Who doesn’t love a cheeseburger? (I sure do!) This Cheeseburger Bowl takes all the best flavors like crispy potatoes, juicy seasoned beef, smoky bacon, melty cheddar, and tangy pickles, and puts them in one easy-to-eat, flavor-packed bowl. It’s almost like a cheeseburger roasted potato salad, with all the familiar burger fixings mixed into a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish. If you can’t get enough cheeseburger-inspired meals, be sure to try my Cheeseburger Quesadilla next; it’s another quick, family favorite with the same crave-worthy flavors.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Red potatoes: Cubed and roasted for a crispy, golden base. Yukon gold or russet potatoes can be used as a substitute if red potatoes aren’t available.
- Olive oil: Coats the potatoes for roasting and helps them crisp up. Avocado or canola oil works well as an alternative.
- Lawry’s seasoned salt & black pepper: Adds flavor to both the potatoes and beef. Regular salt and freshly ground pepper can be used if you don’t have Lawry’s.
- Ground beef: Provides the savory protein for the bowl. You can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the beef mixture. Shallots can be used instead if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Hamburger seasoning: Brings classic burger flavor to the beef. If unavailable, make your own hamburger seasoning!
- Cheeseburger sauce (sour cream, ketchup, red wine vinegar, yellow mustard, paprika): Creates a creamy, tangy coating that brings all the flavors together. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter version, tomato sauce can substitute for ketchup, apple cider vinegar for red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard for yellow mustard, and smoked paprika or a pinch of chili powder for regular paprika.
- Toppings & Garnishes (bacon, cheddar, pickles, cherry tomatoes): Add smoky crunch, melty richness, tangy flavor, and fresh brightness to the bowl. Turkey bacon, pepper jack or Swiss cheese, sweet pickles, and grape tomatoes or red bell pepper are tasty alternatives.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Roast the potatoes and cook the beef ahead. Store separately, then assemble and serve when ready.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Fresh cubed potatoes give the best texture, but thawed frozen red potatoes can work in a pinch. Roast until golden and crispy.
How spicy is the sauce?
Mildly tangy with a hint of paprika. Add a pinch of cayenne for a little kick if you like heat.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the beef with plant-based crumbles and bacon with tempeh bacon or smoked coconut flakes.
Can I make this without roasting the potatoes?
You can, but roasting really gives the potatoes that crisp, golden texture that makes this bowl so satisfying. If you’re short on time, you can boil or pan-fry the potatoes instead; just make sure they’re fully cooked and lightly browned before mixing. Air frying works too; cook at 380°F for about 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the edges are crisp.
Serving Ideas
- Serve alongside a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
- Add extra cherry tomatoes and pickles on the side for crunch and freshness.
- Make individual servings in mason jars for meal prep lunches.
How To Store a Cheeseburger Bowl
At room temperature: This Cheeseburger Bowl is best served right after assembling, while the potatoes are still warm and the cheese is slightly melted. If you’re serving it at a party or picnic, try to enjoy it within 2 hours for the best texture and food safety.
In the refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For the best flavor, enjoy it slightly warmed or at room temperature rather than fully cold. If it seems a bit dry after chilling, add a small spoonful of extra sauce or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
In the freezer: Freezing the full salad isn’t recommended. (The potatoes and creamy sauce don’t hold up well once thawed.) However, the cooked beef mixture can be frozen on its own for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, store it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and assembling fresh.
Cheeseburger Bowl
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 pounds red potatoes, washed, cut into small cubes
- 2 teaspoons Lawry’s seasoned salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon hamburger seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Lawry’s seasoned salt
Sauce
- ½ cup (115 g) sour cream
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Salad
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy, chopped
- 1 cup (113 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¾ cup (107 g) dill pickles, chopped
- ½ cup (74 g) cherry tomatoes, diced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F*. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Place the cubed potatoes on the pan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Lawry’s seasoned salt and pepper. Toss with your hands until evenly coated, then spread into a single layer. Bake, uncovered, for 45-60 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crispy. Allow potatoes to cool for at least 15 minutes before mixing.
- While the potatoes bake, cook the beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef and diced yellow onion. Season with hamburger seasoning and seasoned salt. Cook, breaking apart the meat as it browns, until fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease and let cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, ketchup, red wine vinegar, mustard, and paprika until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted potatoes, cooked beef mixture, bacon, shredded cheese, chopped pickles, and diced tomatoes.
- Pour the sauce over the mixture and gently fold until everything is coated.
- Serve warm for the best flavor, or chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and let warm slightly before serving.
- Garnish with extra cheese, bacon, pickles, and diced tomatoes if desired.
Notes
- Prepare the potatoes as instructed.
- Place the potatoes into the basket of your air fryer in a single layer. (Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to work in batches.)
- Air Fry at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, or until evenly crisped, flipping halfway through.
- Set aside to cool for about 15 minutes before assembling the bowl.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
This could be one of my new favorite dinners! I love the crispy potatoes mixed with the ground beef and toppings, all in one bowl!
Elizabeth
I went back for seconds of this one! It is so good, I wanted even more!
Stephanie
I will be making this on repeat. I love how the sauce holds everything together, and it heats up really well, too.
Bella
The roasted potatoes in this make it hearty enough for the main course without needing a bun. It is really delicious.
Very Good recipes