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This quick and customizable loaded burger bowl skips the bun but keeps all the comfort. It is everything you crave from a classic burger dinner with extra veggies and no fuss. Whether you are cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping a family meal in advance this is a flexible base for endless flavor options.
I first tried this when I had leftover sweet potatoes and ground beef. My family devoured it and it has become part of our regular rotation ever since.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: adds savory richness and cooks quickly
- Sweet potatoes: provide a hearty base and natural sweetness
- Lettuce or greens: give freshness and crunch
- Paprika garlic powder onion powder: bring flavor without needing sauce
- Cherry tomatoes chopped pickles and pickled onions: deliver tang and contrast
- Shredded cheddar cheese: adds creamy sharpness
Look for fresh firm sweet potatoes and grass fed beef if possible. Good cheese makes all the difference so grate it yourself if you can.
Instructions
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate. Toss them in a little oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for twenty five minutes or until fork tender and golden on the edges.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- While the potatoes roast heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and let it cook untouched for two to three minutes to develop a sear. Flip and continue cooking until browned on both sides. Break it apart using a spatula as it finishes cooking.
- Season the Beef:
- Once the beef is fully browned sprinkle in paprika garlic powder and onion powder. Stir well to evenly coat all the beef crumbles. Let it cook another two minutes so the spices bloom and deepen in flavor.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- In large serving bowls layer chopped lettuce or greens on the bottom. Add a scoop of roasted sweet potatoes and spoon the seasoned beef on top. Finish with cherry tomatoes pickles pickled onions and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Drizzle with your favorite sauce right before serving.
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Storage Tips
Store each component separately to keep the greens crisp. The beef and sweet potatoes will last four days in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat only what you need to keep everything fresh.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef for a lighter twist. Use baby spinach or arugula instead of lettuce. Swap cheddar for American cheese or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Add avocado for creaminess or crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of air fryer fries or roasted corn for a diner style dinner. It also goes great with pickled jalapenos or a drizzle of smoky barbecue sauce. For a larger group make a build your own burger bowl bar with toppings on the side.
Cultural Context
Burger bowls are part of a trend toward deconstructed comfort food. They offer the flavors of American fast food with the flexibility and freshness of home cooking. This dish merges nostalgia with nutrition in a smart weeknight format.
One of my favorite parts is how the warm beef melts the cheese just slightly and mingles with the crisp lettuce. It reminds me of summer picnics growing up when everything was layered fresh and hot in the same bite.
Commonly Asked Questions
- → What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even bison for a leaner or richer option.
- → What toppings go well in burger bowls?
Great toppings include cherry tomatoes, pickles, pickled onions, bacon bits, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and jalapeños.
- → How should I serve the burger bowls?
Serve them over a bed of lettuce, mixed greens, or even rice for a heartier variation.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the components in advance and store them separately. Reheat and assemble when ready to eat.
- → What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can also try pepper jack, American, or any melty cheese you enjoy.