Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli Recipe
Introduction
This Burger Bowls recipe offers all the satisfying flavors of a classic burger without the bun. With juicy beef patties, crisp romaine, and a rich caramelized onion aioli, it’s a delicious, low-carb twist perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ large yellow onion, finely diced
- 1½ tsp brown sugar
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb ground beef (80–85% lean)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Roasted potatoes or French fries (homemade or frozen)
- Romaine lettuce, chopped
- Fresh tomatoes, sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the caramelized onion aioli. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and a pinch of salt, cooking for about 10 minutes and stirring occasionally until softened.
- Step 2: Stir in the brown sugar and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the onions turn deep golden and jammy. Add a splash of water if they start to brown too quickly. Transfer to a bowl.
- Step 3: Mix the caramelized onions with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then chill while preparing the rest.
- Step 4: Shape the ground beef into 4 to 6 equal patties. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Step 5: Wipe out the skillet used for the onions, heat over medium-high heat, and sear the patties for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until cooked to your desired doneness.
- Step 6: Assemble the burger bowls by layering chopped romaine lettuce at the bottom of each bowl. Add sliced tomatoes and a handful of roasted potatoes or French fries.
- Step 7: Place one cooked patty on top of each bowl, then spoon over a generous dollop of the caramelized onion aioli.
- Step 8: Garnish with extra aioli, a drizzle of hot sauce, or fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Add chopped pickles or avocado slices for extra texture and flavor.
- For a dairy-free aioli, substitute the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or omit it altogether.
- Try swapping romaine lettuce for kale or mixed greens for a different salad base.
Storage
Store leftover caramelized onion aioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cooked burger patties can be kept refrigerated for 2 days. Reheat patties gently in a skillet or microwave before serving. Assemble bowls fresh to keep lettuce crisp.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the aioli ahead of time?
Yes, the caramelized onion aioli can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What if I don’t have yellow onions?
You can substitute yellow onions with white or sweet onions, though yellow onions tend to caramelize best for a rich, deep flavor.
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Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli are a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional burgers, featuring juicy seared beef patties served over fresh romaine lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and crispy roasted potatoes or fries. The dish is elevated by a rich, homemade caramelized onion aioli that adds a sweet and tangy flavor, perfect for burger lovers looking for a fresh, bowl-style meal.
Ingredients
Caramelized Onion Aioli
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ large yellow onion, finely diced
- 1½ tsp brown sugar
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Burger Patties
- 1 lb ground beef (80–85% lean)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Assembly
- Romaine lettuce, chopped
- Fresh tomatoes, sliced
- Roasted potatoes or French fries (homemade or frozen)
Instructions
- Make the Caramelized Onion Aioli: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and a pinch of salt, cooking for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally until the onion softens. Stir in the brown sugar and continue cooking for another 5 to 10 minutes until the onions turn deep golden and jammy, adding a splash of water if they start to brown too quickly. Transfer the onions to a bowl and mix in the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste and chill while preparing the rest.
- Cook the Burger Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 to 6 equal portions and shape each into a patty. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Wipe out the skillet used for the onions and heat over medium-high heat. Sear the patties for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until cooked to your desired doneness.
- Assemble the Burger Bowls: Place a layer of chopped romaine lettuce into individual bowls. Add slices of fresh tomato and a handful of roasted potatoes or fries. Place one cooked patty on top of each bowl. Spoon a generous dollop of the caramelized onion aioli over each patty. Garnish with extra aioli, a drizzle of hot sauce, or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Use homemade roasted potatoes or your favorite frozen fries for convenience and best texture.
- For extra flavor, add pickles or shredded cheese to the bowl if dietary preference allows.
- To keep the aioli thicker, chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Adjust the cooking time of patties based on your preferred level of doneness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: burger bowl, caramelized onion aioli, low-carb burger, ground beef recipe, stovetop burger, healthy burger alternative
