Go Back
Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli

Burger Bowls with Onion Aioli

Delicious burger bowls with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich caramelized onion aioli, offering the flavors of a classic burger in a healthy, bun-free format.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet for caramelizing onions and cooking beef
  • 1 large bowl for mixing burger meat
  • 1 small bowl for mixing aioli
  • 1 wooden spoon for cooking and breaking up meat
  • 1 Knife for slicing vegetables
  • 1 cutting board for vegetable prep

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ pounds ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons full-fat sour cream
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 cups mixed greens or chopped romaine lettuce
  • 2 large tomatoes diced, or 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large cucumber diced
  • ½ large red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup dill pickle slices
  • ¼ cup fresh chives chopped

Instructions
 

  • Heat unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced yellow onions and brown sugar, stirring to coat. Cook slowly for 25-30 minutes until deep golden brown and jammy, stirring occasionally.
  • Meanwhile, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently just until combined.
  • Remove caramelized onions from heat and let cool slightly. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir in cooled caramelized onions and adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Prepare vegetables by washing and chopping lettuce, dicing tomatoes and cucumber, and thinly slicing red onion. Arrange separately for easy assembly.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally but allowing good browning.
  • Remove cooked beef from heat and let rest briefly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • To assemble bowls, place a generous base of lettuce in each serving bowl. Top with warm cooked ground beef.
  • Arrange diced tomatoes, cucumber, sliced red onion, and pickle slices around the beef in sections for visual appeal.
  • Add a generous dollop of caramelized onion aioli over each bowl. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh chives on top.
  • Serve immediately with extra aioli on the side.

Notes

  • The aioli can be made up to 3 days ahead for enhanced flavor.
  • Use medium-low heat and patience for perfect caramelized onions.
  • Try with ground turkey or plant-based meats as a variation.
  • Prepping vegetables a day ahead speeds up assembly time.