Description
This Loaded Potato Big Mac Bowl is a hearty and flavorful meal inspired by the classic Big Mac burger, but served as a satisfying bowl dish. It features crispy oven-baked or air-fried seasoned potatoes topped with a savory spiced beef mixture, gooey melted cheese, fresh romaine lettuce, tangy pickles, and a creamy homemade burger sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner with all the flavors of a Big Mac in a fun, customizable bowl format.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 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 (ground) 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 (to adjust consistency)
Toppings
- 2 cups (250 g) grated melting cheese (blend of mozzarella, red cheddar, and colby recommended)
- 1 cos (romaine) lettuce, finely shredded
- ½ cup sliced gherkins (dill pickles)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer: For oven-baking, preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) (200°C/400°F fan-forced) for at least 20 minutes. For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare and Season Potatoes: In a large baking tray lined with parchment paper, toss the diced potatoes with extra-virgin olive oil, sweet paprika, onion powder, sea salt flakes, and black pepper until evenly coated. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer without overlapping. Use two trays if necessary.
- Cook Potatoes: For the oven, bake the potatoes for 40–45 minutes until crisp and golden, turning once halfway through and swapping trays if using two. For the 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 on the edges.
- Cook Beef Mixture: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 1–2 minutes until softened. Add the minced beef and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it up and browning. Stir in sea salt, sweet paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper, and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make Burger Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, finely chopped gherkins, Dijon mustard, ketchup, sweet paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Add water one tablespoon at a time until reaching your desired sauce consistency.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked potatoes evenly among four bowls. Top each with the spiced beef mixture, then sprinkle with grated cheese. Add shredded romaine lettuce, sliced gherkins, reserved diced onion, and drizzle generously with the homemade burger sauce. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For variations, you can substitute the beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based mince for different dietary preferences.
- The mayonnaise and Dijon mustard used are typically gluten-free, but always check the labels if you’re sensitive to gluten.
- For extra melty cheese, use high-moisture varieties like mozzarella or a cheese blend with good melting properties.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your oven or air fryer model; adjust accordingly for best crispiness.
