Prepare to fall head over heels for one of my absolute favorite weeknight wonders: Smashburger Bowls. Imagine everything you crave in a juicy smashburger—crisp lettuce, melty cheese, tangy pickles, creamy sauce, and flavorful beef—all beautifully layered in a bowl. This recipe delivers pure comfort but skips the bun, making each bite crunchy, savory, and totally satisfying, while being fresh and wholesome enough to enjoy anytime. Whether you’re tackling a busy schedule or relaxing on the weekend, these bowls are sure to become your new go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a starring role, bringing something special to the table! These fresh, simple picks combine to create the ultimate mouthwatering experience in every bite—no extras needed.

Ground beef (1 pound, 80/20 preferred): Delivers juicy, savory flavor and the perfect sear when smashed in a hot skillet.
Olive oil or butter (1 tablespoon): A touch of fat for a gorgeous golden crust on those burger patties; use your favorite for richness.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and that irresistible allium kick every good burger needs.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Melds seamlessly with the beef, amping up the savory, burger-shop vibes.
Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough smoky depth to make each bite feel extra special.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.
Romaine or iceberg lettuce (2 cups, chopped): The crunchy, fresh foundation that makes these bowls sing.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Little bursts of juiciness and color to liven up every forkful.
Red onion (1/2 cup, thinly sliced): For that faintly sharp, zesty crunch that cuts through the richness.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Because a true smashburger experience requires gooey, melty cheese.
Dill pickles (1/2 cup, sliced): Tang, crunch, and character—pickles add that classic burger tang.
Avocado (1, sliced): Creamy, buttery, and fresh—avocado gives every bite a luxurious finish.
Smash Sauce (1/4 cup): The signature dressing, creamy and bursting with burger flavor; see details below.
For the Smash Sauce:
- Mayonnaise (1/3 cup): Creamy base that blends all the flavors smoothly.
- Ketchup (1 tablespoon): Sweet-tangy twist that rounds out the sauce (or sub sugar-free for keto).
- Yellow mustard (1 tablespoon): Classic sharpness for vintage burger flair.
- Pickle juice (1 teaspoon): The secret zippy ingredient that takes this sauce to the next level.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): A dusting for smoky color and subtle spice.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Another pinch for depth and savory goodness.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Balances the flavors just right.

How to Make Smashburger Bowls

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by getting everything ready—wash and chop your lettuce, halve those juicy cherry tomatoes, and slice the red onions and avocado. Prepping ahead means you’ll be able to whip up your Smashburger Bowls in no time, and every ingredient will be crisp and cold just when you need it.

Step 2: Make the Smash Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, paprika, garlic powder, plus a good pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust until it’s creamy, tangy, and a little smoky. This sauce is where the “wow” factor lives, so make it as punchy as you like!

Step 3: Sear and Smash the Burger Patties

Heat up a cast iron skillet or sturdy griddle over medium-high. Roll your ground beef into four loose balls—not too compact, so you keep all that juiciness. Add your oil or butter to the hot pan, then place each beef ball on the surface. Immediately smash each with a spatula until thin and ragged-edged, sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and the essential salt and pepper. Let them sizzle for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until you get those classic crispy bits.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Time for the fun part! Start with a generous layer of lettuce in each bowl and top with the tender, freshly-seared burger patties—either crumbled for bites throughout or left whole for a big “steak salad” moment. Layer on cherry tomatoes, red onion, cheddar cheese, pickles, and avocado. This isn’t a time to be shy—rainbow layers make every spoonful exciting!

Step 5: Finish with Smash Sauce and Serve

Drizzle everything with your homemade Smash Sauce, letting it run into the nooks and crannies of your toppings. Serve right away so you get the perfect contrast of hot, crispy beef and cool, crunchy veggies in every bite. Smashburger Bowls are officially ready for action!

How to Serve Smashburger Bowls

Garnishes

Garnishing adds the finishing touch, and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a smattering of chopped chives can elevate your bowls from tasty to restaurant-worthy. For even more texture, try a dusting of crispy fried onions or a few sesame seeds for a subtle nod to classic burgers. A handful of fresh herbs like dill or parsley also brings welcome freshness.

Side Dishes

These bowls are hearty enough on their own, but they’re fantastic with a side of baked sweet potato fries or crunchy coleslaw. If you’re looking to keep things low-carb, you could add a pile of radishes, celery sticks, or jicama sticks. For a full-on burger joint experience, whip up some homemade pickled veggies or serve with a cold, bubbly drink.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can turn mealtime into an occasion! Serve your Smashburger Bowls in wide shallow bowls to showcase the colorful layers, or try layering ingredients in mason jars for a fun picnic vibe. You can even set out all the toppings and let everyone build their own bowl—a guaranteed hit for families, parties, or meal prep lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The beef and sauce will keep for up to 3 days, and the veggies will stay crisp for a day or two. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess when you’re ready for round two.

Freezing

For longer storage, the burger patties themselves freeze beautifully—just wrap tightly and store for up to two months. The veggies and smash sauce are best made fresh, but you can freeze extra sauce in small portions and defrost as needed for your next batch of Smashburger Bowls!

Reheating

To reheat the burger patties, place them in a hot skillet over medium heat for a couple minutes per side, or pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out or toughen the beef. Serve reheated patties over fresh, chilled veggies for that just-made-today taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein for Smashburger Bowls?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based beef alternatives work wonderfully in these bowls. Just adjust the seasoning and cook time as needed to match your protein of choice.

How do I make Smashburger Bowls keto-friendly?

To keep the bowls keto, skip the ketchup in the Smash Sauce or use a sugar-free version, and make sure any cheese or toppings you add fit your carb goals. The base recipe is already packed with low-carb, wholesome ingredients!

Are these bowls good for meal prep?

Yes! Smashburger Bowls are a meal prep superstar. Just assemble the components separately and build bowls right before eating to keep everything fresh, crisp, and delicious every time.

Can I cook the beef patties ahead of time?

Definitely. Cook the patties, let them cool, and store in the fridge for a couple of days or freezer for longer. Reheat right before serving; the smash technique ensures they stay juicy and flavorful even after reheating.

What’s the best way to customize Smashburger Bowls?

Get creative! Swap cheeses, add jalapeños for heat, use shredded cabbage instead of lettuce, or top your bowl with a fried egg. There’s no wrong way to build your perfect bowl—mix and match to suit your cravings.

Final Thoughts

If you try just one new dinner this week, let it be these Smashburger Bowls! Each bite is a flavor-packed journey—crisp, creamy, tangy, and deeply savory. They’re endlessly riffable and sure to brighten up your table, so gather your ingredients and savor the bowl-tastic burger fun tonight!

Smashburger Bowls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 bowls 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Smashburger Bowls are a deconstructed take on a classic cheeseburger, featuring savory smashed beef patties, fresh veggies, cheddar cheese, pickles, avocado, and a creamy Smash Sauce drizzle. A delicious low-carb and gluten-free option for burger lovers!

Ingredients

Scale

For the beef patties:

1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the bowls:

2 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup dill pickles (sliced)
1 avocado (sliced)
1/4 cup Smash Sauce (see below)

For the Smash Sauce:

1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon pickle juice
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the beef patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 balls and smash them into thin patties seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook in a hot skillet until browned.
Make the Smash Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl, adjusting seasoning to taste.
Assemble the bowls: Layer lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheddar, pickles, avocado, and beef patties in bowls. Drizzle with Smash Sauce and serve.

Notes

You can make these bowls low-carb or keto-friendly by omitting ketchup or using sugar-free alternatives in the sauce.
For added crunch, consider topping with crispy onions or crushed low-carb chips.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American