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Smash burger bowl with crispy smashed beef, golden air-fried potatoes, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and special sauce in a white bowl

Smash Burger Bowl

A hearty, customizable dinner bowl loaded with crispy-edged smashed beef, golden air-fried potatoes, caramelized onions, melty cheese, and a tangy Cajun special sauce. All the flavors of a classic diner burger without the bun, ready in 45 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef 80/20 blend for best crispy edges
  • 3 medium red potatoes diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup onions diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheese Colby Jack or pepper jack
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning reduce to 1 tsp for milder flavor
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup pickles optional
  • 1 cup leafy greens any variety, optional

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Toss diced red potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and your preferred seasonings. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spread potatoes in a single layer and air fry for 16 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  2. While potatoes cook, heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add diced onions and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized.
  3. Push onions to the side or remove to a plate. Increase skillet heat to medium-high. Add ground beef and smash flat with a spatula. Cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to build a crust, then break apart and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until browned through. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper while hot.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Cajun seasoning until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Build each bowl with crispy potatoes as the base. Top with smashed beef, caramelized onions, and shredded cheese. Drizzle generously with special sauce. Finish with pickles and leafy greens if using.

Notes

Store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep sauce separate to avoid sogginess. Freeze cooked beef and potatoes for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven and add cheese during reheating. Swap beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles. Replace potatoes with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.