Introduction

The Savory Smash Burger Bowl is a delicious, hearty meal that captures all the flavors of a classic smash burger without the bun. It’s a perfect blend of crispy potatoes, juicy beef, caramelized onions, and a creamy, tangy sauce that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Savory Smash Burger Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

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)
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)
1/2 cup Pickles (adds crunch)
1 cup Lettuce (any leafy greens work)

Instructions

Step 1: Dice the red potatoes into small, uniform pieces. Toss them with olive oil and your preferred seasoning. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the potatoes for 16-18 minutes until they are crispy and golden.
Step 2: While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook slowly for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized.
Step 3: Increase the skillet heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef, breaking it up and smashing it flat in the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes until well browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, ketchup, mustard, and Cajun seasoning until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for your preferred balance of flavors.
Step 5: To assemble the bowls, start with the crispy potatoes as your base. Top with the smashed beef, caramelized onions, and shredded cheese. Drizzle generously with the sauce, then add pickles and lettuce to finish.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey instead of beef and substitute Greek yogurt for mayo in the sauce.
Try adding a fried egg on top for extra richness and protein.
If you don’t have an air fryer, roasting the potatoes in a hot oven at 425°F for 25-30 minutes works well too.
Swap out the potatoes for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a grain alternative.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. For best results, add fresh lettuce and pickles after reheating to keep them crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the shredded cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. You can also substitute the mayo with a dairy-free version to keep the sauce creamy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the Cajun seasoning and condiments you use do not contain gluten. Always check labels to be sure.

Savory Smash Burger Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 78 reviews

This Savory Smash Burger Bowl combines crispy air-fried red potatoes with caramelized onions, seasoned smashed ground beef, and a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. Topped with shredded cheese, pickles, and fresh lettuce, it offers all the flavors of a classic smash burger served in an easy and satisfying bowl form, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Base

3 medium Red Potatoes (or substitute with brown rice)
1 tbsp Olive Oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Caramelized Onions

1 cup Onions, diced
1 tbsp Olive Oil

Beef

1 lb Ground Beef (lean for a healthier option)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

1/2 cup Mayonnaise
2 tbsp Ketchup (use low-sugar for healthier option)
1 tbsp Mustard (Dijon recommended)
1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (adjust to taste)

Toppings

1 cup Shredded Cheese (Colby Jack or Pepper Jack recommended)
1/2 cup Pickles, sliced
1 cup Lettuce (any leafy greens work)

Instructions

Prep the Base: Dice the red potatoes into bite-sized pieces, then toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Place the diced potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 16-18 minutes until they are golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Caramelize Onions: While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until they become soft, golden brown, and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Beef: Increase the skillet heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Using a spatula, press down to smash the beef into a flat patty. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping once, until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and Cajun seasoning until smooth and well combined. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Assemble the Bowls: Start with the crispy potatoes as the base in each bowl. Layer on the smashed beef, caramelized onions, and shredded cheese. Drizzle generously with the Cajun mayo sauce, then top with pickles and fresh lettuce. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

You can substitute red potatoes with cooked brown rice for a different base.
Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
Adjust Cajun seasoning in the sauce to control the spice level.
Feel free to add extra toppings like tomatoes or avocado for more flavor and texture.
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt in the sauce.

Keywords: smash burger bowl, air fryer potatoes, caramelized onions, Cajun sauce, ground beef bowl