Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli Recipe
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.
- Author: Dana
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Frying, Slow Caramelizing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
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 (sharp)
- ½ Cup Dill Pickle Slices
- ¼ Cup Fresh Chives (chopped)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Rest and Season Meat: Remove beef from heat and let rest a few minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Assemble the Bowls: Start with a base of fresh lettuce in each bowl. Top with warm cooked beef placed centrally.
- Add Fresh Veggies: Arrange diced tomatoes, cucumber, sliced red onion, and pickle slices around the beef, creating colorful, separate sections.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: burger bowl, caramelized onion aioli, low carb burger, ground beef bowl, healthy burger recipe, no bun burger