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Delicious smash burger bowl topped with fresh ingredients and flavorful sauce

Smash Burger Bowl

A lighter, fresh take on smash burgers featuring caramelized beef over a bed of crunchy lettuce, sweet cherry tomatoes, tangy pickles, and a creamy homemade sauce. Perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 for best flavor; 85/15 for a leaner option.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowl
  • 2 cups lettuce, chopped Romaine or iceberg recommended.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved For sweeter flavor, roast them.
  • ½ cup pickles, sliced Dill or bread-and-butter, based on your preference.
  • ½ cup red onion, sliced Soak in ice water for reduced sharpness.
  • ½ cup shredded cheese (optional) Sharp cheddar, American, or pepper jack are great options.
For the Sauce
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise Substitute half with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Method
 

Cooking the Beef
  1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
  2. For smash-style texture, divide the beef into 4 loosely packed portions. Press each portion flat with a spatula immediately after adding it to the skillet.
  3. Flip the patties when the edges brown and cook for another 30-60 seconds. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Preparing the Veggies
  1. While the meat cooks, prepare the veggies and set aside. Soak sliced onions in ice water for 5-10 minutes for less sharpness.
  2. For sweeter tomatoes, roast halved cherry tomatoes at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.
Making the Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and garlic powder.
  2. Adjust flavors by adding a splash of pickle juice or hot sauce based on preference.
Assembling the Bowls
  1. Start with a base of lettuce in each bowl, then layer on the beef, followed by veggies, and cheese if using.
  2. Drizzle with the sauce and serve immediately.

Notes

Storage: Keep components separate to maintain freshness. Cooked beef lasts 3-4 days in the fridge. Use fresh veggies to avoid sogginess. For a family-style meal, let everyone build their own bowl.