Introduction

Burger Bowls offer all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a fun, deconstructed way without the bun. This recipe features seasoned ground beef, crispy tater tots, and a tangy special sauce, topped with your favorite fresh burger fixings. It’s a satisfying and easy meal that’s perfect for a casual dinner or game day.

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with several distinct layers of food. Starting from the bottom, there is a base of cooked ground beef in a dark brown color, topped with light beige creamy sauce drizzled unevenly. Next to the beef, there are golden-brown crispy tater tots also with some creamy sauce on them. Above these, an area of bright green shredded lettuce provides a fresh contrast. To the right, shredded orange cheddar cheese forms a loose mound, and next to it, small diced red tomatoes and finely chopped light purple onions complete the bowl’s colorful mix. The textures range from crispy tots, soft beef, fresh lettuce, and creamy sauce, all arranged in separate sections within the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup light mayo
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
5 teaspoons pickle juice
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
3/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
Water (to adjust sauce consistency)
1 bag tater tots
Shredded Cheddar cheese
Red onions, diced
Tomatoes, chopped
Lettuce, chopped
Pickles, diced

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the tater tots according to the package instructions until crispy and golden.
Step 2: Combine all the burger sauce ingredients—mayo, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, Cajun seasoning, sugar, and garlic powder—in a bowl. The sauce will be thick initially; add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to use.
Step 3: While the tots bake, place the ground beef in a large pan. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Midway through cooking, stir in the Worcestershire sauce. Increase the heat near the end to brown the beef crumbles nicely. Drain excess grease once fully cooked.
Step 4: Prepare your burger bowl add-ins by dicing the red onions, chopping tomatoes and lettuce, and dicing the pickles. Shred the Cheddar cheese if needed.
Step 5: Assemble your burger bowl by layering tater tots, ground beef, cheese, and fresh toppings. Drizzle with the special sauce to taste and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier sauce, add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the special sauce mix.
Swap tater tots for crispy sweet potato fries for a slightly sweeter twist.
Use ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option.
Try adding pickled jalapeños or banana peppers to add a tangy heat.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked ground beef and sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Tater tots are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven to regain crispiness. The burger bowl ingredients like fresh veggies should be stored separately and added just before serving to maintain freshness.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with five distinct layers is shown on a white marbled surface. Starting from the left, there is a portion of golden brown tater tots drizzled lightly with a creamy sauce, followed by a layer of fresh, light green shredded lettuce. Next to the lettuce is a vibrant orange layer of shredded cheddar cheese, and to the right of the cheese is a small amount of diced red tomatoes and chopped red onions. The final layer on the bottom right consists of finely crumbled cooked ground beef also topped with the same creamy drizzled sauce as the tater tots. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the burger sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the special sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and makes assembly quicker.

What can I use if I don’t have tater tots?

You can substitute with French fries, potato wedges, or even crispy roasted potatoes. The main goal is to have a crispy, potato-based base to complement the beef and toppings.