Description
A flavorful and hearty Savory Smash Burger Bowl featuring crispy air-fried red potatoes, caramelized onions, smashed ground beef, melted shredded cheese, and a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce, all layered with fresh lettuce and crunchy pickles for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 3 medium red potatoes, diced
- Olive oil, for tossing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Beef
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Onions
- 1 cup diced onions
- Olive oil, for caramelizing
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Colby Jack or pepper jack)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup (preferably low-sugar)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Toppings
- 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
- 1 cup lettuce (any leafy greens)
Instructions
- Prep the Base: Dice the red potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper to coat evenly. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and air fry the potatoes for 16-18 minutes until they turn crispy and golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Caramelize Onions: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Add diced onions and cook slowly for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized to develop a rich, sweet flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Increase the skillet heat to medium-high. Add a little olive oil if needed and add the ground beef. Use a spatula to smash the beef down in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart and seasoning with salt and pepper until fully browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Cajun seasoning until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.
- Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, start with a base of crispy air-fried potatoes, then layer with the smashed beef and caramelized onions. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top so it begins to melt slightly. Drizzle with the prepared Cajun sauce, then add fresh lettuce and crunchy pickles for added texture and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute red potatoes with brown rice for a different texture and gluten-free alternative.
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning in the sauce to control the spice level to your liking.
- For an extra cheesy touch, place the assembled bowl briefly under a broiler or in a microwave to melt the cheese more completely.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: smash burger bowl, air fryer potatoes, caramelized onions, cheesy beef bowl, Cajun sauce, easy dinner, weeknight meal
