Print

Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 61 reviews

Delicious burger bowls featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, shredded cheddar, and a rich caramelized onion aioli—offering all the flavor of a classic burger without the bun. Perfect for a low-carb, wholesome meal with layers of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Burger Meat:

  • 1½ Pounds Ground Beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt
  • ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

For the Caramelized Onion Aioli:

  • 2 Large Yellow Onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter (unsalted)
  • 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar (light)
  • ½ Cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 Tablespoons Sour Cream (full-fat)
  • 1 Garlic Clove, minced
  • 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
  • ½ Teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper

For the Bowl Assembly:

  • 6 Cups Mixed Greens or Chopped Romaine Lettuce
  • 2 Large Tomatoes, diced (or 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes, halved)
  • 1 Large Cucumber, diced (English cucumber preferred)
  • ½ Large Red Onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (sharp)
  • ½ Cup Dill Pickle Slices
  • ¼ Cup Fresh Chives, chopped

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and brown sugar, stirring to coat. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally for 25-30 minutes until the onions become deep golden brown, jammy, and sweet. Low and slow heat is essential for best flavor development.
  2. Prepare the Burger Meat: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands just until ingredients are incorporated to avoid tough meat.
  3. Make the Aioli: Remove caramelized onions from heat and let cool slightly. In a small bowl, stir mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper together. Fold in the cooled caramelized onions. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Refrigerate if preparing ahead (up to 3 days).
  4. Prepare Fresh Vegetables: Wash and chop mixed greens or romaine lettuce. Dice tomatoes or halve cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice red onion. Arrange separately for easy assembly. Shred cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded.
  5. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the meat to brown well and cook through. Avoid overstirring to develop good browning.
  6. Rest and Season Meat: Remove cooked ground beef from heat and let it rest a few minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning to ensure robust flavor.
  7. Assemble the Bowls: Start with a generous base of fresh lettuce in each bowl. Top with a warm portion of browned ground beef in the center.
  8. Add Vegetables and Pickles: Arrange diced tomatoes, cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and dill pickle slices around the beef in colorful sections.
  9. Top with Aioli and Cheese: Spoon a generous dollop of caramelized onion aioli over each bowl, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh chives.
  10. Serve: Serve immediately while the beef is warm, with extra aioli on the side for added flavor.

Notes

  • Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness, but 85/15 is acceptable for leaner preferences.
  • Cooking onions low and slow is key to deep caramelization—don’t rush by increasing heat.
  • For less onion bite, soak thinly sliced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes and drain.
  • Prepare the aioli ahead of time to let flavors meld; it keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Use regular olive oil (not extra virgin) for high-heat cooking to avoid bitterness.
  • Freshly ground black pepper enhances flavor better than pre-ground.
  • Shredding your own cheese melts better but pre-shredded is convenient.
  • Adjust seasonings, especially salt and pepper, at multiple stages for balanced taste.

Keywords: burger bowls, low carb burger, caramelized onion aioli, ground beef recipe, keto burger bowl, no bun burger, healthy burger alternative, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/burger-bowls-with-caramelized-onion-aioli-recipe/