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A close-up of a delicious smash burger bowl recipe with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and a creamy sauce.

Smash Burger Bowl

This smash burger bowl recipe delivers all the bold flavors of a classic diner burger in a fresh and satisfying bowl. Crispy seasoned beef, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, pickles, and a creamy burger sauce make this an easy high protein meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 465
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Smash Burger Bowl
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup diced dill pickles
  • 1 small red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Burger Sauce
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon pickle juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Equipment

  • Small bowl
  • Large skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • serving bowls

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle juice, and smoked paprika. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  2. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
  3. Add the ground beef in portions and press firmly into the skillet with a spatula to create thin smashed pieces.
  4. Season the beef with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  5. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until deeply browned and crispy, then flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until fully cooked to 160°F.
  6. Divide the chopped romaine lettuce into serving bowls.
  7. Top each bowl with crispy beef, cherry tomatoes, diced pickles, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  8. Drizzle with the prepared burger sauce and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispy edges, avoid overcrowding the skillet and cook the beef in batches if needed.