Our family loves a big, juicy burger and, although we could eat them every week, I love the variety that comes with mixing things up … within reason, as sometimes my kids require a little more convincing! These Loaded Burger Bowls are the perfect balance – they carry the same familiar, family-friendly cheeseburger flavours that we all know, but instead of being inside a drippy, juicy burger, everything is served in a bowl. It’s easy to eat, less messy for kids and you can pile it high with your favourite toppings. The concept may sound weird but trust me when I say that freshly baked potatoes loaded with all of your favourite burger toppings and the most incredible homemade burger sauce is something that you NEED in your life. These bowls are so delicious and moreish and are a great meal to prepare in advance and throw together on those days that are extra busy, making them the perfect family weeknight dinner. Aside from being delicious, this meal is outrageously easy to make. Not having to worry about sides is a big plus, not to mention it’s easy to customise if anyone in your family has dietary requirements. I am actually a big fan of playing with the concept of “bowl versions” of our favourite food, and below you’ll find links to a few of my other recipes on this theme.

Topping ideas

Here are some other fun topping ideas: canned beetroot (beets), roasted capsicum (bell pepper), corn, fried egg, avocado, black beans, sliced cucumbers, jalapeños, sautéed mushrooms, guacamole, pineapple or bacon. You can mix and match flavours and customise to suit your family’s tastes.

Can I swap the beef for turkey or chicken?

Yes, you could use either minced (ground) turkey or chicken instead of the beef. The cooking time stays the same.

Can I spice this recipe up?

Yes, you could add 1/2 teaspoon of chilli (red pepper) flakes to the beef mixture, or add some hot sauce or chilli oil to the finished serve.

Watch how to make Loaded Burger Bowls

What are some other “fakeaway” recipes made in bowl form?

Here are some other popular recipes with a “twist” that I’ve turned into nutritious bowl form: Taco BowlSpring Roll BowlsBeef Burrito BowlChicken Burrito BowlsFalafel Bowl 5 from 10 reviews

1.2 kg (2 lb 10 oz) washed potatoes (any variety), peeled or unpeeled, cut into cubes (approximately 2 cm/¾ inch) 2 tsp sea salt flakes ¼ tsp cracked black pepper  4 tbsp olive oil 

BEEF 

1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely diced  500 g (1 lb 2 oz) lean minced (ground) beef (see note 1 for turkey and chicken) 1 tsp sea salt flakes 1 tsp sweet paprika ½ tsp onion powder ½ tsp garlic powder ¼ tsp cracked black pepper

BURGER SAUCE

1 cup (250 g) whole-egg mayonnaise 2 tbsp finely chopped gherkins (dill pickles) 1 tsp dijon mustard 1 tbsp ketchup 1 tsp sweet paprika 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp garlic powder 1–2 tbsp water 

TO SERVE 

1 large cos (romaine) lettuce, cut into strips  ½ cup (60 g) shredded cheddar or any other burger cheese 200 g (7 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved ½ red onion, finely sliced ¼ cup (45 g) sliced gherkins (dill pickles)

Beef Burger sauce Assemble

Make ahead 

Potatoes – Prepare the potatoes as per the recipe and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave (the potatoes will soften slightly but will be equally delicious) or reheat in a 200°C (400°F) (180°C/350°F fan-forced) oven until heated through and crisp.  Beef – Prepare the beef in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave. Burger sauce – Prepare the burger sauce and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Salad ingredients – Prepare the lettuce by washing, chopping and drying (a salad spinner is great for this) before storing in reusable sandwich bags or airtight containers lined with paper towels (the paper towels help absorb excess moisture and will keep your lettuce fresh).

Leftovers

Once assembled, loaded burger bowls are best eaten immediately. Not suitable to freeze.

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