Name: Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (80/20); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 4 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup diced pickles; 1/4 cup diced red onion; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1.5 pounds russet potatoes, cut into fries; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix; Chopped fresh chives for garnish

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Craving all the bold, nostalgic flavors of your favorite cheeseburger and fries, but looking for a fresher, more vibrant twist? Enter Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries: juicy, seasoned ground beef layered over crisp lettuce and veggies, showered with tangy, creamy house sauce, all paired with golden, crispy ranch-dusted fries on the side. This playful, satisfying meal captures everything you love about classic burger night—no bun required, but all the fun and flavor. It’s the kind of dinner that feels comforting and exciting at the same time, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself on a weeknight.

Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries is how simple, everyday ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element shines: from the robust beef to the crunchy lettuce, the tang of pickles, and that signature sauce you’ll want to put on everything.

Ground beef (80/20): The juicy foundation for your burger bowl; rich flavor comes from a bit of fat.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory boost to the beef for that unmistakable burger taste.
Onion powder: Enhances the depth of seasoning in every bite.
Salt and black pepper: Don’t be shy—season generously for perfect beef.
Chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce: Crisp greens create a refreshing base to soak up all the flavors.
Cherry tomatoes, halved: Bring a pop of color and sweetness to your bowl.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp cheddar ties it all together and feels so “classic burger.”
Diced pickles: Add that irresistible tang and crunch that no burger is complete without.
Diced red onion: A little sharpness for bite and beautiful color contrast.
Mayonnaise: The base of our dreamy house sauce—don’t skimp!
Ketchup: Brings sweet, familiar burger vibes right into the dressing.
Yellow mustard: For a zippy, tangy kick in the house sauce.
Sweet pickle relish: Gives the sauce its signature “special sauce” flair.
Smoked paprika: A little smokiness to set the sauce apart.
Russet potatoes, cut into fries: The perfect sturdy fry for crispy outsides and fluffy middles.
Olive oil: Helps the fries roast up golden and delicious.
Ranch seasoning mix: Coats the fries in bold, herby flavor.
Chopped fresh chives: A final flourish of color and freshness for serving.

How to Make Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries

Step 1: Prep and Bake the Ranch Fries

First, crank up your oven to 425°F—it’s time to get those fries super crispy. Toss your freshly cut russet potatoes with a generous drizzle of olive oil and as much ranch seasoning as your tastebuds crave. Lay them out in a single, even layer (crowding = sogginess!) on a baking sheet. They’ll bake for 25 to 30 minutes, getting golden on the outside and fluffy inside. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through so every fry gets equal love and crunch!

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Burger Beef

While the fries sizzle away, grab your ground beef. For that “burger” feel, you can shape it into patties or crumble and brown it for easy scooping. Sprinkle liberally with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook over medium-high heat in a skillet: about 4-5 minutes per side for patties, or until no pink remains for crumbles. You want a nice browned crust for flavor—don’t rush it!

Step 3: Whisk Up the Signature House Sauce

Now, onto the real star: house sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet pickle relish, and smoked paprika. This sauce is creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and smoky—the topping that brings Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries together. Give it a quick taste and adjust any seasoning if you like.

Step 4: Assemble Your Burger Bowls

Start with crisp lettuce as your bowl’s base, then top with the hot, seasoned beef. Arrange the cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar, diced pickles, and red onion artfully on top—think of it as building the perfect loaded burger. Drizzle generously with your homemade house sauce. Each bowl is a personalized burger masterpiece!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve with Ranch Fries

By now, your fries are crisp and irresistible. Plate them alongside the burger bowls and shower everything with a sprinkle of fresh chives. The combo of juicy beef, cool veggies, punchy sauce, and zesty fries makes every bite exciting. Dinner is ready to wow!

How to Serve Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries

Garnishes

For the perfect finish, add a handful of freshly chopped chives or even sliced green onions over both the bowls and fries. A few extra pickle slices or a dusting of extra smoked paprika on the fries can really pop. Don’t forget to serve some extra house sauce on the side—there’s never too much of it!

Side Dishes

Although Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries are plenty hearty on their own, you can round out your meal with a crisp dill pickle spear, a simple green salad, or even a refreshing coleslaw. If you’re feeding a crowd, a big platter of watermelon or fruit salad is the perfect summery contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try setting up a “build-your-own burger bowl” bar with all the toppings in separate dishes—perfect for picky eaters or parties. For a fun twist, serve the house sauce in little squeeze bottles or ramekins for dipping fries. Or layer everything in mason jars for a portable picnic treat—a guaranteed conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries store surprisingly well. Keep the cooked beef, toppings, and fries in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the house sauce in a jar and the lettuce in a salad spinner or lined container to keep it crisp. Assemble right before eating for the freshest results.

Freezing

While the fresh veggies and house sauce aren’t freezer-friendly, you can freeze any cooked beef and even the fries. Spread fries out on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. The beef can go straight into a zip-top bag. Both keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To warm up, reheat the beef in a skillet or microwave until hot. For fries, the oven or air fryer is your best friend—bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes for crispy results. Avoid microwaving fries if you can, as they’ll lose their crunch. Reassemble your bowls and enjoy like new!

FAQs

Can I use a different protein besides beef?

Absolutely! Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based “beef” crumbles. All work beautifully in Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries, letting you customize to your preference while still delivering that burger-night joy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free ketchup and mustard in your sauce. Double check your ranch seasoning mix, as some brands may add wheat—otherwise, you’re all set for a tasty, bunless burger bowl!

Can I make the fries in an air fryer?

Definitely—just toss with oil and ranch seasoning as directed, then cook in batches at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The air fryer is a great way to make crispy ranch fries quickly while working on your burger bowls.

What toppings can I add to the burger bowls?

Get creative! Sliced avocado, crumbled bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even jalapeños make delicious additions. Personalize your Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries for your ideal bite every time.

How far in advance can I prep the components?

You can cook the beef and make the house sauce up to 3 days ahead. Chop all veggies (except the lettuce) and store separately. The fries are crispiest fresh, but they’ll reheat well in the oven or air fryer if you want to prep them earlier in the day.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of that burger-and-fries experience with a little extra freshness and wow factor, you need to give Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries a try. It’s playful, satisfying, and honestly—kind of addictive. Gather your favorite people (or just treat yourself!) and dig into one of the most delightful dinners you’ll make all season.

Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries are a deconstructed take on a classic burger, served with a flavorful house sauce and crispy seasoned fries. Perfect for a satisfying meal that’s both fun and delicious!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Burger Bowls:

1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup diced pickles
1/4 cup diced red onion

For the House Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Ranch Fries:

1.5 pounds russet potatoes, cut into fries
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
Chopped fresh chives for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Prepare the Fries: Toss the cut potatoes with olive oil and ranch seasoning mix, then spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Cook the Beef: Shape the ground beef into patties or crumble it for bowl-style topping. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side for patties, or until cooked through and browned if crumbled.
Make the House Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet pickle relish, and smoked paprika in a small bowl until smooth.
Assemble the Burger Bowls: Divide chopped lettuce among 4 bowls. Top each with cooked beef, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, pickles, and red onion. Drizzle with house sauce.
Serve: Serve the burger bowls with crispy ranch fries on the side, garnished with chopped chives.