Easy Loaded Smash Burger Bowl with Special Sauce

Make your own loaded burger bowl at home with this easy recipe. Enjoy the classic smash burger taste without the carbs!

Why We Love A Loaded Smash Burger Bowl

If you love smash burgers but want a lower-carb or gluten-free option of a traditional burger, a Loaded Smash Burger Bowl is the perfect meal for you! This deconstructed burger bowl packs all the flavors of a classic smash burger—crispy beef, melty cheese, fresh toppings, and a creamy special sauce—all in one satisfying dish. Let’s dive into how to make this easy and delicious meal at home.

• All the Flavor, No Bun – You get the same indulgent taste of a smash burger without the extra carbs in these healthy burger bowls.
• Quick & Easy – This easy dinner comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable – Add your favorite toppings and adjust the ingredients to suit your taste so the whole family will love it!
• Protein-Packed & Satisfying – With high-quality beef and fresh veggies, this bowl keeps you full and fueled. It’s a guilt free way of getting your burger fix!

Ingredients

For the Burger Patties:

Ground Beef

For the best juicy ground beef burgers, you should use 80/20 ground beef—that means 80% lean meat and 20% fat. The fat content helps keep the patties juicy and flavorful, especially when making smash burgers. Leaner beef (like 90/10) can dry out quickly, while fattier blends (like 70/30) may be too greasy. Stick with 80/20 ground chuck for the perfect balance of moisture, flavor, and crispy edges! If you’re going for a healthier version, feel free to swap for ground turkey or ground chicken for these loaded burger bowls.

Worcestershire sauce

Worcestershire sauce is a great addition to burgers because it enhances the umami flavor, adding depth and a slightly tangy, savory kick. It also helps tenderize the beef and balances out the richness with a hint of acidity. Just a few dashes mixed into the ground beef before cooking can make a noticeable difference in taste and texture.

Seasoning

Salt & Black Pepper – The foundation of any great burger. Salt enhances the beefy flavor, while black pepper adds a mild heat.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – These add a subtle savory depth and mimic the flavors of sautéed onions and garlic without the extra moisture.

For the Bowl Toppings:

A close second to the juicy ground beef, the toppings are the best part of any burger bowl. Choose your favorite burger toppings to take your burger bowl to the next level! Here are some great options to start you off:

• 4 cups shredded fresh lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
• 1/2 cup juicy tomatoes (grape tomatoes or diced roma) 
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (or you clould use white onion)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup crispy bacon, crumbled

For the Homemade Special Sauce:

• 1½ cup mayo
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 ½ tbsp sweet pickle juice
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Roast the Potatoes

Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

2. Make the Special Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Set aside.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

1. Cook the Burger:
   Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add a little oil and crumble the ground beef into the pan, pressing it down with a wooden spoon to create crispy edges (like a smashed burger). Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and cook for another minute.

3. Assemble the Bowls

1. Divide the shredded lettuce among serving bowls.
2. Top each bowl with cherry tomatoes, red onion, pickles, avocado, crispy fries and bacon.
3. Place a cooked smash burger patty (or two) on top of each bowl.
4. Drizzle generously with the special burger sauce.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Smash Burger Bowl

• Use a heavy spatula to really smash the burger thin for that crispy edge.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the patties won’t sear properly.
• Customize your bowl with extra toppings like sautéed mushrooms or jalapeños for a spicy kick.

This Loaded Smash Burger Bowl is an easy, satisfying meal that delivers all the indulgence of a burger without the bun. Whether you’re cutting carbs, eating gluten-free, or just love a good burger, this dish is sure to hit the spot!

Additional Recipes to Try

Delicious and Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls – Customizable and packed with balanced flavors, this meal prep-friendly recipe is perfect for satisfying cravings.

Healthy and Easy Greek Chicken Bowls –  loaded with juicy chicken, roasted chickpeas and fresh veggies! Perfect for a healthy dinner! 

Gluten Free White Chicken Chili – This creamy, flavorful dish is a lighter twist on traditional beef chili, featuring tender shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies, and a creamy, spiced broth. 

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