Print

Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli Recipe

Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli Recipe

5.3 from 11 reviews

A flavorful and satisfying Burger Bowl featuring juicy seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich caramelized onion aioli. This recipe offers all the taste of a classic burger without the bun, making it a perfect low-carb, fresh, and tasty meal option.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Burger Meat:

  • 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 (sharp)
  • ½ Cup Dill Pickle Slices
  • ¼ Cup Fresh Chives (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions and brown sugar, stirring to coat. Cook slowly for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are deep golden brown and jammy. Avoid rushing this process for best flavor.
  2. Prepare the Burger Meat: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently by hand just until combined to avoid tough meat.
  3. Make the Caramelized Onion Aioli: Remove onions from heat and let cool slightly. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir in cooled caramelized onions and adjust seasoning to taste. Refrigerate if preparing ahead.
  4. Prep the Vegetables and Cheese: Wash and chop lettuce, dice tomatoes and cucumber, and thinly slice red onion. Arrange separately for easy assembly. Shred cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded.
  5. Cook the Ground Beef: 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. Avoid excessive stirring to promote browning.
  6. Rest and Season Meat: Remove beef from heat and let rest a few minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  7. Assemble the Bowls: Start with a base of fresh lettuce in each bowl. Top with warm cooked beef placed centrally.
  8. Add Fresh Veggies: Arrange diced tomatoes, cucumber, sliced red onion, and pickle slices around the beef, creating colorful, separate sections.
  9. Top with Aioli and Cheese: Add a generous dollop of caramelized onion aioli on each bowl, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh chives on top.
  10. Serve: Serve immediately with extra aioli on the side for added richness.

Notes

  • Be patient when caramelizing onions – low heat for longer time achieves best flavor.
  • Don’t overmix burger meat to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Make aioli up to 3 days ahead to enhance flavors; keep refrigerated.
  • Use 80/20 ground beef for ideal juiciness; leaner meats may dry out.
  • For a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes.
  • Prep vegetables the day before and store separately to maintain freshness if meal prepping.
  • Try with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for variation.
  • If aioli is too thick, thin with lemon juice or water; if too thin, add more mayonnaise.
  • Ensure lettuce is dry before assembling to avoid soggy bowls.

Nutrition

Keywords: burger bowl, caramelized onion aioli, low carb burger, ground beef bowl, healthy burger recipe, no bun burger