Save This deconstructed burger bowl delivers all the satisfying flavors of a classic smash burger without the bun. Start with a base of crisp iceberg lettuce, then layer on juicy beef patties that are pressed flat and seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for that signature crispy edge. Top with cherry tomatoes, red onion, dill pickles, and shredded cheddar cheese. The star of the show is the homemade smash sauce—a creamy blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, and smoked paprika that ties everything together.
Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, these bowls come together in just 30 minutes. The beef develops a beautiful crust while staying tender inside, and each bite offers the perfect balance of savory meat, fresh vegetables, tangy pickles, and rich cheese. Customize with bacon, avocado, or your favorite burger toppings.
Last Tuesday I stared at my bunless burger patties and realized Id accidentally created something better than the original. The beef had developed that crispy lace edge from smashing it against the hot cast iron, and when I piled it over crisp lettuce with pickles and sauce, every bite felt more satisfying than any bun could provide.
My friend Sarah came over for lunch that same week, skeptical about eating a burger with a fork. She took one bite, eyes went wide, and immediately asked for the recipe. Now she makes it every Sunday for meal prep, texting me photos of her colorful bowls each week.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (80/20 blend): The higher fat content creates those irresistible crispy edges when smashed and keeps the meat juicy
- Shredded iceberg lettuce: Provides the essential crunch that mimics bun texture while staying fresh under hot beef
- Dill pickles: Their bright tang cuts through rich beef and cheese, adding the acid needed to balance every bite
- Smash Sauce ingredients: This homemade sauce replicates drive through flavor but with ingredients you can actually pronounce
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts slightly against warm beef while adding sharp contrast to fresh vegetables
Instructions
- Whisk together your sauce:
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and let it hang out in the refrigerator while you cook. The flavors need at least fifteen minutes to become friends.
- Get your skillet screaming hot:
- Heat your pan over medium high heat until it rippling. A cold pan means no crispy edges, and crispy edges are the whole point here.
- Smash the beef:
- Divide meat into four portions, drop them onto the hot surface, and press down firmly with your spatula. Season immediately while the raw meat absorbs the flavors.
- Build your base:
- Pile shredded lettuce into four bowls and arrange tomatoes, onions, and pickles on top. Think of this as creating a colorful edible canvas.
- Assemble and devour:
- Break up the cooked beef into bite sized pieces, scatter over the vegetables, and shower everything with cheddar. Drizzle with sauce and finish with chives.
Save My husband originally called this deconstructed burger sadness until he tried it. Now he requests it weekly and has started experimenting with different vegetable combinations, though he always returns to the classic version.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I swap in ground turkey when I want something lighter, though I miss the beefy flavor. The beauty is this bowl works with whatever protein you prefer.
The Secret To Perfect Lettuce
I learned to spin my lettuce completely dry after washing, otherwise water pools at the bottom of the bowl. A crisp leaf holds up better against warm beef and sauce.
Batch Cooking Wisdom
Meal prep this by keeping components separate in containers. The sauce stays good for a week, and everything assembles in under five minutes.
- Cook extra beef and freeze it for future bowls
- Prep all vegetables on Sunday for easy weekday lunches
- Double the sauce recipe because you will want it on everything
Save This bowl has become my go to when I want burger satisfaction without the afternoon food coma. Something about eating it with a fork makes me slow down and actually enjoy each bite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What makes this different from a regular burger?
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Everything you love about a classic smash burger is served deconstructed in a bowl format. This eliminates the bun for a lighter option while maximizing the fresh vegetable toppings and homemade sauce ratio. The beef still gets pressed and seared for those crispy edges, but you get more vegetables and toppings in every bite.
- → Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
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Absolutely. The smash sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored refrigerated. Vegetables can be chopped and stored in airtight containers for 2-3 days. The beef cooks in just minutes, so you can prep everything else and have dinner ready in under 15 minutes when it's time to eat.
- → What's the best beef blend to use?
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An 80/20 ground beef blend is ideal for maximum flavor and juiciness. The higher fat content helps create those crispy edges when smashed and keeps the meat tender. If using leaner beef, consider adding a bit of olive oil to the skillet before cooking to prevent sticking and drying out.
- → Is the smash sauce similar to special sauce?
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Yes, it's very similar to the classic special sauce found on popular burgers. The combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and relish creates that familiar tangy and creamy flavor profile. Smoked paprika adds a subtle depth that sets it apart.
- → How can I make this dairy-free?
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Simply omit the cheddar cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. The beef, vegetables, and sauce are naturally dairy-free. You can also add extra toppings like avocado or grilled mushrooms to add creaminess and richness without dairy.
- → What other toppings work well?
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Beyond the classic toppings, try adding sliced avocado, sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños for heat, or crispy onion strings. Some people enjoy adding a fried egg on top for extra richness. You can also crumble burger buns and toast them for croutons to add a bread element back in.
