Craving a burger but want something lighter, fresher, and just as delicious? These Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli are your answer!
Packed with juicy beef patties, vibrant veggies, and a creamy, tangy aioli, this deconstructed burger is a wholesome twist on a classic.
Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is customizable, nutritious, and bursting with flavor.
Let’s dive into why this dish will become your new go-to!
Why You’ll Love This Burger Bowl Recipe
Flavor Explosion: The rich, sweet caramelized onion aioli pairs perfectly with savory beef and fresh veggies.
Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs—keto, gluten-free, or vegetarian options work beautifully.
Healthy & Satisfying: Skip the bun for a low-carb, nutrient-dense meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare components ahead for quick assembly during busy weeks.
Family-Friendly: Everyone can build their own bowl, making it a hit for picky eaters.
Ingredients
For the Burger Patties:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Caramelized Onion Aioli:
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Bowls:
4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, or arugula)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, sliced
1/2 cup sliced red onion
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced pickles
1 cup cooked sweet potato fries or roasted sweet potatoes
Optional: crumbled feta, sprouts, or sliced jalapeños
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions:
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes until golden and soft. Set aside to cool.
Make the Aioli:
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and half of the caramelized onions (chopped finely). Mix until smooth. Reserve the remaining onions for topping.
Prepare the Burger Patties:
In a large bowl, mix ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Form into 4 equal-sized patties.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side until they reach your desired doneness (135°F for medium). Let rest for 5 minutes.
Assemble the Bowls:
Divide mixed greens among 4 bowls.
Add burger patties (whole or crumbled for easier eating).
Arrange cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, red onion, pickles, sweet potato fries, and cheese around the greens.
Drizzle with caramelized onion aioli and top with reserved caramelized onions.
Add optional toppings like feta or jalapeños for extra flair.
Tips for the Best Burger Bowls
Caramelized Onions: Cook low and slow for the sweetest, most flavorful onions. Add a pinch of sugar if you want extra caramelization.
Patty Perfection: Don’t overwork the beef when forming patties to keep them tender and juicy.
Aioli Storage: Make the aioli ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Customize Toppings: Experiment with different veggies or cheeses to keep things fresh.
Meal Prep Hack: Cook patties and onions in bulk, then store separately for quick assembly.
Variations and Substitutions
Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based patties for a vegetarian option.
Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the sweet potato fries and add more avocado or a fried egg.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your mayonnaise for hidden additives.
Veggie Boost: Add roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Aioli Twist: Blend in fresh herbs like dill or parsley, or add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a Drink: Serve with iced tea, sparkling water with lemon, or a refreshing cucumber mint cooler.
Side Dishes: Add a light side like cucumber salad, coleslaw, or grilled veggies.
Presentation: Serve in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant colors and make it Instagram-worthy.
For Gatherings: Set up a burger bowl bar with toppings in separate bowls so guests can customize their own.
Make-Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Instructions
Make-Ahead
Prepare the caramelized onions and aioli up to 3 days in advance.
Cook burger patties and chop veggies a day ahead, storing them separately in the fridge.
Storing
Store assembled bowls (without aioli) in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keep aioli separate to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
Freeze cooked burger patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Do not freeze assembled bowls or aioli.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Swap the beef for plant-based patties or grilled portobello mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
Q: How do I keep the burger patties juicy?
A: Use 80/20 ground beef, avoid overmixing, and cook to medium (135°F) for the best texture.
Q: Can I use store-bought aioli?
A: Yes, but homemade caramelized onion aioli adds a unique flavor. If using store-bought, mix in caramelized onions for a similar effect.
Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Definitely! Let kids customize their bowls with their favorite toppings to make it fun and approachable.
Q: How can I make this spicier?
A: Add sliced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne to the aioli, or drizzle with hot sauce.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these burger bowls with caramelized onion aioli are the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic burger without the heaviness of a bun.
With customizable toppings, a creamy and flavorful aioli, and endless variations, this recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make meal.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a dinner party, these bowls are sure to impress.
Try them today and discover your new favorite way to enjoy a burger!
Read More:- Burger Bowl Recipe
Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli
Ingredients
- For the Burger Patties:
- 1 lb 450g ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking
- For the Caramelized Onion Aioli:
- 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the Bowls:
- 4 cups mixed greens lettuce, spinach, or arugula
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pickles
- 1 cup cooked sweet potato fries or roasted sweet potatoes
- Optional: crumbled feta sprouts, or sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Caramelize onions (20–25 minutes).
- Mix aioli with half the onions, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Season and cook burger patties (3–4 minutes per side).
- Assemble bowls with greens, patties, toppings, and aioli.
- Top with reserved onions and optional extras.
