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Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli

If you’re craving all the flavors of a classic burger but want a lighter, veggie-packed twist, these Burger Bowls are the answer! Juicy pan-seared patties, crispy French fries, fresh romaine, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a luscious caramelized onion aioli come together in a deconstructed burger that’s just as satisfying as the real thing.

This meal comes together in under an hour, is perfect for meal prep, and can easily be made gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan with a few simple swaps.

Why You’ll Love These Burger Bowls

  • All the flavors of a burger—without the bun
  • Customizable for any diet (vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb)
  • Perfect for meal prep since the components store well
  • Crowd-pleasing and kid-friendly

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Burger Patties

  • 1 lb ground beef (80–85% lean) – A higher fat content keeps the patties juicy.
  • Kosher salt & black pepper – Essential for seasoning.

Swap option: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegan version.

For the Caramelized Onion Aioli

  • 2 tbsp olive oil – For soft, jammy onions.
  • ½ large yellow onion, finely diced – Sweet and rich once caramelized.
  • 1½ tsp brown sugar – Speeds up caramelization and deepens flavor.
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise & ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt – The creamy base of the aioli.
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar – Balances richness with tang.
  • ½ tsp garlic powder – Adds depth to the aioli.

Tip: Double the aioli—it’s amazing on sandwiches, wraps, and roasted veggies!

Bowl Components

  • Romaine lettuce – Crunchy and fresh; iceberg or mixed greens also work.
  • Cherry tomatoes – Sweet, juicy pops of flavor.
  • French fries or roasted potatoes – Homemade or frozen; sweet potato fries are a fun twist.

Optional toppings: Pickles, avocado, bacon, cheese, or grilled vegetables.

How to Make Burger Bowls

1. Caramelize the Onions for the Aioli

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  3. Sprinkle in brown sugar and cook another 5–10 minutes until the onions are deep golden and jammy.
    If they start to burn, lower the heat and add a splash of water.
  4. Transfer to a bowl and stir in mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, vinegar, and garlic powder. Season to taste.

2. Cook the Burger Patties

  1. Divide ground beef into 5–6 patties. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Wipe out the skillet and heat over medium-high.
  3. Sear patties 2–3 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking.

3. Assemble the Burger Bowls

  1. Fill each bowl with a base of chopped romaine.
  2. Add cherry tomatoes and a handful of fries or roasted potatoes.
  3. Top with a juicy burger patty and a generous dollop of caramelized onion aioli.
  4. Garnish with any extra toppings and serve immediately.

Tips for Success

  • Keep the onions low and slow for the best flavor—don’t rush caramelization!
  • Customize your bowls with your favorite burger toppings or a side of grilled veggies.
  • Meal prep friendly: Store components separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

These Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli are a fun, flavor-packed way to enjoy your favorite burger flavors in a wholesome, fork-friendly meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cravings—no buns required!