Burger Bowls, Loaded Style

I like my burger bowls how I like my burgers. Loaded.

My regular way to enjoy a burger is topped with bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheese (obvi), avocado and dill pickles. Bonus points if there’s fries on the side, and if so, I put them on my burger as well. If you’ve ever put a hash brown patty on a breakfast sandwich, you’re my kind of people. Burger bowls aren’t a new concept, however let this be a reminder that when it’s too hot to grill outside, you can still enjoy all the components of a burger but in a bowl.

Let’s make a loaded burger bowl, shall we?

To Make These Loaded Burger Bowls Gather:

• bacon – I like to use center cut bacon.
• french fries or waffle fries (regular or sweet potato) – Or make kitchen-made French fries.
• olive oil spray – Or avocado oil spray.
• ground beef – Can also substitute with ground chicken or turkey.
• all-purpose season salt – Similar to Lawry’s seasoning.
• romaine – The base to the burger bowls.
• cherry tomatoes – Or use grape tomatoes.
• red onion – For thin slices, slice on a mandoline.
• dill pickles – Sliced or diced.
• avocado – Adds creaminess to the burger bowl.
• sharp cheddar cheese – Lends distinct cheddar flavor.
• thousand island dressing – From-scratch or store-bought.

Start The Bacon:

In a 10 or 12-inch skillet, cook 8 strips of bacon until crispy. Once cooked, transfer to a paper towel lined plate to cool, then chop.

Prepare the Fries:

Preheat your oven to 425°F or (220°C).

While you’re cooking the bacon, preheat your oven, line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment and lightly spray with olive oil spray. Arrange 1 (20 ounce bag or there about) of French/waffle fries among the 2 pans. You can completely make from-scratch French fries if you want, but sometimes it’s all about what’s simplest.

Bake according to package directions, about 20 minutes. Remove and let cool.

Make The Beef Mixture:

Once your bacon is cooked, remove and discard bacon fat (or save it for another purpose) and wipe out the pan with paper towel. Add 1 pound ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up the meat while continuing to brown until fully cooked and no longer pink.

Once fully cooked, season with 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning and stir to incorporate.

Transfer the seasoned beef mixture to a clean bowl and let cool while you prep any remaining ingredients.

Chop 1 large head of romaine and wash and spin-dry. I prep a lot of the ingredients while the fries are in the oven or the beef is browning.

Divide lettuce among bowls and top each bowl with some beef mixture, fries, chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced pickles, thinly sliced red onions, halved cherry tomatoes and sliced ripe avocado.

Drizzle each bowl with 3 tablespoons thousand island dressing.

Season with a little freshly ground black pepper if desired.

And thats it!

Grab a fork and a beer perhaps and dig in. Enjoy!

Enjoy! And if you give this dish a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!