I make this bowl most nights when I want a quick, low-carb meal that still feels like a burger. It started as a way to eat less bread but keep the flavors I like. I cook the patties thin and fast. I pile them with cheese, pickles, and a simple sauce. Savory Smash Burger Bowl: A Low-Carb Delight You’ll Love showed up on my menu and stuck.
I keep the sides simple and the whole thing on one plate. It saves time and dishes. I often tweak the spice or swap potatoes for rice. If you like easy, filling meals, this version will be a regular. For another simple meat dish idea, try an easy hamburger bake.
This bowl blends smashed burger flavor with salad and potatoes. It tastes like a burger but without the bun. The meat is brown and crisp at the edges. Cheese melts on top. Pickles add a bright crunch. The sauce brings cream and tang. People make this dish on weeknights, for quick lunches, or when they need a low-carb option. It fits families and solo meals. It also works when you need a fast, tasty plate with simple parts.
Why make this recipe
Make this meal for speed and flavor. The patties cook fast because they are thin. The potatoes give small comfort and can be swapped for rice. You can mix the sauce to taste. It needs little time and few pans. It uses common items you likely have at home. You can change the spice or cheese to suit the family. It fits lunch, dinner, or a quick meal after work. If you like one-pan dinners, try a similar warm bowl like a creamy white chicken chili for another easy choice.
Ingredients
1 lb Ground Beef (Lean beef for a healthier option.) — lean meat gives flavor and less grease.
3 medium Red Potatoes (Can substitute with brown rice.) — small cubes add bite and comfort.
1 cup Onions (Caramelized for added depth.) — soft, sweet onions add flavor and balance.
1 cup Shredded Cheese (Colby Jack or pepper jack recommended.) — melts on the hot beef.
1/2 cup Mayo (Adjust for desired creaminess.) — base for the sauce and mouthfeel.
2 tbsp Ketchup (Use low-sugar for a healthier option.) — adds tang and a little sweetness.
1 tbsp Mustard (Dijon is a great choice.) — gives a sharp note to the sauce.
1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (Adjust to taste.) — spices the meat and potatoes.
1/2 cup Pickles (Adds crunch.) — cut into slices for a crisp contrast.
1 cup Lettuce (Any leafy greens work.) — keeps the bowl fresh and light.
These items give a full plate of protein, starch, fat, and crunch. Swap things easily for what you have or to cut carbs. For a green side, see crispy green beans for a quick veggie idea.
Directions
Step‑by‑Step Instructions Start by heating a pan for the potatoes. Cook small cubes until tender and brown. Move them to the side. In the same pan, press small balls of beef flat. Let them cook until the edges are crisp. Flip once and add cheese so it melts. Mix mayo, ketchup, and mustard in a bowl for the sauce. Plate the lettuce, add potatoes, then the smashed patties. Top with pickles and sauce. A note: pressing the beef thin makes crisp edges. Also, use medium heat to avoid drying the meat. For a sweet finish after the meal, try a fun treat like a simple rice krispie twist.
How to serve this recipe
Serve the bowl warm on a plate or in a deep dish. Add the lettuce first so it stays crisp. Put potatoes on one side and patties on top of the greens. Spoon sauce over the meat, not the whole bowl, to keep leaves crisp. Add extra pickles or cheese for guests. This meal works for family dinners, quick lunches, or meal prep. You can pack it for work in a shallow container and add sauce later. This recipe fits casual nights and busy days, and the flavor stays good when reheated.
How to store this recipe
Cool the parts before you store them. Put patties and potatoes in an airtight container. Keep lettuce separate if you can to avoid sogginess. In the fridge, eat within 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked patties without lettuce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in a pan. Store the sauce in a small jar for up to a week. Use shallow containers for quick cooling and even reheating.
Tips to make this recipe
Use a hot pan for good crust on the beef. Press patties thin and don’t flip too soon. Salt the potatoes while they cook. If the meat is dry, add a splash of oil or a pat of butter to the pan. Taste the sauce and add more mustard or ketchup to balance it. Keep toppings ready so you can build the bowl fast. If you want less carbs, skip potatoes and add extra greens. For another hearty bake idea, see a simple turkey meatloaf.
Variation
Swap red potatoes for brown rice or cauliflower rice for lower carbs. Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. Change Cajun seasoning to smoked paprika for a milder taste. Replace mayo with Greek yogurt to cut fat. Make sliders instead by putting cooked patties on small buns for a non-low-carb crowd. Some swaps change the texture, so pick what fits your meal plan. This version stays flexible because the core is cooked beef, melted cheese, and a simple sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey?
A: Yes. Cook it the same, but watch for less fat. Add a bit of oil if it sticks.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Cook and cool, then store components separately for 3–4 days.
Q: Is the sauce safe to freeze?
A: Mayo sauces don’t freeze well. Keep sauce in the fridge for up to a week.
Q: Can I skip the potatoes?
A: Yes. Use extra greens or cauliflower rice for fewer carbs.
Q: How do I reheat without drying the meat?
A: Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or oil over low heat.
Conclusion
This bowl is a useful weeknight meal. It cooks fast and fills you up without bread. Change the spice and sides to fit your pantry. For a potato-forward take, see The Absolute Best Burger Bowl with Potatoes which inspired a few ideas here. If you want a different breakfast-style bowl, look at a savory breakfast idea I follow for morning swaps. For a cold salad twist with similar mix-and-match parts, try the Italian Grinder Salad.
Print
Savory Smash Burger Bowl: A Low-Carb Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low-Carb
Description
A quick, low-carb meal blending smashed burger flavors with salad and potatoes—satisfying without the bun.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (Lean beef recommended)
- 3 medium Red Potatoes (Can substitute with brown rice)
- 1 cup Onions (Caramelized)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese (Colby Jack or pepper jack)
- 1/2 cup Mayo
- 2 tbsp Ketchup (Use low-sugar for healthier option)
- 1 tbsp Mustard (Dijon recommended)
- 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1/2 cup Pickles (sliced)
- 1 cup Lettuce (any leafy greens)
Instructions
- Heat a pan and cook small cubes of potatoes until tender and brown, then move to the side.
- In the same pan, press small balls of ground beef flat and cook until edges are crisp. Flip, then add cheese on top to melt.
- Mix mayo, ketchup, and mustard in a bowl to create the sauce.
- Plate the lettuce, add cooked potatoes, then the smashed patties on top.
- Top with pickles and drizzle the sauce over the meat.
Notes
For a lower-carb option, substitute potatoes with cauliflower rice or add more greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
