Description
This Smash Burger Bowl is a high-protein, customizable dinner packed with crispy potatoes, juicy ground beef, melty cheese, fresh greens, and a creamy special sauce. All the classic burger flavor—no bun required.
Ingredients
For the bowl
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1 lb ground beef (lean preferred)
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1 lb red potatoes, diced
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1–2 cups shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
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1 cup chopped lettuce or mixed greens
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1 small onion, diced
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1–2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the special sauce
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½ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup ketchup
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1 tablespoon yellow or Dijon mustard
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½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
Optional toppings
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Pickles
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Extra lettuce
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Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the potatoes
Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Toss diced potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Air fry for 16–18 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy. -
Caramelize the onions
Heat a skillet over medium-low with a little olive oil. Add diced onions and cook 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden. Remove and set aside. -
Cook the beef
In the same skillet, increase heat to medium-high. Add ground beef, break it up, and press it into the pan to create crispy edges. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed. -
Make the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, ketchup, mustard, and Cajun seasoning until smooth. -
Assemble the bowls
Add crispy potatoes to bowls, top with beef, caramelized onions, and shredded cheese. Drizzle with special sauce and finish with lettuce and optional toppings.
Notes
Swap potatoes for rice, cauliflower rice, or lettuce for a lower-carb option
Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work well as substitutes
Store components separately for best meal-prep results
Sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer + Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg