Description
This Loaded Potato Big Mac Bowl is a delicious, comforting dish inspired by the classic Big Mac. It features crispy oven-baked or air-fried diced potatoes piled high with flavorful spiced minced beef, melty cheese, fresh shredded romaine lettuce, tangy pickles, and a creamy Big Mac-style burger sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal or casual gathering, this bowl showcases familiar flavors in a satisfying and easy-to-eat single serving bowl format.
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 (turkey, chicken, or plant-based mince can be substituted)
- 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)
To Assemble
- 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)
- 1 tbsp reserved finely diced onion (from above)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C (400°F) fan-forced, allowing it to heat for at least 20 minutes to ensure even, crispy potatoes.
- Prepare and season potatoes: On a large baking tray lined with parchment paper, toss the diced potatoes with 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp sweet paprika, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp sea salt flakes, and ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper. Spread the potatoes out evenly without overlapping. Use two trays if necessary to avoid crowding.
- Bake potatoes: Place the trays in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, turning the potatoes once halfway through and swapping trays if using two, until golden and crisp on the outside.
- Alternative air-frying method: Preheat an air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the basket (cook in batches if needed). Air fry for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until potatoes are golden and crispy on the edges.
- Cook the onion: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large, deep, heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, for 1–2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the minced beef: Add the 500 g minced beef to the pan and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a spoon, until it starts to brown evenly.
- Add spices to beef: Stir in 1 tsp sea salt flakes, 1 tsp sweet paprika, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to let the flavors meld, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the burger sauce: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup whole-egg mayonnaise, 2 tbsp finely chopped gherkins, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp sweet paprika, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Add 1–2 tablespoons water gradually to reach your desired sauce consistency, stirring well after each addition.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the baked or air-fried potatoes evenly among four bowls. Top each with a generous portion of the spiced beef mixture, followed by a generous sprinkle of the grated cheese, allowing it to melt slightly from the warmth. Then add shredded romaine lettuce, sliced gherkins, reserved diced onion, and finish with a generous drizzle of the homemade burger sauce.
- Serve immediately: Serve the Loaded Potato Big Mac Bowls immediately while warm and enjoy the combination of crispy potatoes, savory beef, melty cheese, fresh veggies, and tangy sauce.
Notes
- Note 1: For a lighter option, substitute turkey, chicken mince, or plant-based mince for the beef.
- Note 2: Check mayonnaise and Dijon mustard labels if you require gluten-free products.
- Note 3: For extra melty cheese, use a high-moisture cheese blend such as mozzarella combined with cheddar and colby.
- Use two oven trays if potatoes are crowded to ensure crispness.
- This recipe can be prepared using either oven baking or air frying depending on your preference and equipment available.
