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Smash Burger Bowl with crispy potatoes, seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, lettuce, and creamy special sauce in a bowl.

Smash Burger Bowl


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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

Scale

For the bowl

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean preferred)

  • 1 lb red potatoes, diced

  • 12 cups shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese

  • 1 cup chopped lettuce or mixed greens

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 12 tablespoons olive oil

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the special sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • ¼ cup ketchup

  • 1 tablespoon yellow or Dijon mustard

  • ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

Optional toppings

  • Pickles

  • Extra lettuce

  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)


Instructions

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Make the sauce
    In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, ketchup, mustard, and Cajun seasoning until smooth.

  5. 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