Imagine the juicy flavors of a classic burger, but served in a bowl that’s packed with fresh veggies, rice, and a creamy drizzle of sauce. This easy savory smash burger bowl is a quick and satisfying dinner option.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish brings together everything you love about burgers in a convenient and customizable format.
Why this easy savory smash burger bowl stands out
- Juicy smashed beef patties bring the classic burger flavor to every bite.
- A fresh mix of cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and pickles adds crunch and brightness.
- The creamy sauce ties everything together with a tangy, savory kick.
Key ingredients that make this dish shine
The ground beef is the star of this dish, so using an 80/20 blend ensures the patties are juicy and flavorful. The fat content makes a big difference in creating the perfect sear.
The sauce, made with mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce, adds a bold and tangy layer that complements the burger patties beautifully. It’s simple yet packed with flavor.
Cooked rice serves as the base, soaking up all the juices from the smashed patties and sauce. You can use white or brown rice depending on your preference.
How to prepare this easy savory smash burger bowl
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the skillet heats up, form your ground beef into four evenly sized balls for even cooking.
Once the skillet is hot, place the beef balls in the pan, leaving space between each one. Use a spatula to smash them down into thin patties, about 1/2 inch thick, to create that classic sear.
Season the patties with salt and pepper, then cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until browned. Flip them carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes to your desired doneness.
While the patties cook, prepare the bowls by dividing the cooked rice among four serving bowls. Add shredded lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced pickles, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced red onion on top of the rice for a fresh and colorful base.
Once the patties are done, place one on top of each prepared bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce to create the sauce.
Drizzle the sauce generously over each bowl and serve immediately for best results. The combination of warm patties and fresh toppings makes this dish irresistible.
How to store and reheat leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate to prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy.
Reheat the burger patties in a skillet or microwave, and assemble the bowls fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Expert tips for perfect results
- Use a sturdy spatula to smash the patties evenly and create a crispy, caramelized crust.
- Prep all your toppings in advance to make assembly quick and easy once the patties are cooked.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture or sprinkle chili flakes over the bowl.
Ingredient substitutions
If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, though the flavor will be slightly lighter. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
For a lower-carb option, swap out the rice for cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce as the base of the bowl.
Easy Savory Smash Burger Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced pickles
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- While the skillet is heating, form the ground beef into 4 equal balls.
- Once the skillet is hot, place the beef balls in the skillet, spacing them apart.
- Using a spatula, smash each beef ball down to form a patty, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Season the patties generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until browned, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the desired doneness is reached.
- While the patties are cooking, prepare the bowls by dividing the cooked rice among 4 bowls.
- Top each bowl of rice with shredded lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced pickles, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced red onion.
- Once the patties are done, place a smashed burger on top of each bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce to create a sauce.
- Drizzle the sauce over each burger bowl and serve immediately.
Notes
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