These Burger Bowls are the ultimate veggie-packed, flavor-loaded meal! Juicy pan-seared burger patties sit on a bed of crisp romaine, with crispy fries, fresh tomatoes, and a sweet and creamy caramelized onion aioli drizzled over the top. This delicious, customizable recipe comes together in under an hour and is perfect for meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner.
What’s in a Burger Bowl?
Juicy Burger Patties
Ground beef is the star of this recipe. For tender, flavorful burgers, go for 80–85% lean meat (that’s about 15–20% fat). A quick sear in the pan gives you that delicious crust without drying out the center.
Fries or Potatoes
Whether you bake your own fries or use frozen ones, crispy potatoes are a must. You can also switch it up with sweet potato fries, roasted potatoes, or skip them for a lighter bowl.
Fresh Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes add a juicy pop and natural sweetness. Heirloom or grape tomatoes also work well.
Crunchy Greens
Romaine lettuce is our favorite for its crisp texture, but feel free to sub iceberg or mixed greens.
Caramelized Onion Aioli
This creamy sauce might be the best part. Made with golden caramelized onions, mayo, Greek yogurt, and a touch of vinegar—it’s great on burgers and perfect for dipping fries.
How to Make Caramelized Onion Aioli
- Caramelize the Onions:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in brown sugar and cook for another 5–10 minutes until onions are deep golden and jammy. Add a splash of water if they begin to stick or burn. - Mix the Aioli:
In a small bowl, combine the caramelized onions with mayo, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Make a double batch—you’ll want to put it on everything!
Optional Toppings
Customize your burger bowl with any of these delicious extras:
- Pickles
- Avocado
- Melted cheese
- Grilled veggies (zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant)
- Bacon
- Sweet potato fries
Recipe Tips & Substitutions
Vegan Option:
Use your favorite plant-based burger and swap in vegan mayo and yogurt.
Other Meats:
Turkey or chicken patties work great. You can even skip the patties and sauté the meat as crumbles.
Meal Prep Friendly:
Make extra burgers and aioli to enjoy throughout the week. Store components separately and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
Burger Bowl Recipe
Servings: 4
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Aioli:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ large yellow onion, finely diced
- 1½ tsp brown sugar
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Bowls:
- 1 lb ground beef (80–85% lean)
- Romaine lettuce, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Roasted potatoes or French fries (frozen or homemade)
Instructions
- Make the Aioli:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in brown sugar and cook for 5–10 more minutes until deeply caramelized. Transfer to a bowl and mix with mayo, yogurt, vinegar, and garlic powder. Season to taste. - Cook the Burgers:
Divide ground beef into 5–6 portions and form into patties. Season with salt and pepper. Wipe out the skillet and return to medium-high heat. Sear patties 2–3 minutes per side until cooked to your liking. - Assemble the Bowls:
Fill bowls with chopped lettuce, sliced tomatoes, fries, and burger patties. Spoon caramelized onion aioli over everything and serve.
More Bowl Recipes to Try
- Honey Lime Salmon Bowls
- Sheet Pan Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Blackened Miso Salmon with Cucumber Salad
- Cauliflower Bowls with Pineapple Salsa