Description

This Loaded Potato Big Mac Bowl is a delicious and comforting dish that combines crispy oven-baked or air-fried potatoes with seasoned minced beef, melty cheese, fresh lettuce, pickles, and a tangy homemade burger sauce. Inspired by the flavors of a Big Mac, this bowl offers a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner, served with all the favorite toppings in a convenient bowl format.

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 (alternatively 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 sauce 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)
Reserved 1 tbsp finely diced onion for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the potatoes – Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C (400°F) if using a fan-forced oven. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Toss the diced potatoes with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, sweet paprika, onion powder, sea salt flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper until coated well. Spread the potatoes evenly on the tray without overlapping. Use two trays if necessary.
Bake the potatoes – Place the tray(s) in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the potatoes are golden and crisp, turning once halfway through cooking. If using two trays, swap their positions halfway for even cooking.
Alternatively, air fry the potatoes – Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Cook the beef mixture – Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep, heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until softened. Add the minced beef and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Sprinkle in sea salt flakes, sweet paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cracked black pepper, then cook for another minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the burger sauce – In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, finely chopped gherkins, dijon mustard, ketchup, sweet paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Add 1 tablespoon of water at a time to reach your preferred sauce consistency. Mix well.
Assemble the bowls – Divide the crispy potatoes evenly among four serving bowls. Top each with the cooked beef mixture, then sprinkle with the grated cheese. Add finely shredded romaine lettuce, sliced gherkins, and the reserved finely diced onion as garnish. Drizzle generously with the prepared burger sauce.
Serve immediately – Enjoy the bowls while everything is warm, melty, and fresh.

Notes

For a lighter alternative to beef, you can use lean turkey, chicken, or plant-based mince without compromising flavor.
Check labels on mayonnaise and dijon mustard for gluten content if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
For extra melty cheese topping, consider adding the cheese under the broiler briefly or covering the bowls for a minute to allow the cheese to melt slightly before serving.
If using an air fryer, make sure not to overcrowd the basket to ensure even crispiness on potatoes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American-inspired