Craving a juicy burger but looking for something lighter or low-carb? These Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli have all the flavor of your favorite cheeseburger — crisp lettuce, juicy beef, cheese, pickles, and that tangy special sauce — but without the bun. It’s a deconstructed burger in bowl form, and it’s totally addictive.

What truly sets this dish apart is the caramelized onion aioli — a creamy, savory, slightly sweet sauce that takes the place of traditional ketchup and mustard. Made with slowly cooked onions, garlic, and mayo, it’s rich, flavorful, and totally irresistible. This recipe is perfect for meal prep, keto or paleo diets, or simply a healthier twist on comfort food.

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🛒 Ingredients (U.S. Measurements)

For the Burger Bowls:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup dill pickles, chopped
• Optional: cooked bacon, avocado slices, jalapeños, or sautéed mushrooms

For the Caramelized Onion Aioli:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

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🔥 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Caramelized Onion Aioli

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
2. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until deeply golden and soft.
3. Add garlic in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. In a small bowl, mix caramelized onions, mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend with a hand blender or food processor for a smooth texture. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Cook until browned and no longer pink (about 7–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Burger Bowls

1. In each bowl, start with a bed of chopped lettuce.
2. Add cooked ground beef, tomatoes, onion slices, cheese, pickles, and any additional toppings.
3. Drizzle with the caramelized onion aioli generously.

Step 4: Serve

Serve immediately while the beef is warm and the veggies are fresh and crisp. Enjoy with a fork!

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🧾 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Serves 4)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~480 kcal
Protein	24g
Carbohydrates	9g
Fat	38g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	4g
Sodium	750mg

Nutrition may vary based on toppings and serving size.

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💡 Tips & Tricks

• Meal prep: Cook the beef and caramelize the onions in advance for quick assembly during the week.
• Lettuce options: Romaine, iceberg, spinach, or even shredded cabbage all work well.
• Make it spicy: Add sriracha to the aioli or top with jalapeños for a kick.
• Keto-friendly: This recipe is naturally low-carb and high in protein and healthy fats.
• Vary the protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even black bean patties for a different take.

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🔥 Chef’s Extra Touch (From Me to You)

For extra crunch and flavor, top your burger bowls with crispy fried onions or toasted sesame seeds. Want to go full gourmet? Add a drizzle of truffle oil to the aioli — it’s next-level!