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This bunless burger bowl packs all the tasty burger flavors without the bread, making a filling meal that's both decadent and refreshingly light. I started whipping these up on hectic evenings when I wanted comfort food but couldn't be bothered with buns and putting everything together.
I first threw together these burger bowls during a backyard party when one buddy couldn't eat gluten and another was watching their carbs. Everyone got to stack their own bowl and nobody felt cheated out of the complete burger experience.
- Ground beef 80-85% lean gives you just enough fat for moist burger patties that stay juicy
- Yellow onion delivers a sweet and rich foundation for the aioli when properly browned
- Brown sugar speeds up the onion caramelization while boosting their natural sweetness
- Mayonnaise brings thickness to the aioli and delivers that smooth, velvety feel
- Greek yogurt makes the aioli less heavy and adds a slight tang
- Apple cider vinegar offers a zingy kick that balances out the richness
- Garlic powder gives the sauce an aromatic flavor that isn't too strong
- Romaine lettuce serves as the ideal crunchy base for your bowl
- Cherry tomatoes bring juicy freshness and bright color
- Roasted potatoes or fries mix your side dish right into the main meal
How To Create Delicious Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli
- Caramelize the Onions
- Begin with a medium-hot pan and pour in your olive oil. When it's glistening add the finely chopped onions with a tiny bit of salt. You'll need to be patient here cook them gradually for at least 10 minutes giving them an occasional stir so they don't burn. Once they begin to soften toss in the brown sugar to speed up browning. Keep cooking another 5 to 10 minutes until they turn into a golden brown sticky mixture. You'll notice they shrink down quite a bit and develop an intense flavor.
- Create the Aioli
- Let the browned onions cool down a bit before mixing them with mayonnaise Greek yogurt apple cider vinegar and garlic powder in a bowl. Stir well making sure the onions get evenly mixed throughout the creamy base. Add salt and pepper to your liking then put it in the fridge while you work on the other parts. The sauce will get a bit thicker as it chills.
- Form and Cook the Patties
- Split your ground beef into 5 or 6 equal chunks and softly shape them into patties making a small dent in the middle with your thumb so they don't puff up while cooking. Season well with salt and pepper on both sides. Get your pan really hot then drop in the patties without crowding the pan. Cook about 2 to 3 minutes each side for medium longer if you want them more done. You want a nice crust outside but juicy meat inside.
- Assemble Your Bowls
- Start by putting crisp chopped romaine at the bottom of each bowl. Add your roasted potatoes or fries on one side then toss in sliced tomatoes for brightness and crunch. Put the hot burger patty in the middle and top with a big spoonful of the caramelized onion aioli. The warm patty will slightly heat the aioli creating an amazing flavor blend.
That caramelized onion aioli really makes this dish special. I came up with it by chance when I made too many caramelized onions for another dish and decided to mix the leftovers into some mayo for sandwiches. Now my family asks for it on everything from french fries to grilled chicken.
Prep Ahead Options
The caramelized onion aioli gets even better after hanging out in the fridge overnight as the flavors really come together. Keep it in a sealed container up to 5 days. For complete meal planning cook your burger patties a little less than you normally would then refrigerate them. When you're ready to eat just warm the patties in the microwave for 30-45 seconds before adding them to your fresh bowl ingredients.
Creative Variations
These bowls work like an empty canvas for any burger flavor you enjoy. Try adding crumbled blue cheese and hot sauce for a buffalo style bowl. Go for sliced avocado pepper jack and jalapeños to make a southwestern version. For a morning twist add a fried egg and some crispy bacon pieces. You've got endless options that let you use whatever's in your fridge.
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Tasty Pairings
These burger bowls fill you up just fine on their own but they go really well with a basic side salad or some grilled veggies for an even healthier meal. When you've got friends over try setting up a build-your-own burger bowl station with different toppings so everyone can make their perfect creation. Put some crusty bread on the table so folks can mop up any leftover aioli because it's too good to waste.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap beef for turkey?
Of course! Ground turkey is a great swap and gives a lighter option. Just bump up the seasonings a bit to suit its milder flavor and make sure to cook it all the way, hitting 165°F (74°C) inside.
- → How early can I prep the onion aioli?
You can whip up the onion aioli 2-3 days ahead. Keep it in the fridge in a snug, sealed container. Bonus: the flavors blend better over time, so it’ll taste even richer later!
- → What can I use instead of yogurt in the aioli?
No Greek yogurt? No problem! Swap it for sour cream or just add more mayo. Need a dairy-free fix? Opt for plant-based yogurt or keep it all mayonnaise.
- → What toppings would be good for these bowls?
Go wild with options like pickles, avocado chunks, crispy bacon, sauteed mushrooms, shredded cheese, toasted onion strings, or even a fried egg. A drizzle of hot or BBQ sauce is a game-changer too!
- → Can I prep these bowls ahead of time?
You sure can! Cook the potatoes, patties, and make the aioli in advance. Keep everything separate and toss it together right before eating. Warm up the patties and potatoes for the best texture and freshness.
- → How can I make this vegetarian-friendly?
Easy! Trade the beef patties for grilled portobellos, black bean cakes, or a store-bought vegetarian substitute. The onion aioli pairs just as well with these options too.