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Savory Smash Burger Bowl

A deconstructed smash burger bowl with crispy air-fried potatoes, seared ground beef, caramelized onions, shredded cheese, and a creamy Cajun special sauce, ready in 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended
  • 4 medium red potatoes diced; riced cauliflower for lower carb
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for potatoes
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheese Colby Jack or pepper jack, freshly shredded preferred
  • 2 cup lettuce shredded iceberg or leafy greens
  • 1 cup pickles or sliced cucumbers
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for lighter version
  • 0.25 cup low-sugar ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning adjust to heat preference

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • large skillet
  • small mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Toss diced red potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 16 to 18 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy. Cook in batches if needed.
  2. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown. Remove from pan.
  3. Increase skillet heat to medium-high. Add ground beef and press flat with a wide spatula. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until a dark crust forms. Break into pieces and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until browned through. Drain excess fat. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Cajun seasoning in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Layer crispy potatoes in the base of each bowl. Top with smashed beef and caramelized onions. Scatter shredded cheese over the hot beef.
  6. Drizzle special sauce over each bowl. Add pickles and fresh lettuce at the very last moment before serving.

Notes

Storage: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Sauce keeps for up to 1 week. Reheat potatoes in air fryer at 400°F for 2 to 3 minutes to restore crispness. Reheat beef in a hot skillet rather than microwave. Without an air fryer: roast potatoes on a sheet pan at 425°F for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping once. For lower carb, substitute riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles for potatoes. Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles can replace beef. Start with half the Cajun seasoning for milder heat and adjust to taste.