Description

This Savory Smash Burger Bowl is a delicious, deconstructed burger experience featuring crispy air-fried red potatoes, caramelized onions, smashed ground beef, and a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. Topped with shredded cheese, crunchy pickles, and fresh lettuce, it offers all the satisfying flavors of a classic burger served in a bowl for a fun, low-carb meal option.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

3 medium Red Potatoes (diced)
1 tbsp Olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Beef

1 lb Ground beef (lean recommended)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp Olive oil (for skillet)

Onions

1 cup Onions (diced)
1 tbsp Olive oil (for caramelizing)

Sauce

1/2 cup Mayonnaise
2 tbsp Ketchup (low-sugar preferred)
1 tbsp Mustard (Dijon recommended)
1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning

Toppings

1 cup Shredded Cheese (Colby Jack or Pepper Jack)
1/2 cup Pickles (sliced)
1 cup Lettuce (any leafy greens)

Instructions

Prep the Base: Dice the red potatoes into small cubes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper to coat evenly. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the potatoes for 16-18 minutes until they become crispy and golden.
Caramelize Onions: While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until they turn golden brown and develop a rich, sweet flavor.
Cook the Beef: Increase the skillet heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef and use a spatula to smash it flat against the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and Cajun seasoning until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for your preferred level of spice and flavor.
Assemble the Bowls: Start by layering the crispy potatoes as the base in each bowl. Top with the smashed beef, caramelized onions, and shredded cheese. Drizzle the Cajun sauce generously over the top. Finish with pickles and fresh lettuce for crunch and freshness.

Notes

For a healthier alternative, use lean ground beef and low-sugar ketchup.
Brown rice can be substituted for red potatoes if desired for a different texture.
To deepen flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef while cooking.
If you do not have an air fryer, oven-roast the diced potatoes at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Adjust Cajun seasoning in the sauce to your preferred spice level or substitute with smoked paprika for a milder flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: smash burger bowl, air fryer potatoes, caramelized onions, Cajun mayo sauce, ground beef recipe, low-carb burger bowl