Description
This Loaded Potato Big Mac Bowl is a deliciously hearty and flavorful meal inspired by the classic Big Mac burger, transformed into a comforting bowl featuring crispy oven-baked or air-fried potatoes, seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, fresh lettuce, pickles, and a tangy homemade burger sauce. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner that brings all the favorite flavors together in one bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 700 g (1 lb 9 oz) potatoes, diced into 2 cm (¾ inch) cubes
- 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
Additional Toppings
- 2 cups (250 g) grated melting cheese (mozzarella, red cheddar, and colby blend)
- 1 cos (romaine) lettuce, finely shredded
- ½ cup sliced gherkins (dill pickles)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven – Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C (400°F) if fan-forced, allowing at least 20 minutes to reach the temperature.
- Prepare Potatoes for Baking – On a large baking tray lined with parchment paper, toss the diced potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon sea salt flakes, and ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Spread them out evenly so they don’t overlap, using two trays if necessary.
- Bake Potatoes – Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes until crisp and golden, turning once halfway through the cooking time. If using two trays, swap their positions halfway for even baking.
- Alternate Air Frying Method – If preferred, preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Arrange potatoes in a single layer in the basket (cook in batches if needed), air frying for 20 to 25 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping.
- Cook Beef Mixture – Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, deep heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until softened.
- Add and Brown Beef – Add the minced beef to the pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until it begins to brown.
- Season Beef – Add 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper to the beef. Stir and cook for another minute, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Burger Sauce – In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup whole-egg mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons finely chopped gherkins, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Assemble Bowls – Divide the crispy potatoes evenly among four bowls. Top each with the beef mixture, then sprinkle ½ cup of the grated melting cheese over each.
- Add Fresh Ingredients and Sauce – Finish each bowl with finely shredded romaine lettuce, sliced gherkins, the reserved diced onion, and a generous drizzle of the prepared burger sauce.
- Serve Immediately – Serve the bowls immediately while everything is warm and the cheese is melty for the best experience.
Notes
- You can substitute lean minced beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based mince if preferred.
- Whole-egg mayonnaise and Dijon mustard are commonly gluten-free but check labels if gluten is a concern.
- For extra melty cheese, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-packaged shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- If air frying potatoes, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding for best crispness.
