Description
This Loaded Potato Big Mac Bowl combines crispy oven-baked or air-fried potatoes with a seasoned beef mixture, melty cheese, fresh lettuce, pickles, and a flavorful homemade burger sauce. It’s a comforting, bowl-style meal inspired by the iconic Big Mac but with a twist, perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 700 g (1 lb 9 oz) potatoes, diced into 2 cm (¾ inch) cubes (roughly 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 (1 tbsp reserved for garnish)
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) lean minced ground beef (alternatives: turkey, chicken, 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 Assemble
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: If baking, preheat your oven 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: On a large baking tray lined with baking paper, toss diced potatoes with extra-virgin olive oil, sweet paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly without overlapping to ensure crisping. If baking, use two trays if necessary.
- Cook the Potatoes: For oven baking, bake for 40–45 minutes, turning once halfway and swapping tray positions if using two for even cooking. For air frying, arrange potatoes in a single layer in the fryer basket, cook for 20–25 minutes shaking halfway through until golden and crispy.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 1–2 minutes until softened. Add minced beef and cook 4–5 minutes, breaking it up and allowing it to brown. Stir in salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook for another minute, then 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 loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide crispy potatoes among four bowls. Top with the seasoned beef mixture, then sprinkle generously with grated cheese for melty goodness. Add shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, reserved diced onion, and finish with a generous drizzle of burger sauce. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute the minced beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based mince for different dietary preferences.
- The whole-egg mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and ketchup are generally gluten-free but always check labels if gluten is a concern.
- For extra melty cheese, use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar varieties to get the perfect gooey texture.
