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A colorful Burger Bowl loaded with ground beef, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, corn, and a creamy sauce, served over rice.

Classic Burger Bowls with Tangy Special Sauce

Enjoy all the delicious flavors of your favorite diner burger in a healthier, low-carb bowl, topped with a creamy, zesty homemade special sauce.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Homemade Special Sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp pickle relish sweet or dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper optional, for a kick
  • To taste Salt and black pepper
For the Burger Patties
  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • To taste Salt and black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or other high-heat cooking oil
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese or American cheese (optional)
For the Burger Bowls
  • 6 cups mixed greens or chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 large tomato diced
  • 1/2 large red onion thinly sliced or diced
  • 1/2 cup dill pickle slices chopped
  • 1 large avocado diced
  • 1 cup crispy onion strings store-bought or homemade, optional
  • 2 large russet potatoes peeled and cubed into 1/2-inch pieces (optional, for "fries")
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for potatoes
  • 1/2 tsp salt for potatoes
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper for potatoes

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large Skillet or Cast Iron Pan
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Air Fryer (optional)
  • Baking Sheet (if not using air fryer)

Method
 

Special Sauce Preparation
  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix until thoroughly combined. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the meal to allow flavors to meld.
Optional Potato Fries Preparation
  1. If making crispy potato cubes, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) or your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, toss the cubed russet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. For Air Fryer: Place potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. For Oven: Spread potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
Burger Patties Cooking
  1. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Do not overmix. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties about 3/4-inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent bulging.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the burger patties in the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium, or longer for well-done, depending on your preference.
  3. If using cheese, place a slice on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking, covering the pan with a lid or foil briefly to help it melt. Once cooked, remove patties from the skillet and set aside to rest for a few minutes.
Assemble Burger Bowls
  1. Divide the mixed greens evenly among 4 large serving bowls.
  2. Top each bowl with diced tomato, thinly sliced red onion, chopped pickles, and diced avocado.
  3. Slice each burger patty into strips or chop it into bite-sized pieces and distribute them among the four bowls.
  4. Add the crispy potato cubes (if using) and crispy onion strings (if using) to each bowl.
  5. Drizzle a generous amount of the homemade special sauce over each burger bowl. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For a lower-carb option, omit the potato cubes and add more fresh veggies like cucumber, bell peppers, or shredded carrots. To meal prep, you can make the special sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Cooked patties can be stored separately for 2-3 days and reheated. Feel free to customize your bowls with other burger toppings like jalapeños, sautéed mushrooms, or bacon bits.