Imagine a juicy, flavorful burger, but without the bun just the best parts, deconstructed into a vibrant, hearty bowl. This Sweet Potato Burger Bowl is packed with crispy roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and a creamy, tangy special sauce that ties it all together. It’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and fresh, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
Not only is this meal delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, looking for a healthy yet filling dinner, or craving classic burger flavors with a nutritious twist, this dish has you covered. Customize it with your favorite toppings, add a fried egg or cheese, and enjoy a meal that’s as wholesome as it is indulgent.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Meat:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 small sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
For the Bowls:
- 1 bag shredded lettuce (8 oz)
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 pint diced tomatoes (10 oz)
- ½ cup pickles, diced
- Special sauce (see below)
Special Sauce:
- ⅓ cup mayo
- 2 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Dash of salt and pepper
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel and dice the sweet potatoes, then place them in a large bowl.
- Toss the sweet potatoes with avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the sweet potatoes evenly on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
- While the sweet potatoes bake, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Once both the meat and sweet potatoes are cooked, assemble the bowls.
- Layer shredded lettuce, sweet potatoes, seasoned beef, red onion, diced tomatoes, and pickles.
- Drizzle with the special sauce and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 369 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Sweet Potato Burger Bowl: A Nutritious Twist on a Classic Favorite
If you love burgers and sweet potato fries, then this Sweet Potato Burger Bowl is the perfect meal to satisfy your cravings while keeping things nutritious and wholesome. This dish takes all the best parts of a classic burger juicy, seasoned beef, fresh toppings, and a creamy special sauce and serves it over a bed of roasted sweet potatoes instead of a bun. It’s a deconstructed burger that not only tastes amazing but is also packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a meal prep option, or a fun new way to enjoy a burger, this recipe has you covered. The combination of savory beef, crispy sweet potatoes, and fresh veggies makes for a well-balanced dish that will keep you full and energized. Plus, it’s gluten-free and easily customizable, so you can tailor it to your dietary preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. A Healthier Take on a Burger and Fries
Traditional burgers, while delicious, can sometimes be heavy, especially when paired with a side of deep-fried fries. This Sweet Potato Burger Bowl keeps all the delicious flavors of a burger but replaces the bun with nutrient-rich sweet potatoes and uses wholesome ingredients for a well-rounded, lighter meal. Instead of frying, the sweet potatoes are oven-roasted, giving them a crispy texture without the extra oil and calories.
2. Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s great for meal prepping. You can cook everything ahead of time and store individual portions in the fridge for quick, grab-and-go meals throughout the week. The flavors stay fresh, and reheating is simple just warm it up in the microwave or on the stove, and you have a nutritious, homemade meal ready in minutes.
3. Easy to Customize
This recipe serves as a great base, but you can switch things up depending on your preferences. Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative like black beans, lentils, or tofu. Prefer turkey or chicken? Go ahead and substitute! You can also add different toppings like avocado, a fried egg, shredded cheese, or crispy bacon to make it your own.
4. Nutrient-Dense and Satisfying
Sweet potatoes are a superfood, packed with fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. When paired with lean protein from the ground beef and fresh veggies, this meal is both satisfying and incredibly nutritious. The high fiber content helps keep you full for longer, making this an excellent meal for those looking to maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.
Tips for Making the Best Sweet Potato Burger Bowl
1. Get the Perfect Sweet Potato Texture
For the best roasted sweet potatoes, make sure to cut them into even-sized pieces so they cook uniformly. Tossing them in avocado oil and seasoning ensures they get crispy on the outside while staying soft on the inside. To achieve extra crispiness, spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet and avoid overcrowding.
2. Use High-Quality Ground Beef
Since the beef is a key component of this dish, it’s important to choose a high-quality option. Look for lean ground beef (such as 90/10) to reduce excess fat while still keeping it flavorful. If you prefer, you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
3. Let the Special Sauce Elevate the Dish
A good burger isn’t complete without a delicious sauce, and this homemade special sauce is what brings everything together. Made with mayo, ketchup, mustard, and a touch of apple cider vinegar, it adds the perfect creamy, tangy element. If you like a little spice, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or sriracha for extra heat.
4. Assemble with Fresh and Crunchy Toppings
Fresh veggies add texture and balance to this dish. Shredded lettuce, red onions, diced tomatoes, and pickles all work together to mimic the flavors of a classic burger, but in a bowl format. You can also experiment with different greens, like baby spinach or arugula, for added variety.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
While this dish is a complete meal on its own, you can pair it with a few extra sides to round it out. Here are some great options:
- Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing complements the flavors of the burger bowl.
- Grilled Vegetables: If you’re looking to add more vegetables to your meal, roasted or grilled asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers make great additions.
- Fresh Fruit: A bowl of mixed berries, apple slices, or pineapple can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors.
- Avocado Slices or Guacamole: The creaminess of avocado pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of the beef and sweet potatoes.
If you’re serving this meal for guests, consider setting up a burger bowl bar with different toppings and sauces so everyone can customize their bowl to their liking!
Common Questions About This Recipe
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. To make it vegan, also replace the mayo in the special sauce with a dairy-free alternative.
How long do leftovers last?
This dish stays fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s a great meal prep option!
Can I use white potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! If you prefer white potatoes, you can swap them in for a slightly different flavor profile. You can also try a mix of both for variety.
Can I cook the beef ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the beef in advance and store it separately. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it and assemble your bowl.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Every ingredient in this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Conclusion
The Sweet Potato Burger Bowl is a fun, flavorful, and nutritious way to enjoy all the elements of a classic burger in a healthier, gluten-free, and customizable format. It’s easy to make, great for meal prep, and packed with a balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients to keep you satisfied.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep-friendly dish, or a creative twist on burger night, this recipe is a must-try. Plus, with endless ways to customize it, you can make it your own every time you prepare it.
So, the next time you’re craving a burger but want a lighter, more wholesome version, ditch the bun and fries and try this Sweet Potato Burger Bowl instead!