Homemade Burger Bowls

This is one of my favorite ways to make burgers and fries at home. Crispy smashed potatoes, ground beef, slow sautéed onions, all the toppings you love, and a tangy burger sauce that ties everything together.

I love this recipe for nights when I want something satisfying and grounding without ordering takeout. It’s unfussy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for assembling exactly how you like it (extra pickles for me, aaaalways!)

Ingredients

For the smashed potatoes

1½ lbs baby potatoes

Olive oil

Salt

For the beef

1 lb ground beef

Salt + pepper

For the sautéed onions

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

Olive oil

Pinch of salt

Toppings

1-2 tomatoes, chopped

Dill pickles

Pickled red onions

1 avocado, sliced

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Burger Sauce

½ cup mayo

1–2 tbsp pickle brine

1–2 tbsp ketchup

Fresh cracked pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until fork tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain.

2. Place potatoes on a lined baking sheet and gently smash each one with the bottom of a glass. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 25–35 minutes, until golden and crispy.

3. While the potatoes bake, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden, about 10–15 minutes. Set aside.

4. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it browns. Season generously with salt and pepper.

5. Whisk together mayo, pickle brine, ketchup, and cracked pepper. Adjust to taste — more brine for tang, more ketchup for sweetness.

6. Assemble and serve warm.