Burger Bowls Recipe

Introduction

Burger bowls are a fun and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic burger without the bun. Packed with seasoned ground beef, crispy tater tots, fresh veggies, and a tangy special sauce, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying meal that’s easy to customize.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (divided)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 5 teaspoons pickle juice
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 3/4 teaspoon sugar
• Water (to thin sauce)
• 1 bag tater tots
• Shredded Cheddar cheese
• Diced red onions
• Chopped tomatoes
• Chopped lettuce
• Diced pickles

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven and cook the tater tots according to the package instructions until they are crispy and golden.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the light mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, Cajun seasoning, sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. The sauce will be thick at first; add water one tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Step 3: While the tots bake, place the ground beef in a large pan over medium heat. Season with 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and pepper. Cook, breaking the meat apart, and about halfway through add the Worcestershire sauce. Turn up the heat near the end to brown the beef crumbles. Drain excess grease when done.
4. Step 4: Prepare the burger bowl toppings by dicing the red onions and pickles, chopping the tomatoes and lettuce, and shredding the Cheddar cheese.
5. Step 5: Assemble your burger bowl by layering crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, and your choice of fresh toppings. Finish generously with the special sauce and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Use turkey or plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Add avocado slices or crispy bacon for extra richness.
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add a spicy kick.
• For a healthier twist, bake sweet potato tots instead of regular tater tots.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the ground beef and tater tots separately in a skillet or oven to maintain their texture. Add fresh toppings and sauce just before serving to keep them crisp and flavorful.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the burger sauce in advance?

Yes, the burger sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a stir before serving if it thickens.

What can I use instead of tater tots?

You can substitute tater tots with roasted potatoes, fries, or even cauliflower tots for a lower-carb option.

Burger Bowls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 105 reviews

This Burger Bowl recipe is a deconstructed classic burger served over crispy tater tots. Ground beef is seasoned and cooked on the stovetop, paired with a flavorful homemade burger sauce and classic toppings like shredded cheddar, red onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles. The result is a hearty, satisfying bowl that’s perfect for casual meals without the bun.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ground Beef Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Burger Sauce

• 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 5 teaspoons pickle juice
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 3/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Water, as needed to thin sauce

Burger Bowl Add-ins

• 1 bag tater tots
• Shredded Cheddar cheese
• Red onions, diced
• Tomatoes (grape or cherry), chopped
• Lettuce, chopped
• Pickles, diced

Instructions

1. Cook Tater Tots: Prepare the tater tots according to the package instructions until they are crispy and golden brown. This forms the base of your burger bowl.
2. Make Burger Sauce: In a bowl, combine light mayo, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, Cajun seasoning, sugar, and garlic powder. The sauce will be thick initially, so add water a tablespoon at a time to achieve a desired pourable consistency. Refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking apart occasionally, for about halfway through and then stir in Worcestershire sauce. Increase heat slightly near the end to brown meat crumbles. Once fully cooked, drain excess fat.
4. Prepare Bowl Toppings: While the beef and tots cook, prepare your toppings by dicing red onions, chopping tomatoes and lettuce, and dicing pickles. Shred the cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded.
5. Assemble Burger Bowl: Start with a layer of tater tots in each bowl. Top with cooked ground beef, followed by your chopped toppings and shredded cheddar. Drizzle as much burger sauce as desired over the bowl. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness.
• To make the sauce thinner or thicker, adjust the amount of water accordingly.
• You can swap tater tots with crispy fries or hash browns if preferred.
• Feel free to customize toppings based on personal preference, such as adding pickled jalapeños or avocado.
• For an extra smoky flavor, consider adding smoked paprika to the sauce as well.

Keywords: burger bowl, tater tots, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, homemade burger sauce, quick meals