Ultimate Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli – Full Article

If you love the flavor of a juicy cheeseburger but want a lighter, low-carb, or gluten-free option, these Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli are a game changer. Instead of a bun, each bowl is packed with fresh vegetables, seasoned ground meat, shredded cheese, and a decadent homemade caramelized onion aioli that ties all the flavors together. It’s like a burger in a bowl — all the satisfaction, none of the bread.🍔

Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli

All the flavor of a cheeseburger in a bowl 🍔🥗 — seasoned ground meat, fresh veggies, shredded cheese, and a rich caramelized onion aioli. Perfect for low-carb, keto, or gluten-free meals.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 bowls

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Burger Bowl Base

• 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken
• 4 cups shredded lettuce or mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1/2 cup pickles sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika optional

Caramelized Onion Aioli

• 1 large onion thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

• Skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Cook ground meat in a skillet over medium heat with salt, pepper, and paprika until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in the skillet. Cook onions slowly for 10–15 minutes until caramelized. Remove and cool slightly.
3. Mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Fold in caramelized onions.
4. Assemble bowls with shredded lettuce, cooked meat, cherry tomatoes, pickles, shredded cheese, and a generous drizzle of caramelized onion aioli.
5. Serve immediately. Optional: top with a fried or poached egg.

Notes

Store components separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble just before serving. Cooked meat can be frozen for up to 1 month; aioli should be used fresh.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bun-free burger experience: Perfect for low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets.
• All-in-one meal: Protein, veggies, and flavor in every bite.
• Quick and customizable: Swap meat for turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives.
• Decadent sauce: Caramelized onion aioli adds sweet, savory, and creamy layers.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the deconstructed burger vibe.

Ingredients

For the Bowls:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, turkey, or chicken
• 4 cups shredded lettuce or mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika (optional)

For Caramelized Onion Aioli:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Meat
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat with salt, pepper, and paprika until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
2. Caramelize Onions
   In the same skillet, heat olive oil or butter. Add onions and cook slowly for 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently, until deep golden and caramelized. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
3. Prepare Aioli
   In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in caramelized onions until fully combined.
4. Assemble Bowls
   Divide shredded lettuce or greens among serving bowls. Top with cooked meat, cherry tomatoes, pickles, shredded cheese, and a generous drizzle of caramelized onion aioli.
5. Serve
   Enjoy immediately while meat is warm and aioli is creamy. Optional: serve with a fried or poached egg on top for extra richness.

Tips & Variations

• Protein swaps: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
• Extra toppings: Avocado slices, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted peppers elevate flavor.
• Meal prep: Cook meat and caramelize onions ahead of time for quick weekday lunches.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the aioli.
• Cheese alternatives: Swiss, pepper jack, or mozzarella work beautifully.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Assemble just before serving.
• Freezer: Cooked meat can be frozen for up to 1 month; aioli should be used fresh.

Nutrition (Approx. per serving, 2 cups)

• Calories: 420
• Carbs: 10 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g