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If you’ve been craving a burger but don’t feel like dealing with buns, greasy takeout, or a full-on grill session, these Ultimate Burger Bowls are the answer. They’re everything you love about a cheeseburger — juicy, well-seasoned beef, melty cheese, tangy pickles, crisp lettuce, and even fries – layered into one hearty, fork-friendly bowl. Add a generous drizzle of my high-protein “secret sauce” and a scoop of caramelized onions, and you’ve got a meal that’s fresh, flavorful, and satisfying enough to make you forget that drive-thrus even exist.
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Whenever I’m craving a burger, I’m torn between two things: wanting all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger and not wanting to feel like I just ate something heavy enough to put me in a food coma. That’s where these ultimate burger bowls come in. They pack everything I love, but in a fresher, lighter way that still hits every craving.
I first got hooked on the idea of burger bowls after making my Big Mac Salad for the first time. It had all those classic flavors, but it was missing one thing: fries. Because let’s be honest, fries are half the reason we order burgers in the first place, right?! This version fixes that by putting the fries right into the bowl.
And that sauce? It’s my high-protein “secret” sauce with Greek yogurt instead of mayo. If you’ve tried my healthy ranch dressing, you know I’m all about creamy, protein-packed dressings and sauces that don’t weigh you down. This one is tangy from the pickle juice, a little smoky from the paprika, and completely addictive.
If you’re a fan of hearty, flavor-packed bowls, you’ll definitely want to try my Chipotle Steak Fajita Bowls next; they’re hearty and so nourishing. Or, for something just as satisfying, my Greek Chicken Orzo Bowls are fresh, vibrant, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Tips for Making the Ultimate Burger Bowl
- Don’t skip the fries. Bun or not, crispy fries make the bowl feel indulgent and complete.
- Season the meat well. A mix of spices like smoked paprika, oregano, garlic, and onion powder ensures every bite is full of flavor.
- Take time for caramelized onions. Low and slow cooking brings out sweetness and adds that true burger-shop taste.
- Upgrade your sauce. A splash of pickle juice adds tang, and Greek yogurt subs in for mayo to boost protein.
- Chop veggies small. Evenly sized pieces mean you get a bit of everything in each bite.
What You Need to Make These Delicious Burger-Inspired Bowls
- Ground Beef: I use 90/10 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness without too much grease.
- Avocado Oil: A heart-healthy oil that helps the beef cook evenly while adding a subtle richness.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a deep, smoky flavor that takes the beef to the next level.
- Dried Oregano: Brings a savory, herbaceous note that feels reminiscent of classic burger seasoning.
- Garlic Powder: Delivers a bold, garlicky punch without the need for fresh garlic.
- Onion Powder: Enhances the flavor of the beef while adding a subtle sweetness.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds a warm, peppery bite that complements the other spices.
- Greek Yogurt: This is the base of the high-protein “secret” sauce. It’s creamy, tangy, and lighter than mayo.
- Ketchup: Provides sweetness and tang for that classic burger sauce flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds sharpness and depth to balance the richness of the sauce.
- Pickle Juice: Brings zesty acidity and a punch of pickle flavor to the sauce.
- Frozen French Fries: Crispy and golden, they make these burger bowls feel indulgent, even without the bun. I used Jesse & Ben’s!
- Yellow Onion: Slowly caramelized to bring out natural sweetness.
- Iceberg Lettuce: Crisp, refrehsing, and perfect for balancing the heaviness of the beef and fries.
- Dill Pickles: Finely chopped for a tangy crunch in every bite.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melty, sharp, and essential for that true cheeseburger flavor.
- Roma Tomatoes: Finely chopped for freshness and a burst of juiciness.
How to Make These Better-Than-Takeout Bowls
First, to make these ultimate burger bowls, start by cooking the fries according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set them aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Heat a large pan over medium heat, then add the avocado oil and ground beef. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sauté the beef until it is browned and fully cooked through. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Next, make the caramelized onions. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a separate pan over low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring every few minutes, until they turn a deep golden brown and become soft, about 30 minutes. Be patient; the flavor is worth the wait!
While the onions cook, prepare the secret sauce. Add the Greek yogurt, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to a small bowl or blender. Whisk or blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy.
Chop the lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles into small pieces so you get a little bit of everything in each bite.
To assemble the bowls, start with a base of shredded lettuce. Top with the beef mixture, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped tomatoes, fries, and chopped pickles. Add the caramelized onions on top, then drizzle generously with the secret sauce. Serve your ultimate burger bowls immediately and enjoy!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.
** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim
f you've been craving a burger but don't feel like dealing with buns, greasy takeout, or a full-on grill session, these Ultimate Burger Bowls are the answer. They're everything you love about a cheeseburger — juicy, well-seasoned beef, melty cheese, tangy pickles, crisp lettuce, and even fries – layered into one hearty, fork-friendly bowl. Add a generous drizzle of my high-protein "secret sauce" and a scoop of caramelized onions, and you've got a meal that's fresh, flavorful, and satisfying enough to make you forget that drive-thrus exist.
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 2 Tablespoons Avocado Oil
- 1 Pound Ground Beef 90/10
- 2 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
For the Sauce
- ½ Cup Greek Yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons Ketchup
- 2 Teaspoons Dijon Mustard
- 3 Tablespoons Pickle Juice
- ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
For the Bowls
- 1 Bag Frozen French Fries
- 1 Yellow Onion finely sliced
- 3 Cups Shredded Iceberg Lettuce
- 1 Cup Dill Pickles finely chopped
- ¾ Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 2 Roma Tomatoes finely chopped
Instructions
- First, to make these ultimate burger bowls, start by cooking the fries according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set them aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat, then add the avocado oil and ground beef. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sauté the beef until it is browned and fully cooked through. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Next, make the caramelized onions. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a separate pan over low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring every few minutes, until they turn a deep golden brown and become soft, about 30 minutes. Be patient; the flavor is worth the wait!
- While the onions cook, prepare the secret sauce. Add the Greek yogurt, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to a small bowl or blender. Whisk or blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy.
- Chop the lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles into small pieces so you get a little bit of everything in each bite.
- To assemble the bowls, start with a base of shredded lettuce. Top with the beef mixture, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped tomatoes, fries, and chopped pickles. Add the caramelized onions on top, then drizzle generously with the secret sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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