The Best Smash Burger Bowl
Why Make This Recipe
The Best Smash Burger Bowl is a fun and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a classic burger in a healthier format. With crispy potatoes, savory ground beef, and tasty toppings, this bowl combines comfort food with convenience. It’s perfect for families or anyone looking for a quick meal that satisfies those burger cravings without the fuss.
How to Make The Best Smash Burger Bowl
Ingredients
Base:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 medium red potatoes, diced
Toppings:
- 1 cup onions, caramelized
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Colby Jack or pepper jack)
Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon recommended)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Optional:
- ½ cup pickles
- 1 cup lettuce or mixed greens
Directions
- Dice the potatoes and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry the potatoes at 400°F for 16–18 minutes until they are crispy.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and caramelize the onions over medium heat for 10–15 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Increase the skillet heat to medium-high and add the ground beef.
- Smash the beef with a spatula, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and crispy.
- In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and Cajun seasoning until smooth.
- Assemble the bowls with a base of crispy potatoes, topped with the beef, caramelized onions, and cheese.
- Drizzle your prepared sauce over the top and add pickles and lettuce if you like.
How to Serve The Best Smash Burger Bowl
Serve the Smash Burger Bowl warm right after assembling for the best experience. You can offer extra sauce on the side for those who want a bit more flavor. It makes a great meal for lunch or dinner and is easy to share!
How to Store The Best Smash Burger Bowl
You can store leftover components of the bowl separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The cooked potatoes and beef will last for 3–4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop before assembling your bowl again.
Tips to Make The Best Smash Burger Bowl
- Make sure to season each layer well for maximum flavor.
- For extra crispy potatoes, let them sit in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Consider using a cast-iron skillet to get a great sear on the beef.
Variation
You can switch up the proteins by using turkey or chicken instead of beef, or try a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version. Also, feel free to mix in your favorite burger toppings, like avocado or jalapeños.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, frozen diced potatoes can work well! Just follow the cooking instructions on the package while making sure to check for crispness.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
3. What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times as needed for different proteins.

Smash Burger Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- Dice the potatoes and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry the potatoes at 400°F for 16–18 minutes until crispy.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and caramelize the onions over medium heat for 10–15 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Increase the skillet heat to medium-high and add the ground beef.
- Smash the beef with a spatula, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and crispy.
- In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and Cajun seasoning until smooth.
- Assemble the bowls with a base of crispy potatoes, topped with beef, caramelized onions, and cheese.
- Drizzle prepared sauce over the top and add pickles and lettuce if desired.