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.
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.
Table of Contents
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with gouda, blue cheese, or any cheese that tickles your taste buds.
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.
Additionally, you can make the walls thicker or opt to use a muffin tin to help keep their shape.
Fully Loaded Burger Bowls
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
Notes
As an option, you can add minced garlic while you saute mushrooms.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
5Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 422Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 18.9gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 1437mgFiber: 0.9gSugar: 2gProtein: 22.5g
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!
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Nancy Polanco is a freelance journalist, lifestyle content creator, and editor of Whispered Inspirations. She is a proud Mom to Gabby and Michaela and partner and best friend to Darasak. Having worked as part of a health care team for almost a decade, Nancy is happy to be back to her passion. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post, TODAY’s Parents, and an Oprah Magazine Brand Ambassador.
