The Weeknight Burger Bowl That Saves You From Takeout

If you love a good burger but don’t love how heavy (or inconvenient) it can feel for everyday meals, this Burger Bowl is about to be your new go-to. It’s got all the best parts of a classic cheeseburger: savory beef, melty cheese, caramelized onions, crispy potatoes, and that must-have burger sauce… without the bun or the mess!

Even better? This recipe was basically made for meal prep. You can cook everything ahead of time, store it separately, and have quick, satisfying lunches or dinners ready in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for meal prep (hello, easy weekday meals)

• Comfort food that still feels balanced

• Customizable based on what you have on hand

• Reheats really well — no sad leftovers here

Burger Bowl

A hearty, flavor-packed bowl with crispy potatoes, savory beef, caramelized onions, and a creamy drizzle—comfort food that actually keeps you full.

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Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large Walla Walla sweet onion, diced
• 1-2 tsp avocado oil
• salt & pepper (to taste)
• 1-2 tsp balsamic vinegar
• stevia (to taste)
• 4-6 slices American cheese (or shredded cheddar)
• 1-2 Sweet potato fries (store-bought, like Actual Veggies) OR sliced fresh

Burger Sauce

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp mustard
• pickle juice (to thin sauce out)

Instructions

 

• Cook the Sweet Potatoes:

  If you’re using frozen sweet potato fries, air fry them according to the package directions until crispy.

  If you’re using fresh sweet potatoes, toss the diced potatoes with a little avocado oil and salt. Air fry at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and tender.
• Brown the Beef

  While the sweet potatoes cook, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the pan and set aside.
• Caramelize the Onions

  In the same skillet, add a small splash of avocado oil and the diced onion. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until softened and translucent.

  Add the balsamic vinegar and a small sprinkle of stevia. Stir and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the onions are caramelized, slightly sticky, and sweet. Remove from heat.
• Make the Sauce

  In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard. Slowly add pickle juice until the sauce reaches a smooth, drizzleable consistency.
• Assemble the Bowl

  Layer sweet potatoes, ground beef, cheese, and caramelized onions in a bowl. Drizzle generously with the burger sauce and enjoy warm.

Meal Prep Tip

This recipe is a meal prep dream. Cook everything ahead of time and store the sweet potatoes, beef, onions, and sauce separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the potatoes and beef, assemble your bowl, and add the sauce.

It holds up beautifully for several days and makes quick lunches or dinners feel way more exciting than your average leftovers.