Introduction

These Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries are a delicious twist on a classic burger meal, served without a bun for a lighter option. Juicy seasoned ground beef pairs perfectly with crispy ranch-seasoned waffle fries and a flavorful homemade sauce.

Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef (85/15 for the juiciest)
2 teaspoons burger seasoning (one teaspoon per side)
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Diced burger pickles
1 22-ounce bag frozen waffle fries
3 tablespoons butter
1 1-ounce packet ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tablespoons)
1/2 cup mayo
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon horseradish
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 clove grated garlic

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the waffle fries according to the package directions. Once cooked, add the butter to the hot sheet pan and toss the fries to coat, making them juicy. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the fries and toss again until evenly coated. Adjust the seasoning amount to your preference.
Step 2: Prepare the house sauce by whisking together the mayo, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and grated garlic. Taste and add salt if needed, or substitute with your favorite store-bought burger sauce.
Step 3: Heat a well-seasoned cast iron pan over high heat without oil until very hot. Season one side of the ground beef with 1 teaspoon of burger seasoning. Place the beef in the pan, seasoned side down, and leave undisturbed for several minutes to develop a browned crust.
Step 4: Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of burger seasoning over the exposed side of the beef. After a few minutes, flip the beef in large chunks and break it up into fork-sized pieces. Continue cooking until the beef is well browned, then remove from heat.
Step 5: Assemble the bowls by layering shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced pickles, the juicy burger crumbles, ranch fries, and generous dollops of the house sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the burger seasoning blend.
You can swap waffle fries with regular fries, sweet potato fries, or even roasted vegetables for a different twist.
If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the horseradish or omit it entirely.

Storage

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the burger crumbles and fries in the oven or a skillet to maintain crispness. The sauce can be kept chilled and stirred before serving again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used, but cooking times and seasoning adjustments may be needed to ensure juiciness and flavor.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Check your burger seasoning, ranch seasoning, and fries for gluten-containing ingredients, or use certified gluten-free versions to keep this dish safe for gluten-free diets.

Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 109 reviews

A delicious and satisfying burger bowl recipe combining juicy, seasoned ground beef crumbles with crispy ranch seasoned waffle fries, fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles, all tied together with a creamy house sauce for a flavorful, low-carb meal alternative.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Burger Beef

1 lb. ground beef (85/15 for the juiciest)
2 teaspoons burger seasoning (one teaspoon per side)

Toppings

Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Diced burger pickles

Ranch Fries

1 22-ounce bag frozen waffle fries
3 tablespoons butter
1 1-ounce packet ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tablespoons)

House Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon horseradish
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 clove grated garlic

Instructions

Prepare ranch fries: Bake the frozen waffle fries according to the package directions. Once baked, add butter directly to the sheet pan and toss the fries to coat them evenly, making them juicy. Then sprinkle the fries with the ranch seasoning mix, adjusting the amount based on the quantity of fries and your preference for ranch flavor. Toss well to combine and set aside.
Make the house sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and grated garlic. Taste the sauce and season with salt if needed. Alternatively, you may use a store-bought burger sauce as a time saver.
Cook the beef: Heat a well-seasoned cast iron skillet over high heat with no oil. The pan should be very hot to achieve a good sear on the beef. Season one side of the ground beef with 1 teaspoon of burger seasoning. Place the beef in the pan seasoned side down. Avoid stirring or breaking it up immediately; leave it undisturbed for several minutes to develop a browned crust and render some fat.
Finish the beef: Sprinkle the other side of the beef with the remaining teaspoon of seasoning. After a few minutes, flip the beef over in large chunks, breaking it up into fork-sized pieces but not too small, to maintain juiciness and texture. Continue cooking until well browned, then remove from the heat.
Assemble the burger bowls: In serving bowls, layer the juicy ground beef crumbles, ranch-seasoned waffle fries, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and diced pickles. Drizzle generously with the house sauce. Serve immediately for a flavorful and hearty meal.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality ground beef with an 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio to ensure juicy patties.
Make sure your cast iron skillet is very hot before adding beef to get a nice sear and crust.
Adjust ranch seasoning on fries to your taste for more or less ranch flavor.
The house sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Feel free to add other toppings like shredded cheese or sliced onions if desired.

Keywords: burger bowl, ground beef, ranch fries, waffle fries, house sauce, easy dinner, low-carb alternative, skillet burger, quick recipe