Ingredients
For the Homemade Spice Mix:
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1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon dried oregano (or mixed dried herbs)
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Crispy Potato “Fries”:
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2 to 3 medium potatoes, washed and sliced into thick wedges or chips
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2 tablespoons olive oil (divided for use)
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Salt to taste
For the Seasoned Ground Beef:
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500 grams (about 1 pound) ground beef
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 tablespoons prepared spice mix (see above)
For the Chicken “Bacon” Strips:
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200 grams chicken breast, cut into thin strips
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Burger Bowl Assembly:
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1 cup chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 medium tomato, diced
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½ red onion, thinly sliced
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½ cup pickles or gherkins, sliced
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Optional: sliced avocado, jalapeños, or grilled mushrooms
For the Burger Sauce:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons ketchup
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1 teaspoon mustard
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1 teaspoon pickle juice
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Chill until ready to serve.
Instructions
1. Prepare and Roast the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Slice potatoes into wedges or thick chips.
- Toss them in 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Spread evenly on a lined baking tray.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- They should be crisp on the outside and soft in the center.
2. Make the Burger Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Mix well and place in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Season and Cook the Chicken Strips
- Toss the chicken strips in olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the chicken strips until golden and slightly crisp, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and break it up with a spatula.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the prepared spice mix and cook until the meat is fully browned and slightly crispy on edges (about 7–10 minutes).
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
- Wash and chop lettuce.
- Dice the tomato and slice the red onion thinly.
- Slice pickles and prepare any optional toppings like avocado or jalapeños.
6. Assemble the Burger Bowls
- Start with a bed of lettuce in each bowl.
- Add a generous scoop of seasoned ground beef.
- Place potato wedges on one side.
- Layer chicken strips over the top or on the side.
- Add tomato, red onion, pickles, and cheese.
- Drizzle with burger sauce or serve on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use pre-shredded cheese to save time and cleanup.
- Make the spice mix in advance and store it in an airtight jar. It’s great for other recipes too.
- Customize to your taste: Swap beef with ground chicken or turkey. Use sweet potatoes instead of regular for a different spin.
- Meal prep tip: Cook the beef and chicken ahead of time, and roast the potatoes fresh to keep them crispy.
- Add crunch with cabbage: Substitute or mix lettuce with shredded cabbage for more bite.
- Sauce variation: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or sriracha to the burger sauce for some heat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes