them with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through to ensure they’re golden and crispy. Once they’re done, take them out and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef:
Next, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper while cooking. Stir and cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through—this should take around 6-8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, feel free to drain it off.
3. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt if you prefer), ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. This sauce is what will tie your burger bowls together!
4. Assemble the Bowls:
Time to put everything together! Take your bowls and divide the chopped romaine lettuce evenly among them. On one side, add the cooked ground beef, and next to it add your crispy fries. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and place 2-3 dill pickle slices nearby. Finally, drizzle some of the sauce over the top for extra flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your burger bowls immediately while the fries are warm and the sauce is fresh. Feel free to mix all the ingredients together in each bite to experience the full deliciousness of the bowl! Enjoy this hearty and healthy meal!
This recipe comfortably serves about 2-3 people and is a fantastic lower-carb alternative to the classic burger and fries, allowing you to enjoy fresh veggies and all the essential flavors!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works perfectly in this recipe. Just follow the same cooking instructions, and be sure to adjust seasoning as turkey tends to have a milder flavor than beef.
Can I Prepare the Sauce in Advance?
Yes! The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before using to mix everything together again.
What Can I Substitute for the Potato Fries?
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try using sweet potato fries or even zucchini fries. For a no-carb option, you can skip the fries altogether and load up on more fresh veggies like bell peppers or avocado!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers: beef, fries, and sauce for up to 3 days in the fridge. To reheat, warm the beef in a skillet and the fries in the oven or microwave until heated through. Enjoy your burger bowls again!
