Description
This Loaded Potato Big Mac Bowl is a delicious, hearty dish inspired by the classic Big Mac flavors but served as a comforting bowl meal. Featuring crispy oven-baked or air-fried potatoes, seasoned lean minced beef, melty cheese, fresh lettuce, and a creamy homemade burger sauce, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying family dinner or casual meal. It combines familiar tastes in a fresh and easy-to-assemble way.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 700 g (1 lb 9 oz) potatoes, diced into 2 cm (¾ inch) cubes
- 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 beef
- 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
Additional Toppings
- 2 cups (250 g) grated melting cheese (mozzarella, red cheddar, and Colby blend)
- 1 cos (romaine) lettuce, finely shredded
- ½ cup sliced gherkins (dill pickles)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven or air fryer – For oven baking, preheat to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C (400°F) fan-forced for at least 20 minutes. For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare the potatoes – Toss the diced potatoes with extra-virgin olive oil, sweet paprika, onion powder, sea salt flakes, and black pepper until fully coated.
- Cook the potatoes – For oven: spread potatoes evenly on a lined baking tray (use two trays if needed) and bake for 40–45 minutes, turning once halfway and swapping trays if using two. For air fryer: arrange potatoes in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway through until golden and crispy.
- Cook the beef mixture – Heat olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 1–2 minutes until softened. Add minced beef and cook for 4–5 minutes until browning, breaking it up as it cooks. Add sea salt, sweet paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper; cook for 1 more minute. Set aside.
- Make the burger sauce – In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped gherkins, Dijon mustard, ketchup, sweet paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Assemble the bowls – Divide the crispy potatoes among four bowls. Top each with the cooked beef mixture, sprinkle with grated cheese, then add shredded lettuce, sliced gherkins, reserved onion, and a generous drizzle of the burger sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For turkey, chicken, or plant-based mince, substitute the beef with equal weight alternatives.
- The mayonnaise and Dijon mustard used are typically gluten-free, but check brand labels if gluten is a concern.
- For extra melty cheese, use a higher-fat cheese blend and add it while the beef is still hot to aid melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-inspired
