Introduction
Burger bowls are a fun and delicious twist on traditional burgers, offering all the flavor without the need for buns. This recipe pairs juicy ground beef with crispy ranch fries, fresh vegetables, and a zesty house sauce, creating a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, these burger bowls are easy to assemble and even easier to enjoy.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Burger Bowls:
– 1 lb. ground beef (85/15 for the juiciest)
– 2 teaspoons burger seasoning (one teaspoon per side)
– Shredded lettuce
– Diced tomatoes
– Diced burger pickles
For the Ranch Fries:
– 1 22-ounce bag frozen waffle fries
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 1 1-ounce packet ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tablespoons)
For the House Sauce:
– 1/2 cup mayo
– 2 tablespoons ketchup
– 1 teaspoon horseradish
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1 clove grated garlic
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. **Ranch Fries:** Bake the waffle fries according to the package directions. Once baked, add butter to the sheet pan and toss the fries to coat them evenly. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the fries, adjusting the amount based on your preference. Toss again to ensure even coating.
2. **House Sauce:** In a bowl, whisk together the mayo, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and grated garlic until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
3. **Beef:** Heat a well-seasoned cast iron skillet over high heat without adding oil. Season one side of the ground beef with 1 teaspoon of burger seasoning. Place the beef, seasoned side down, into the hot skillet. Allow it to cook undisturbed for several minutes to develop a browned crust. As the fat renders and browning occurs, sprinkle the exposed side with the remaining teaspoon of burger seasoning. After a few minutes, flip the beef in large chunks, breaking it into fork-sized pieces without making them too small. Continue cooking until the beef is well-browned and cooked through.
4. **Assemble:** In serving bowls, layer the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced pickles, and cooked beef. Top with the ranch fries and drizzle the house sauce over the top. Serve immediately.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Ranch Fries
Bake the waffle fries according to the package directions. Once baked, add butter to the sheet pan and toss the fries to coat them evenly. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the fries, adjusting the amount based on your preference. Toss again to ensure even coating.
House Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the mayo, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and grated garlic until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
Beef
Heat a well-seasoned cast iron skillet over high heat without adding oil. Season one side of the ground beef with 1 teaspoon of burger seasoning. Place the beef, seasoned side down, into the hot skillet. Allow it to cook undisturbed for several minutes to develop a browned crust. As the fat renders and browning occurs, sprinkle the exposed side with the remaining teaspoon of burger seasoning. After a few minutes, flip the beef in large chunks, breaking it into fork-sized pieces without making them too small. Continue cooking until the beef is well-browned and cooked through.
Assemble
In serving bowls, layer the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced pickles, and cooked beef. Top with the ranch fries and drizzle the house sauce over the top. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ground Beef
Using an 85/15 ground beef ratio ensures a juicy burger.
Adjusting Seasoning
Feel free to adjust the ranch seasoning on the fries and the salt in the house sauce to your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Consider adding additional toppings such as cheese, avocado, or onions for extra flavor.
Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat fries in the oven for best results.
Cook techniques
Cooking the Beef
Heat a well-seasoned cast iron skillet over high heat without adding oil. Season one side of the ground beef evenly with burger seasoning to enhance flavor and crust development. Place the beef seasoned side down in the hot skillet and let it cook undisturbed to achieve a rich brown crust.
Tossing Ranch Fries
After baking the waffle fries according to the package instructions, melt butter on the sheet pan and toss the fries to ensure they are thoroughly coated. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the fries, adjusting to taste, and toss again for even distribution.
Making the House Sauce
In a bowl, combine mayo, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and grated garlic. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
Assembling the Burger Bowl
Layer the components of the burger bowl in serving bowls. Start with shredded lettuce, followed by diced tomatoes and diced pickles. Add the cooked beef, then top with ranch fries and drizzle over the house sauce.
FAQ
What type of ground beef is recommended for the burger bowls?
It is recommended to use ground beef with a ratio of 85/15 for the juiciest results.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen waffle fries?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Cut them into waffle shapes and cook them until crispy; however, cooking times may vary.
How do I store leftover house sauce?
Store leftover house sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
What can I substitute for ranch seasoning?
You can substitute ranch seasoning with a mix of dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Can I prepare the beef in a different type of pan?
Yes, while a cast iron skillet is preferred for its heat retention, you can use any heavy skillet to cook the beef. Just ensure it’s heated properly before adding the meat.
Conclusion
This burger bowl recipe combined with ranch fries and house sauce offers a delicious and satisfying meal that can be easily customized. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a fun and interactive dining experience. Whether enjoyed on a busy weeknight or as a casual weekend meal, this dish is sure to please a crowd.
Loaded Nacho Bowl
Use tortilla chips in place of waffle fries and layer with seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, olives, jalapeños, and a drizzle of sour cream.
BBQ Chicken Bowl
Replace ground beef with shredded BBQ chicken, top with corn, black beans, diced red onions, and a drizzle of ranch or BBQ sauce.
Taco Bowl
Substitute ground beef with seasoned ground turkey, add black beans, corn, diced avocado, and top with salsa and sour cream for a Mexican twist.
Veggie Burger Bowl
Use a plant-based burger patty in place of ground beef, serve over a bed of quinoa or brown rice, and add roasted vegetables and a tahini dressing.
Stir-Fry Bowl
Swap the burger for cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and stir-fry with mixed vegetables. Serve over rice or noodles with a soy sauce or teriyaki drizzle.
