Introduction
Looking for a delicious twist on the classic burger? Try making Burger Bowls! This fun and hearty dish combines juicy ground beef and flavorful ranch fries with all your favorite toppings, creating a satisfying meal that you can enjoy in a bowl. Perfect for a casual dinner or when you crave that classic burger taste without the bun, these Burger Bowls are sure to please everyone at the table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 lb. ground beef (85/15 for the juiciest)
2 teaspoons burger seasoning (one teaspoon per side)
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Diced burger pickles
**For the Ranch Fries:**
1 22-ounce bag frozen waffle fries
3 tablespoons butter
1 1-ounce packet ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tablespoons)
**For the House Sauce:**
1/2 cup mayo
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon horseradish
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 clove grated garlic
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
**For the ranch fries:** Bake the fries according to package directions. Add butter to the sheet pan and toss the fries to make them juicy. Then incorporate the ranch seasoning, adjusting to your taste preference.
**For the house sauce:** In a bowl, whisk together mayo, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and grated garlic. Taste and season with salt as needed, or opt for a store-bought burger sauce.
**For the beef:** Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat (no oil needed). Season one side of the ground beef with burger seasoning. Add the beef to the hot pan, seasoned side down, and resist the urge to break it apart for several minutes. This will ensure a beautifully browned crust forms. Once browned, sprinkle the other side with seasoning, flip the beef in large chunks, and stir gently to create fork-sized pieces while keeping them juicy.
**Assemble:** Assemble your Burger Bowl by layering the juicy beef crumbles, ranch fries, your choice of toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and pickles, and drizzling with the house sauce. Enjoy this delicious meal in a bowl!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare Ranch Fries
Bake the frozen waffle fries according to the package instructions. Once baked, add 3 tablespoons of butter to the sheet pan with the fries to enhance their juiciness. Toss the fries in ranch seasoning, adjusting the amount based on your preference for ranch flavor.
Make House Sauce
In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayo, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 teaspoon horseradish, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1 clove of grated garlic. Whisk the ingredients together thoroughly. Taste the sauce and season with salt if needed.
Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a well-seasoned cast iron pan over high heat without adding any oil. Season one side of the 1 lb. ground beef with 1 teaspoon of burger seasoning. Place the beef in the hot pan, seasoning side down. Allow it to cook undisturbed for several minutes to develop a nice browned crust.
Finish Cooking the Beef
Sprinkle the exposed side of the beef with the remaining teaspoon of burger seasoning. After a few minutes, flip the beef in large chunks. Break it up into fork-sized pieces, ensuring not to make them too small to maintain juiciness. Cook until well-browned and remove from heat.
Assemble the Bowl
To serve, layer the juicy burger crumbles, ranch fries, your chosen toppings (shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced pickles), and drizzle with the house sauce. Enjoy your burger bowl!
Notes
About Burger Seasoning
Choose a burger seasoning of your liking; many brands are available and generally perform well. If you prefer a simpler option, use salt and pepper instead, approximately 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt per side.
About the Beef
Aim for juicy, medium-large chunks of beef with a nice golden crust. Cooking the beef at high heat quickly helps retain its moisture. It’s okay to remove the beef from heat while the insides are still slightly pink, as long as the exterior has a good sear.
About the Pan
While cast iron pans are recommended for optimal heat retention and searing, you can also use nonstick pans; they will still yield satisfactory results.
Cook techniques
Cooking the Ranch Fries
Bake frozen waffle fries according to package instructions. Melt butter on the sheet pan and toss the fries to coat, ensuring they are juicy. Add ranch seasoning to taste, adjusting the amount based on personal preference.
Making the House Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together mayo, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and grated garlic. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
Cooking the Ground Beef
Preheat a cast iron skillet over high heat without oil. Season one side of the ground beef with burger seasoning. Place the seasoned side down in the hot pan and leave it undisturbed to develop a browned crust, allowing the fat to render.
Finishing the Ground Beef
After a few minutes, sprinkle the exposed side of the beef with remaining seasoning. Flip the beef in large chunks, breaking it into fork-sized pieces while keeping it juicy. Remove from heat once browned.
Assembling the Burger Bowl
Combine the juicy beef crumbles, ranch fries, desired toppings (shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and pickles), and drizzle with house sauce to enjoy your burger bowl.
FAQ
What type of ground beef is best for burger bowls?
Using 85/15 ground beef is recommended for the juiciest results.
Can I use a different type of pan besides cast iron?
Yes, you can use a nonstick pan; however, cast iron is preferred for its ability to achieve a nice sear.
What if I don’t have burger seasoning?
You can use salt and pepper instead, with 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt per side as an alternative.
How do I ensure the beef remains juicy?
Cook the beef at high heat for a good sear and remove it from heat while it’s still slightly pink inside.
Can I make the house sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the house sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Conclusion
The Burger Bowl is a delicious and satisfying meal option that combines all the flavors of a traditional burger in a healthier, customizable format. With juicy beef crumbles, ranch fries, fresh veggies, and a tangy house sauce, it’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and allows for endless variation based on personal preferences.
Steak Fajita Bowl
Replace the ground beef with grilled steak strips, add sautéed bell peppers and onions, top with avocado, salsa, and a drizzle of lime crema.
BBQ Chicken Bowl
Use shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with BBQ sauce, serve over a bed of spinach or lettuce, and add corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bowl
Swap the beef for cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce, serve with shredded carrots, celery sticks, blue cheese crumbles, and ranch dressing.
Greek Quinoa Bowl
Use quinoa as the base, add grilled chicken or lamb, top with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce.
Veggie Burger Bowl
Substitute ground beef with a plant-based burger patty, add grilled zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, and your favorite burger toppings, like avocado or a vegan sauce.
