Burger Bowls with Special Sauce

What if you could have all the flavors of a burger and fries—but in a bowl? That’s exactly what this Easy Burger Bowl is. It’s made with seasoned ground beef or a plant-based ground beef alternative, fries, caramelized onions, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, cheese, and a creamy special sauce that brings everything together. For this recipe, I used a plant-based ground beef alternative, but I also had others test it using regular ground beef, and both versions worked well. So whether you prefer plant-based or traditional ground beef, you can make this bowl work for you.

I recently went to a burger place and tried their plant-based burger, and you know what really made it taste like a burger? The toppings and the sauce! I joke all the time that tacos are “all about the toppings,” but it’s really true for burgers, too. The toppings can take a burger from just okay to something you can’t stop thinking about—and that sauceeeee! That’s what got me thinking about creating this burger bowl.

I love the combination of the warm, savory beef or plant-based alternative with crispy fries, cool and crunchy romaine, juicy tomatoes, tangy pickles, and sweet caramelized onions. And then there’s the special sauce made with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup. It’s creamy, tangy, a little sweet, and honestly, it’s what brings the whole bowl together.

And just like with a burger, you can make this bowl your own. Add the toppings you love, leave off the ones you don’t, and make it exactly how you like to eat it. Because sometimes it’s not about changing the food—it’s simply about finding a different way to enjoy it.

Ingredients: Easy Burger Bowl

• 1 pound 93% lean ground beef or plant-based ground beef alternative: I used a plant-based ground beef alternative when developing this recipe, but regular 93% lean ground beef was also tested and worked well. Use whichever option you prefer. The seasonings and Worcestershire sauce add the savory flavor that makes this taste like a burger.
• Garlic powder: Adds savory flavor throughout the beef or plant-based alternative without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Onion powder: Adds another layer of savory flavor and complements the caramelized onions in the bowl.
• Worcestershire sauce: This adds depth and umami to the mixture and helps give it that classic burger flavor. If using a plant-based ground alternative, check the label to make sure your Worcestershire sauce is suitable for your dietary preference, as some brands contain anchovies.

For the Bowl

• Fries: The fries take the place of the bun and bring the “burger and fries” experience right into the bowl. Use your favorite frozen fries, homemade fries, or even air fryer fries—whatever works best for you.
• Caramelized onions: These add a wonderful sweetness and depth of flavor that pairs especially well with the seasoned beef or plant-based alternative. These can be made ahead of time.
• Iceberg lettuce: Just the perfect crunch and crispness but also hydrating.
• Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add juiciness, acidity, and a little sweetness to balance the savory ingredients.
• Pickles: Pickles bring the salty, tangy crunch that you expect from a good burger. If you’re a pickle fan, don’t be afraid to add plenty! Surprisingly, I loved them added in but cut up in small pieces so I’d have them all throughout.
• Cheese: Use your favorite burger cheese. Cheddar is an easy choice, but American, pepper jack, or another cheese you enjoy would work well, too. If you’re making the bowl fully plant-based, use your favorite plant-based cheese.

For the Special Sauce

• Greek yogurt: creates a creamy base for the sauce while adding a little tanginess.
• Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds richness and gives the sauce its smooth, creamy texture. Use your preferred mayonnaise here.
• Mustard: Mustard adds tang and a little sharpness to balance the richness of the mayonnaise.
• Ketchup: Ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and tomato flavor, bringing all those familiar burger flavors together.

How to Make a Burger Bowl

1. Prepare the caramelized onions. These can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble your bowls.
2. Cook the fries. Prepare your fries according to the package directions or your preferred homemade method. I like using the air fryer because it gives the fries a nice crisp exterior without requiring much hands-on time.
3. Cook the beef or plant-based alternative. Add the ground beef or plant-based ground beef alternative to a large skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
4. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through, or until the plant-based alternative is heated through and nicely browned.
5. Make the special sauce. While the beef or plant-based alternative cooks, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. Give it a taste and adjust the ingredients to your liking. Want more mustard? Add it! Prefer a little more ketchup? Go for it.
6. Assemble the bowls. Start with a base of Iceberg lettuce. Add the seasoned beef or plant-based alternative, fries, caramelized onions, tomatoes, pickles, and cheese. Drizzle the special sauce over everything and serve immediately.

Make This Burger Bowl Your Own

One of my favorite things about bowls is that everyone can make them their own. Think about what you normally order on a burger and add those ingredients to your bowl. Some other toppings you could try including:

• Avocado
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Jalapeños
• Extra pickles
• Different types of cheese
• Grilled or sautéed peppers

You can also switch up the fries. Try sweet potato fries, waffle fries, steak fries, or even roasted potatoes.

Why I Love This Burger Bowl

There’s something fun about taking a familiar meal and serving it in a completely different way. You still get the seasoned beef—or plant-based alternative—fries, cheese, pickles, onions, and special sauce you might expect from a burger and fries, but now they’re all in one bowl. And that’s really the idea behind so many of the recipes I share there are so many ways to prepare and enjoy the foods you love. You don’t have to eat a burger the same way every time. Sometimes changing the way you serve it is all it takes to make a familiar meal feel new again.

Other Bowl Recipes

• Chipotle Burrito Bowls (Copycat)
• Salmon Sushi Bowls
• Lemon Ricotta Pasta
• Cold Peanut Noodle Salad

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