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The Ultimate Loaded Burger Bowls

Take a culinary adventure and transform the traditional burger into a mouthwatering masterpiece – Fully Loaded Burger Bowls! Get ready to savor the burst of flavors and textures in every bite.

A plate with a loaded burger bowl cut in half. It's surrounded by chili peppers and cutlery. This article offers a recipe for Fully Loaded Burger Bowls.

Fully Loaded Burger Bowls

If a burger patty is seasoned perfectly, cooked just right, and bursting with beefy flavor—skip the bun! These delicious burger bowls are all of the above.

Except they’re made into little bowls that hold mushrooms exploding with umami, diced bacon cooked to your preference, and topped with perfectly melted cheddar cheese.

While we love burgers in our house, sometimes we want to cut back on carbs but still enjoy the taste of a great burger.

The ingredients for the Fully Loaded Burger Bowls are shown, there are labels with the name and measurements next to the items, with arrows pointing to them as well.

Ingredients for Fully Loaded Burger Bowls

Firstly, this recipe doesn’t require many ingredients but, let me tell you, it’s full of that classic flavor!

  • Ground Beef – It’s the heart of the bowl. I prefer using extra lean beef, simply because it’s what we normally use for most beef dishes. It’s lighter, has less fat, and it’s our preference. You can use any type of beef that you prefer.
  • Mushrooms and Butter – They add earthy goodness, umami, and a pop of flavor. Cremini or white mushrooms are the best to saute. Using butter is the only way to saute mushrooms, right? I think so! It makes everything taste better. I love garlic, so I add minced garlic when I saute my mushrooms. Add some to this recipe if you do too!
  • Cheddar Cheese – You can’t have a classic burger without cheddar cheese. It’s ooey gooey and adds a sharpness that hits just right.
  • Bacon – I like my bacon done to crispy perfection! You’re either a crispy bacon person or a chewy bacon person. So, cook it to your liking! We have both in our family, so we have to make two types. Either way, it adds saltiness and crunchiness (or chewiness) to your burger bowl.
  • Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper – Of course, you need seasonings. This is what adds flavor! I love to season my beef, so I add minced garlic and an array of other seasonings. But, you can keep it simple and use just these 3 seasonings.
  • Worcestershire Sauce – The maybe not-so-secret ingredient. But, one that just brings out the umami. I may use that word a lot but, that’s exactly what you taste when take a bite out of these.
  • Green Onions – For a bit of crunch and oniony flavor, top your burger bowls with these.

Step-by-Step Directions – Crafting the Perfect Burger Bowl

This recipe calls for a little bit of prep beforehand but, overall, it’s quite simple. Making or shaping the “bowl” may be a little tricky but, it depends on what method you use. Either way, you’re already on your way to deliciousness.

A pan with sautéed mushrooms. They are cremini mushrooms cooked to perfection. These mushrooms will be added to the Fully Loaded Burger Bowls.

Step 1: Saute the Mushrooms and Pre-Heat Oven

In a frying pan or skillet, using medium-high heat, melt the butter and add your sliced mushrooms. Add salt and pepper to taste.

As an option, you can add minced garlic while you saute them. The goal is to saute them slowly so the juices slowly evaporate and caramelize. Set them aside once they are no longer producing juices. Set aside.

In the same pan, over medium heat, add bacon. When the fat starts to run out from the bacon, increase the heat and cook for 1-3 mins on each side, depending on desired crispiness.

Set oven to 350°F and pre-heat oven while you prepare the bowls.

Beef formed into a shape of a bowl. This will be the vessel for the Fully Loaded Burger Bowls.

Step 2: Form the Beef Bowls

In a bowl, add your beef, garlic powder, salt and pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese. Using your hands or a spatula, mix all the ingredients. Make sure not to overwork the beef.

On a baking sheet lined with foil, form 4 meat bowls. You can use your hands to form or use a clean jar or can by pressing it into the center of the ball and pressing it down. Set aside.

1 cup of cheddar cheese is placed into the burger bowl.
The cremini mushrooms are placed on top of the cheddar inside the burger bowls.
The remaining cup of cheddar cheese is placed on top of the mushrooms in another layer.

Step 3: Layer the Goodness and Bake

Place one cup of cheddar cheese into the formed burger bowls. Then spoon in mushrooms on top of the cheese, and fill up to the brim of the bowl. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese on top of the mushrooms. Now, it’s time to bake!

Place the tray into the oven for 30 minutes or until the burger bowls are brown and have an internal temperature of 160°F. Cool for 5 minutes.

A prepared fully loaded burger bowl is plated on a white plate. It's topped with green onions and has a red chili pepper as a garnish as well.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Top the fully loaded burger bowls with the chopped green onions and enjoy. Here is where you can make them your own by adding a sauce of choice.

For example, you can drizzle it with a smoky BBQ sauce and a fresh ranch dressing. Or you can use the typical ketchup and mustard. Opt for a fry/burger sauce, like this Raising Cane’s dupe.

Tips for a Perfect Burger Bowl Experience

Why Fully Loaded Burger Bowls?

Unravel the reasons why these burger bowls are a game-changer. From customizable toppings to a deconstructed burger experience, find out why they are a must-try.

Tip 1: Experiment with Toppings

Just like burgers have different toppings, you can play around with what you top these burger bowls with. You can use so many different kinds of sauces, or bacon or tomato jams. You can top them with a fried egg, smashed avocado, or pierogies—the topping options are endless!

Think onion rings or caramelized onions, jalapenos, coleslaw, and even mac and cheese! The versatility is what makes these fully loaded burger bowls. So, top ’em with whatever you’re craving!

Tip 2: Try Different Meat Options

Just like burgers are versatile, so are your meat options. You can make your burger bowls out of ground chicken, ground turkey, half beef/half chorizo, salmon, or even a mushroom or veggie blend. You can add chopped onions and green peppers to the meat mixture for extra flavor.

Tip 3: Choose Your Cheese Wisely

Cheese can completely change the entire flavor of your burger bowls. I prefer to use pepper jack cheese, swiss, or mozzarella. But, cheddar is the classic option.

For something different, you can choose feta cheese or blue cheese. Whatever flavor profile you are going for, cheese can definitely make it what you want.

Finally, drizzle the loaded burger bowls with your sauce of choice. Of course, this is optional.

Close up of fully loaded bowl cut in half, you can see the layers of mushroom and cheddar cheese.
How do I make it spicy?

To make these fully loaded burger bowls spicy, simply add seeded and minced jalapenos, poblano, or habanero peppers. Chili powder or cayenne pepper are other good options to add to your meat mixture to give it some heat. Another way is to drizzle your favorite hot sauce on top for that extra kick.

What’s the best cheese for these bowls?

Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with gouda, blue cheese, or any cheese that tickles your taste buds.

Can I prepare the bowls in advance?

Yes, you can. Simply season to preference, form bowls, place on a tray, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can store them for up to 4 months.

How can I avoid burger bowls falling flat?

Additionally, you can make the walls thicker or opt to use a muffin tin to help keep their shape.

The Fully Loaded Burgers cut in half to show inside of bowl with all the fillings.
Yield: 5

Fully Loaded Burger Bowls

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

At the core of each bowl lies the essence of pure delight — a generous helping of seasoned ground beef. Savory, juicy, and perfectly cooked, it sets the stage for the culinary spectacle that awaits your taste buds. But wait, the adventure doesn't end there! Sauteed mushrooms, kissed with just the right amount of seasoning, add an earthy dimension to the ensemble. Their succulence complements the meaty goodness, creating a harmonious dance of flavors.

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 10 slices of bacon

Meat Mixture

  • 2 pounds, extra lean ground beef
  • 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 3 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups of cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 bunch of green onions, chopped
  • Sauce of choice for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a frying pan or skillet, using medium-high heat, melt the butter and add your sliced mushrooms. Add salt and pepper to taste. The goal is to saute them slowly so the juices slowly evaporate and caramelize. Set them aside once they are no longer producing juices. Set aside.
  2. In the same pan, over medium heat, add bacon. When the fat starts to run out from the bacon, increase the heat and cook for 1-3 mins on each side, depending on desired crispiness.
  3. Set oven to 350°F and pre-heat oven while you prepare the bowls.
  4. In a bowl, add your beef, garlic powder, salt and pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese. Using your hands or a spatula, mix all the ingredients. Make sure not to overwork the beef.
  5. On a baking sheet lined with foil, form 4 meat bowls. You can use your hands to form or use a clean jar or can by pressing it into the center of the ball and pressing it down. Set aside.
  6. Place one cup of cheddar cheese into the formed burger bowls. Then spoon in mushrooms on top of the cheese, and fill up to the brim of the bowl. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese on top of the mushrooms. Now, it's time to bake!
  7. Place the tray into the oven for 30 minutes or until the burger bowls are brown and have an internal temperature of 160°F. Cool for 5 minutes and serve.
  8. Top the fully loaded burger bowls with the chopped green onions and enjoy. Here is where you can make them your own by adding a sauce of choice.
  9. For example, you can drizzle it with a smoky BBQ sauce and a fresh ranch dressing. Or you can use the typical ketchup and mustard. Opt for a fry/burger sauce, like this Raising Cane's dupe.

Notes

As an option, you can add minced garlic while you saute mushrooms.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

5

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 422Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 18.9gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 1437mgFiber: 0.9gSugar: 2gProtein: 22.5g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

The finished product of the Fully Loaded Burger Bowls.

When’s Burger Night?

Fully Loaded Burger Bowls redefine burger enjoyment. With a perfect blend of savory beef, cheesy goodness, and a medley of toppings, each bite is a celebration of flavors.

Try it today and embark on a culinary journey like never before!

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Undoubtedly, these bowls are a great option when you want to skip the bun but, still want that classic taste of a burger.

Let us know if you try these fully loaded burger bowls, and what toppings you used!

Til then—cheers m’deres!

The name Nancy is shown as a signature.

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A plate with a loaded burger bowl cut in half. It's surrounded by chili peppers and cutlery. This article offers a recipe for Fully Loaded Burger Bowls.

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12 Comments

  1. I do love a good burger and I have had mine in a bowl of oatmeal. This is a recipe that I need to try.

  2. I appreciate how easy and versatile these are. They’re perfect for satisfying everyone’s cravings while keeping the carbs in check.

  3. Wow! This looks really delicious. I am running out of ideas on what to prepare and this is just perfect since the kids love burgers. Thank you for sharing the recipe. Can’t wait to make this.

  4. I love this idea of a burger bowl! I often push aside the burger bun or only eat the bottom of it because I’m conscious of carbs.

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