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Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 64 reviews

These Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli are a fresh, low-carb twist on classic burgers. Ground beef seasoned with smoky paprika and Worcestershire sizzle in a skillet to juicy perfection, while sweet, slow-caramelized onions enrich a creamy, tangy aioli. Served atop crisp greens with fresh vegetables, crunchy pickles, and sharp cheddar cheese, these bowls deliver all the flavor of a burger without the bun.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Caramelized Onion Aioli

  • 2 Large Yellow Onions (thinly sliced)
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter (unsalted)
  • 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
  • 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

Bowl Assembly

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

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and brown sugar, stirring to coat. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until onions are deep golden brown and jammy. Low and slow heat is key to develop rich sweetness.
  2. Prepare Burger Meat: Meanwhile, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined to avoid tough meat.
  3. Make Aioli: Remove caramelized onions from heat and let cool slightly. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooled caramelized onions thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate if not using immediately (up to 3 days).
  4. Prep Vegetables: Wash and chop lettuce; dice tomatoes and cucumber; thinly slice red onion. Arrange all vegetables separately for easy assembly. Shred cheddar cheese if needed.
  5. Cook Burger Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until well browned and cooked through. Allow browning by not stirring too frequently.
  6. Rest Meat and Adjust Seasoning: Remove skillet from heat and let meat rest a few minutes. Taste and add salt or pepper if necessary. The meat should be juicy and flavorful.
  7. Assemble Bowls: Place a generous base of fresh lettuce in each serving bowl to provide freshness and crunch.
  8. Add Meat: Spoon warm cooked ground beef onto the lettuce in each bowl.
  9. Arrange Vegetables: Surround the meat with diced tomatoes, cucumber, sliced red onion, and pickle slices, creating colorful, accessible sections.
  10. Finish and Serve: Top each bowl with a generous dollop of caramelized onion aioli, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and fresh chives. Serve immediately with extra aioli on the side.

Notes

  • Use 80/20 ground beef for best juiciness and flavor, though 85/15 can be used for leaner meat.
  • Slowly caramelizing onions is critical to develop deep sweetness and complex flavor; don’t rush by increasing heat.
  • The aioli can be prepared a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for best brightness and acidity.
  • English cucumbers are preferred due to thin skins and fewer seeds but regular cucumbers work if peeled.
  • For milder onion flavor, soak sliced red onions in cold water before adding to bowls.
  • Shredding your own cheese provides better melting and flavor than pre-shredded.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free and low-carb without needing bread buns.

Keywords: burger bowls, caramelized onion aioli, ground beef recipe, low carb burger, gluten free burger, stovetop burger, low carb meal

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