Description
This Loaded Potato Big Mac Bowl is a flavorful, hearty meal combining crispy oven-baked potatoes with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, fresh lettuce, dill pickles, and a tangy homemade burger sauce. Inspired by the iconic Big Mac, this bowl offers all the classic flavors in an easy-to-make and satisfying dish perfect for a family dinner or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 700 g (1 lb 9 oz) potatoes, diced into 2 cm (¾ inch) cubes (about 2 medium potatoes per person)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Beef Mixture
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely diced (reserve 1 tbsp for garnish)
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) lean minced (ground) beef (alternatives: turkey, chicken, or plant-based mince)
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Burger Sauce
- 1 cup (250 g) whole-egg mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp finely chopped gherkins (dill pickles)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1–2 tbsp water (to adjust consistency)
Toppings
- 2 cups (250 g) grated melting cheese (blend of mozzarella, red cheddar, and colby)
- 1 cos (romaine) lettuce, finely shredded
- ½ cup sliced gherkins (dill pickles)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: For oven baking, preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) (200°C/400°F fan-forced) for at least 20 minutes. For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the diced potatoes with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon sea salt flakes, and ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper until evenly coated.
- Bake Potatoes: For oven method, spread the potatoes evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, avoiding overlap (use two trays if necessary). Bake for 40–45 minutes until crisp and golden, turning once halfway and swapping trays if using two. For air fryer method, arrange potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if needed) and air fry for 20–25 minutes, shaking basket halfway through, until golden and crispy on edges.
- Cook Beef Mixture: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until softened. Add the minced beef and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it up and allowing it to brown. Add 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, then cook for another minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Burger Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup whole-egg mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons finely chopped gherkins, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons water gradually until reaching desired sauce consistency.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the crispy potatoes evenly among four bowls. Top each with the cooked beef mixture, then sprinkle ½ cup of the grated cheese on top for each bowl. Add a handful of finely shredded romaine lettuce, sliced gherkins, and the reserved diced onion. Finish by generously drizzling the prepared burger sauce over each bowl. Serve immediately to enjoy the cheese melty and potatoes crispy.
Notes
- Note 1: For a lighter alternative, substitute the ground beef with lean turkey, chicken mince, or a plant-based mince.
- Note 2: Most commercial mayonnaise and Dijon mustard brands are gluten-free, but always check the label if you have gluten sensitivities.
- Note 3: For extra melty cheese topping, you can briefly place assembled bowls under a hot grill or in an oven set to broil for 1–2 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-inspired
