Name: Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onioin Aiol
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 large yellow onion, finely diced; 1 1/2 tsp brown sugar; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 lb ground beef (80-85% lean); Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; For Serving:; Roasted potatoes or French fries (homemade or from frozen); Sliced tomatoes; Romaine lettuce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how this recipe combines the classic flavors of a burger with the freshness of a salad. The caramelized onion aioli is the star of the show, adding a creamy and slightly sweet touch that pairs perfectly with the savory burger patties. The crispy fries add crunch, while the lettuce and tomatoes provide a fresh, juicy contrast. Best of all, this recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to customize — whether I prefer gluten-free, low-carb, or just a classic take, it’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 large yellow onion, finely diced

1 1/2 tsp brown sugar

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 lb ground beef (80-85% lean)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For Serving:

Roasted potatoes or French fries (homemade or from frozen)

Sliced tomatoes

Romaine lettuce

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Caramelized Onion Aioli:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely diced onion with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens.

Add the brown sugar and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are a deep golden brown and have a jammy consistency. If they start to burn, add a splash of water to the pan.

Transfer the caramelized onions to a bowl and stir in the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the Burger Patties:

Divide the ground beef into 5-6 portions and shape them into patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Wipe out the skillet and return it to medium-high heat. Sear the patties for 2-3 minutes per side or until cooked to your liking.

Assemble the Burger Bowls:

To serve, layer chopped romaine lettuce in each bowl. Add sliced tomatoes, fries (or roasted potatoes), and a burger patty on top.

Finish by spooning generous dollops of the caramelized onion aioli over the burger patty.

Enjoy!

Serve immediately, or store the components separately if meal prepping for later.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 4 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Low-Carb Option: Swap out the fries for roasted cauliflower or zucchini fries to keep it low-carb.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free fries and adjust the aioli ingredients if needed (e.g., use dairy-free yogurt if vegan).

Vegan: Substitute the beef patties with a plant-based burger patty and use a dairy-free yogurt and mayo for the aioli.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the burger patties and aioli in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce and tomatoes fresh by storing them separately.

Reheating: Reheat the burger patties in a skillet over medium heat, and warm the aioli in the microwave or on the stove in a small pan. Assemble the bowls fresh when ready to eat.

FAQs

Can I make the caramelized onion aioli ahead of time?

Yes, the aioli can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. The flavors will develop even further as it sits.

Can I use a different type of cheese with these burger bowls?

Definitely! If I prefer, I can top the burger patties with cheese like cheddar, Swiss, or provolone before serving.

What can I serve instead of fries?

If I want a healthier alternative, I sometimes serve these burger bowls with roasted sweet potatoes or a simple side salad.

Can I use a different meat for the patties?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute can be used for the patties.

How do I adjust the flavor of the aioli?

The aioli can be customized by adding more garlic, lemon juice, or even a bit of Dijon mustard for extra tang.

Conclusion

These Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli are a delicious twist on the traditional burger, offering all the comfort of a classic meal with an extra touch of sophistication. The caramelized onion aioli is creamy and flavorful, perfectly complementing the savory burger patties. Whether you’re meal prepping or craving a quick, satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Enjoy!