These burger bowls are a fun, crave-worthy twist on a classic cheeseburger, with no bun required. Loaded with seasoned beef, crispy fries, and all your favorite toppings, they are the perfect easy weeknight dinner.
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Holly’s Recipe Highlights
- Flavor: Savory, juicy beef pairs with crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, melty cheese, and golden fries, all brought together by a zesty burger sauce.
- Skill Level: These burgers are beginner-friendly with no grill required.
- Time-Saver: Frozen fries, pre-chopped lettuce, and pre-shredded cheese keep this weeknight easy.
- Serving Suggestions: A quick “build-your-own bowl” night lets everyone customize their meal just the way they like it, making it a win for even the pickiest eaters at the table.
Burger Bowl Staples That Matter
- Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for the best results. If using higher-fat beef, make sure to drain really well (and blot if needed), to keep the bowl from getting greasy.
- Lettuce: Romaine stays crisp longer and is sturdier for meal prep. Iceberg gives that classic shredded crunch. No matter what you choose, keep it extra cold and dry so the sauce clings without getting soggy.
- Pickles: Dill pickles add that signature burger flavor. Slice thin for even bites or replace with relish as a quick substitute.
- Cheese: Cheddar adds a sharp, real-cheese flavor, while processed cheese adds a nostalgic cheeseburger vibe and melts slightly when it hits the warm beef.
- French Fries: Spread in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the pan. Then bake until very crisp for the best results. Replace with tater tots, air fryer fries, or homemade fries.
- Dressing: Use a bottle of Thousand Island dressing or burger sauce, or make your own homemade version to control the flavor.
- Variations: Turn it into a bacon cheeseburger with bacon crumbles, or a burger BALT by adding avocado too. Kick up the heat with sliced jalapeños, or make a Mushroom Mozza burger with sautéed mushrooms and mozzarella.
How To Make Burger Bowls
- Cook the French fries (full recipe below).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef with the steak spices and seasonings.
- Divide the lettuce between bowls and top with the remaining ingredients.
- Drizzle each bowl with sauce and serve.
Keep It Fresh For Later
Store ingredients separately for the crispest leftovers.
- Cooked ground beef keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Keep toppings (pickles, onion, lettuce) chilled and dry.
- Cooked fries and sauce will keep in the fridge up to 4 days.
Burger Night Favorites
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen French fries or homemade french fries
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon steak spice
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 cups chopped lettuce romaine or iceberg
- 3 dill pickles sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or cubed processed cheese
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ½ cup thousand island dressing burger sauce or homemade sauce in the notes
- sesame seeds and tomatoes for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread frozen French fries on a baking sheet and bake 18 to 22 minutes or until crisp and golden.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, and steak spice until no pink remains. Drain fat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Divide chopped lettuce between four bowls. Top with cooked beef, pickles, cheese, red onion, and hot French fries.
- Drizzle each bowl with thousand island dressing or burger sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Make your own burger sauce by mixing ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons chopped dill pickles, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, and 1 ½ teaspoons sugar.
Keep leftover ingredients separately in the refrigerator. Ground beef and the sauce will keep for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 1085 | Carbohydrates: 84g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 68g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 30g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 2129mg | Potassium: 1732mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1168IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 301mg | Iron: 7mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Main Course
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