Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli

Posted by by Sara 2 months Ago 112 Views

What if we told you that you could enjoy all the mouthwatering flavors of a juicy cheeseburger without the bun—and love it even more? These Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli are a flavor-packed, low-carb, high-satisfaction way to enjoy a burger in a bowl. Perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or a protein-rich lunch, these bowls are customizable, hearty, and topped with a creamy, savory caramelized onion aioli that truly takes them to the next level.

Whether you’re low-carb, gluten-free, or just looking for a lighter way to satisfy your burger cravings, this is a recipe you’ll be making on repeat.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Burger Bowls:

  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Bowls:

  • 4 cups shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles
  • Optional: avocado slices, crumbled bacon

For the Caramelized Onion Aioli:

  • 1/2 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Caramelized Onion Aioli

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil or butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20–25 minutes until golden and caramelized.
  3. Let the onions cool slightly, then chop them finely.
  4. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped caramelized onions, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking the meat into crumbles—about 8–10 minutes.
  4. Drain any excess fat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Burger Bowls

  1. In 4 serving bowls, layer shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar, red onions, and pickles.
  2. Top each bowl with a generous scoop of the seasoned ground beef.
  3. Drizzle with the caramelized onion aioli.
  4. Add optional toppings like avocado or crumbled bacon for extra flavor.

🍽️ Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 480
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 3 g

Note: Nutrition varies depending on toppings and aioli amount used.

💡 Tips & Tricks

  • Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
  • Meal prep friendly: Store each component separately and assemble when ready to eat.
  • Add crunch: Sprinkle with sunflower seeds or roasted chickpeas.
  • Dairy-free? Skip the cheese and use a vegan mayo for the aioli.
  • Spice it up: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the aioli.

✨ A Personal Note for Your Readers

This is one of those meals that checks every box: satisfying, fresh, and surprisingly easy. I originally made these bowls on a whim while craving a burger but not the heaviness of a bun—and I haven’t looked back since. The caramelized onion aioli is the showstopper. It adds a gourmet touch that makes these bowls feel indulgent and comforting at the same time.

Perfect for summer lunches, weeknight dinners, or even a build-your-own burger bowl bar with friends!