Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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