Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli Recipe

Introduction

Bursting with all the flavors of a classic burger but without the bun, these Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli make a satisfying and fresh meal. They combine juicy, seasoned ground beef with crisp vegetables and a rich, sweet onion aioli for a delicious low-carb option anyone can enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1½ Pounds Ground Beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 Large Yellow Onions (thinly sliced)
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
• ½ Cup Mayonnaise
• 2 Tablespoons Sour Cream
• 1 Garlic Clove (minced)
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
• ½ Teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
• ¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper
• 6 Cups Mixed Greens or Chopped Romaine Lettuce
• 2 Large Tomatoes (diced) or 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
• 1 Large Cucumber (diced)
• ½ Large Red Onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• ½ Cup Dill Pickle Slices
• ¼ Cup Fresh Chives (chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions and brown sugar, stirring to coat. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until onions are deep golden brown and jammy. Take your time, low and slow develops the best flavor.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined to avoid tough meat.
3. Step 3: Remove caramelized onions from heat and let cool slightly. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir in cooled onions and adjust seasoning. The aioli can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
4. Step 4: Wash and chop the lettuce, dice tomatoes and cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. Arrange each ingredient in separate bowls for easy assembly. Shred cheese if not pre-shredded.
5. Step 5: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Remove meat from heat and let rest a few minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Step 7: To assemble, place a generous amount of lettuce in each bowl as a base.
8. Step 8: Top lettuce with warm beef in the center.
9. Step 9: Arrange diced tomatoes, cucumber, sliced red onion, and pickle slices around the beef to create colorful sections.
10. Step 10: Add a generous dollop of caramelized onion aioli on top, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives. Serve immediately with extra aioli on the side.

Tips & Variations

• Use 85/15 ground beef for a leaner option, though 80/20 yields juicier results.
• Substitute green onion tops if fresh chives are unavailable.
• For extra smokiness, try Hungarian smoked paprika in the meat seasoning.
• Soak red onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes if you prefer milder onion flavor.
• Make the aioli a day ahead to let flavors meld for an even richer taste.

Storage

Store leftover beef and aioli separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep vegetables separate and assemble bowls just before serving to maintain freshness and texture. Reheat beef gently in a skillet or microwave until warm but avoid overheating to prevent dryness. Aioli is best served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works, but they tend to be leaner and drier. Add a bit of olive oil or combine with a small amount of ground pork to keep the meat juicy.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef, aioli, and chopped veggies in advance, storing them separately. Then assemble bowls fresh each day for quick, flavorful meals.

Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 106 reviews

Delicious burger bowls featuring juicy seasoned ground beef served over fresh mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, pickles, and shredded cheddar cheese. Topped with a rich and savory caramelized onion aioli, these bowls offer all the classic burger flavors without the bun, making for a low-carb and satisfying meal.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Burger Meat:

• 1½ Pounds Ground Beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

For the Caramelized Onion Aioli:

• 2 Large Yellow Onions (thinly sliced)
• 2 Tablespoons Butter (unsalted)
• 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar (light)
• ½ Cup Mayonnaise
• 2 Tablespoons Sour Cream (full-fat)
• 1 Garlic Clove (minced)
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
• ½ Teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
• ¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper

For the Bowl Assembly:

• 6 Cups Mixed Greens or Chopped Romaine Lettuce
• 2 Large Tomatoes (diced) or 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
• 1 Large Cucumber (diced)
• ½ Large Red Onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• ½ Cup Dill Pickle Slices
• ¼ Cup Fresh Chives (chopped)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, stirring to coat. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until the onions are deep golden brown and jammy. Take your time to ensure maximum flavor development.
2. Prepare the Burger Meat: In a large bowl, combine 1½ pounds of ground beef, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Gently mix with your hands until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the meat tender.
3. Make the Aioli: Once the onions are caramelized, remove the skillet from heat and let cool slightly. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir in the caramelized onions, taste, and adjust the seasoning. Refrigerate if making ahead.
4. Prep the Vegetables and Cheese: Wash and chop 6 cups mixed greens or chopped romaine lettuce. Dice 2 large tomatoes or halve 2 cups of cherry tomatoes. Dice 1 large cucumber and thinly slice ½ large red onion. Shred 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded. Set everything aside in separate bowls for easy assembly.
5. Cook the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is well browned and cooked through. Allow it to rest off the heat for a few minutes and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Assemble the Burger Bowls: Begin with a generous bed of fresh greens in each bowl. Add a portion of the cooked ground beef on top, keeping it warm. Arrange diced tomatoes, cucumber, sliced red onion, and dill pickle slices around the meat in colorful sections.
7. Add Aioli and Finish: Dollop the caramelized onion aioli over the top of each bowl, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh chives. Serve immediately with extra aioli on the side.

Notes

• The caramelized onion aioli can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
• For leaner meat, 85/15 ground beef works but 80/20 delivers the best flavor and juiciness.
• If red onion is too sharp, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite.
• Use Hungarian smoked paprika if available for a deeper smoky flavor.
• Ensure vegetables are fresh and crisp for the best texture and flavor contrast.

Keywords: burger bowls, low carb burger, caramelized onion aioli, ground beef recipe, keto burger bowl, bunless burger, healthy burger alternative