Skip the bun and dig into these Healthy Burger Bowls with Special Sauce—a fresh, hearty, and satisfying twist on classic cheeseburgers and fries! Crispy potato wedges, seasoned ground beef, crunchy lettuce, pickles, cheese, and a creamy homemade burger sauce come together in one delicious bowl.
These bowls are perfect for busy weeknights, summer dinners, or meal prep. Think of it as your favorite burger and fries, deconstructed into a wholesome, customizable salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the flavor, less heaviness – enjoy a full burger experience without the bun.
- Customizable – swap in turkey, plant-based mince, or add your favorite toppings.
- Quick + easy – ready in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Meal-prep friendly – make the potatoes, beef, and sauce ahead, then assemble when ready to eat.
- Crowd-pleasing – a fun way to serve burger night in a fresh new style.
Key Ingredients
- Lean ground beef – seasoned with a simple spice mix for that burger flavor.
- Potatoes – baked or air-fried until golden and crispy (swap with sweet potatoes for variation).
- Lettuce – shredded romaine or iceberg adds freshness and crunch.
- Pickles – a must for that tangy burger bite.
- Cheese – dairy or dairy-free, depending on your preference.
- Burger sauce – a quick homemade blend of mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the potatoes
Cut potatoes into wedges or fries, pat dry, and toss with olive oil and half the spice mix. Cook until golden and crispy:
- Air fryer: 20 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Oven: 30–40 minutes at 200°C (390°F).
2. Cook the beef
While the potatoes cook, brown ground beef in a skillet with a little oil. Add the remaining spice mix and cook until well-seasoned and slightly crisped.
3. Make the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth. Taste and adjust.
4. Assemble the bowls
Divide the crispy potatoes among bowls. Fill with shredded lettuce, top with seasoned beef, sprinkle with cheese and pickles, and drizzle generously with burger sauce.
Substitutions & Variations
- Protein: swap beef for turkey mince, chicken, or plant-based alternatives.
- Potatoes: use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Toppings: add tomato, onion, avocado, bacon, or even a fried egg.
- Shortcut: use store-bought burger sauce to save time.
Meal Prep Tips
- Cook ahead: store potatoes, beef, and sauce separately in the fridge.
- Reheat: warm potatoes in the air fryer or oven to bring back crispiness.
- Assemble fresh: build bowls just before serving so the lettuce stays crunchy.
What to Serve with Burger Bowls
These bowls are hearty on their own, but you can round out the meal with:
- A simple side salad or coleslaw
- Fresh fruit for a light finish
- Extra crispy fries if serving a crowd
Recipe: Burger Bowls with Special Sauce
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Spice Mix:
- 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or mixed herbs)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Bowls:
- 2–3 medium potatoes
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 500 g (1 lb) lean ground beef
- Shredded lettuce
- Cheese (regular or dairy-free)
- Pickle slices
For the Burger Sauce:
- 4 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp Dijon or yellow mustard
- 1 tsp pickle juice (from the jar)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F) or prepare an air fryer.
- Mix all spice blend ingredients together.
- Cut potatoes into fries/wedges, pat dry, and toss with 1 Tbsp olive oil + half the spice mix. Bake 30–40 minutes (oven) or air fry 20 minutes until crispy.
- Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a frying pan. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, then stir in remaining spice mix.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all burger sauce ingredients. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble bowls: divide potatoes among 4 bowls, add shredded lettuce, top with beef, cheese, and pickles, then drizzle with sauce. Serve immediately.