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–+ servings
Savory Smash Burger Bowl with fresh ingredients and flavors

Savory Smash Burger Bowl

A cozy, low-carb dish featuring crispy beef crumbles, caramelized onions, melty cheese, and crunchy pickles, served over roasted potatoes or lettuce for a fulfilling weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 bowls
Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground Beef (Lean beef for a healthier option.) For a greasier option, use 80/20.
  • 3 medium Red Potatoes (Can substitute with brown rice.) Seasonal-friendly option.
  • 1 cup Onions (Caramelized for added depth.) Slice thinly for best results.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheese (Colby Jack or pepper jack recommended.) Can use other cheese varieties too.
  • ½ cup Mayo Adjust for desired creaminess.
  • 2 tbsp Ketchup Use low-sugar for a healthier option.
  • 1 tbsp Mustard (Dijon is a great choice.) For added tanginess.
  • 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning Adjust to taste for desired spice level.
  • ½ cup Pickles Adds crunch to the bowl.
  • 1 cup Lettuce Any leafy greens work.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Wash and slice the red potatoes into 1/4-inch coins for roasting.
  • Slice the onions thinly for caramelizing.
  • Shred the cheese and chop the lettuce. Drain and slice pickles if needed.
  • Make the sauce by whisking mayo, ketchup, and Dijon mustard together in a small bowl; taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess.

Roast the Potatoes

  • Toss potato coins with a little oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.
  • Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F until golden and crispy, about 25–30 minutes.

Caramelize the Onions

  • In a skillet over medium-low heat, add a tablespoon of oil and the sliced onions. Cook until deeply golden and sweet, about 15–20 minutes.

Smash and Sear the Beef

  • Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Divide the ground beef into 4 loose balls.
  • Press down hard with a spatula to create a thin patty. Season with salt, pepper, and a little Cajun seasoning.
  • Cook each patty for about 2 minutes without moving, then flip and cook for an additional 30–60 seconds.

Assemble and Melt Cheese

  • Return patties to the pan with shredded cheese on top, cover with a lid for 30–60 seconds to melt the cheese.

Build the Bowls

  • Start with roasted potatoes or a bed of lettuce/brown rice.
  • Layer caramelized onions, smash patties with melted cheese, sauce, pickle slices, and extra lettuce.

Notes

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Cooked patties can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 40gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 1000mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5g
Keyword Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Low-Carb Bowl, Meal Prep, Savory Burger Bowl
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