Description
This Loaded Potato Big Mac Bowl is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines crispy roasted or air-fried potatoes with savory seasoned beef, melty cheese, fresh lettuce, pickles, and a tangy homemade burger sauce. Inspired by the classic Big Mac flavors, this recipe offers a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 700 g (1 lb 9 oz) potatoes, diced into 2 cm (¾ inch) cubes (about 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 (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: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C (400°F) fan-forced and allow it to heat for at least 20 minutes to ensure even cooking of the potatoes.
- Prepare the Potatoes for Baking: Place the diced potatoes on a large baking tray lined with parchment paper. Add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, sweet paprika, onion powder, sea salt flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the potatoes, then spread them out in a single layer without overlapping. If needed, use two trays for space.
- Bake the Potatoes: Bake the potatoes for 40 to 45 minutes until golden and crispy, turning the potatoes halfway through cooking. Swap tray positions if using two trays to ensure even baking.
- Alternate Potato Cooking Method – Air Frying: If using an air fryer, preheat it to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the potatoes have a golden and crispy exterior.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, deep, heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 1–2 minutes until softened. Add the lean minced beef and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring and breaking up the meat, until it starts browning.
- Season the Beef: To the browning beef, add 1 tsp sea salt flakes, 1 tsp sweet paprika, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper. Stir well and cook for an additional minute to develop flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Burger Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the whole-egg mayonnaise, finely chopped gherkins, Dijon mustard, ketchup, sweet paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly. Add water gradually, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency for drizzling.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the crispy cooked potatoes evenly among four bowls. Top each with a generous portion of the flavorful beef mixture followed by a generous sprinkling of the grated melting cheese.
- Add Fresh Toppings and Sauce: Add finely shredded romaine lettuce, sliced gherkins, and the reserved tablespoon of diced onion to each bowl. Finally, drizzle the prepared burger sauce generously over the top.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Loaded Potato Big Mac Bowl straight away while the potatoes are crispy and the cheese is melty for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- You can substitute the minced beef with minced turkey, chicken, or plant-based mince to suit dietary preferences.
- The mayonnaise and mustard used in the burger sauce can contain gluten; check labels if you require a gluten-free version.
- For extra melty cheese, heat the assembled bowls briefly under a grill or microwave just before serving.
