Are you ready to indulge in a delicious, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor and easy to put together? This Burger Bowl Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy all the elements of a classic burger without the bun! It’s customizable, satisfying, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Let’s dive in and discover why this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why This Recipe Works

The Burger Bowl Recipe combines all the delicious components of a traditional burger into a convenient bowl format. The juicy ground beef is seasoned to perfection and paired with crispy fries, fresh toppings, and a zesty sauce that brings everything together. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the classic flavors while keeping it easy to serve and eat. Plus, using sweet potato fries or regular fries allows you to tailor it to your taste.
Ingredient Rundown
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need for this mouthwatering Burger Bowl Recipe:
- 1 (20-ounce) bag sweet potato fries or regular fries – Choose your favorite for a crispy base.
- 1 large yellow onion, divided – Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the onion and adding flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef chuck (80/20) – Provides a juicy and flavorful protein base.
- Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a savory kick.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Contributes a mild smokiness.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – Reinforces the onion flavor.
- ½ teaspoon beef bouillon powder – Intensifies the beefy taste.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Brings a tangy depth of flavor.
- Toppings as desired – Customize with your favorite burger toppings!
- ½ cup mayo – For a creamy base in the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup – Sweet and tangy, a classic pairing.
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish – Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – To sprinkle on top of the sauce for extra flavor.
Essential Tools for Success
To make this Burger Bowl Recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools:
- Large skillet – For cooking the ground beef and sautéing the onions.
- Baking sheet – To bake your fries to crispy perfection.
- Mixing bowl – For preparing the sauce.
- Spatula – To stir and flip ingredients as needed.
- Knife and cutting board – For chopping the onion and any other toppings.
Cook Burger Bowl Recipe Like This

Now that we have our ingredients and tools ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions for the perfect Burger Bowl:
Step 1: Prepare the Fries
Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the fry package. Spread your sweet potato fries or regular fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake until golden and crispy, following the package instructions.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
While the fries are baking, slice the large yellow onion. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half of the sliced onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
In the same skillet, add the ground beef chuck and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, beef bouillon powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking the meat apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and paprika. Stir until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 5: Build Your Burger Bowl
Once the fries are cooked and the beef is ready, it’s time to assemble your Burger Bowl! Start with a generous serving of fries at the bottom of your bowl. Top with the cooked ground beef, sautéed onions, and any other desired toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, or cheese. Drizzle with the creamy sauce you prepared earlier.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your delicious Burger Bowl! It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal that everyone will love.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

If you’re looking to make some adjustments or need alternatives, consider the following swaps:
- Ground turkey or chicken – For a leaner protein option.
- Plant-based ground meat – For a vegetarian or vegan version.
- Sweet potato fries – Can be swapped for zucchini fries or baked potato wedges.
- Greek yogurt – Can replace mayo for a healthier sauce alternative.
- Fresh herbs – Use fresh parsley or cilantro for added flavor.
Chef’s Notes
- This Burger Bowl Recipe is highly customizable! Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as avocado, jalapeños, or crumbled bacon.
- For extra crunch, toss in some crushed tortilla chips or fried onions on top.
- If you’re short on time, using frozen pre-cooked fries can speed up the process.
- Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning in the beef mixture according to your preference.
Prep Ahead & Store
This Burger Bowl Recipe can be prepped in advance for a quick meal later in the week. Here’s how to do it:
- Cooked beef – Can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Fries – Best served fresh, but you can bake them in advance and reheat them in the oven.
- Prepared sauce – Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- Raw toppings – Prepare and store chopped veggies in airtight containers in the fridge.
Reader Q&A
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit any cheese and use a dairy-free mayo alternative in the sauce for a delicious dairy-free Burger Bowl.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option that’s just as tasty!
Can I make this Burger Bowl in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the bowls just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What toppings do you recommend?
Some great toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, avocado, cheese, and even a fried egg for an extra indulgent touch!
Because You Liked This
- Best Homemade Burger Recipe – A classic that’s always a hit!
- Loaded Burger Bowl – Another take on the burger bowl concept!
- Easy Vegan Burger Recipe – A plant-based option that’s full of flavor.
The Takeaway
This Burger Bowl Recipe is a fun, delicious, and versatile way to enjoy the classic flavors of a burger without the bun. It’s perfect for meal prep, easy to customize, and sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re having a casual dinner at home or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a bowl full of burger goodness!

Burger Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
For the Burger Bowl:
- 1 20-ounce bag sweet potato fries or regular fries Choose your favorite for a crispy base.
- 1 large yellow onion divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing the onion
- 1 pound ground beef chuck (80/20)
- Salt and pepper Essential seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds a savory kick
- 1 teaspoon paprika Contributes a mild smokiness
- ½ teaspoon onion powder Reinforces the onion flavor
- ½ teaspoon beef bouillon powder Intensifies the beefy taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Brings a tangy depth of flavor
- Toppings as desired Customize with your favorite burger toppings!
- ½ cup mayo For a creamy base in the sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup Sweet and tangy, a classic pairing
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch
- 1 teaspoon paprika To sprinkle on top of the sauce for extra flavor
Instructions
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the fry package. Spread your sweet potato fries or regular fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake until golden and crispy, following the package instructions.
- While the fries are baking, slice the large yellow onion. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half of the sliced onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the ground beef chuck and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, beef bouillon powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking the meat apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and paprika. Stir until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Once the fries are cooked and the beef is ready, it’s time to assemble your Burger Bowl! Start with a generous serving of fries at the bottom of your bowl. Top with the cooked ground beef, sautéed onions, and any other desired toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, or cheese. Drizzle with the creamy sauce you prepared earlier.
- Dig in and enjoy your delicious Burger Bowl! It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal that everyone will love.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Notes
- This Burger Bowl Recipe is highly customizable! Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as avocado, jalapeños, or crumbled bacon.
- For extra crunch, toss in some crushed tortilla chips or fried onions on top.
- If you’re short on time, using frozen pre-cooked fries can speed up the process.
- Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning in the beef mixture according to your preference.
