Description
This Loaded Potato Big Mac Bowl is a delicious, comforting dish that combines crispy oven-baked or air-fried potatoes with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, fresh romaine lettuce, pickles, and a tangy homemade burger sauce. Inspired by the flavors of a classic Big Mac, this recipe offers a fuss-free, bowl-friendly twist that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or casual meal with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 700 g (1 lb 9 oz) potatoes, diced into 2 cm (¾ inch) cubes (roughly 2 medium potatoes per person)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Beef Mixture
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely diced (reserve 1 tbsp for garnish)
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) lean minced beef
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Burger Sauce
- 1 cup (250 g) whole-egg mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp finely chopped gherkins (dill pickles)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1–2 tbsp water (to adjust consistency)
Toppings
- 2 cups (250 g) grated melting cheese (blend of mozzarella, red cheddar, and colby)
- 1 cos (romaine) lettuce, finely shredded
- ½ cup sliced gherkins (dill pickles)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven or air fryer: If baking, preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C (400°F) fan-forced for at least 20 minutes. If using an air fryer, preheat to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare the potatoes: Toss diced potatoes with extra-virgin olive oil, sweet paprika, onion powder, sea salt flakes, and black pepper on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spread evenly, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Bake or air fry potatoes: Bake in the oven for 40–45 minutes, turning once halfway through and swapping trays if using two; or air fry in a single layer for 20–25 minutes, shaking basket halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Cook the beef mixture: Heat olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Sauté finely diced onion for 1–2 minutes until softened. Add minced beef and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Season with salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute and set aside.
- Make the burger sauce: Mix mayonnaise, chopped gherkins, Dijon mustard, ketchup, sweet paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder in a bowl. Add water one tablespoon at a time to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the crispy potatoes into four bowls. Top each with the beef mixture, sprinkle grated cheese, then add shredded romaine lettuce, sliced gherkins, reserved diced onion, and drizzle generously with the burger sauce. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- You can substitute lean minced beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based mince.
- Check mayonnaise and Dijon mustard labels for gluten content if needed.
- For extra melty cheese, cover the assembled bowls briefly under a hot grill or microwave before serving.
