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Smash burger bowl with crispy beef, air-fried potatoes, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and Cajun sauce

Smash Burger Bowl

Crispy-edged smashed 80/20 ground beef served over golden air-fried red potatoes with caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a bold homemade Cajun special sauce. A quick, high-protein weeknight dinner ready in 45 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 fat ratio required for crispy smash burger edges
  • 3 medium red potatoes diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for tossing potatoes
  • 1 cup onions diced, for caramelizing
  • 1 cup shredded cheese Colby Jack or pepper jack
  • 0.5 cup pickles sliced
  • 1 cup lettuce any leafy greens
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise for special sauce
  • 2 tbsp ketchup low-sugar preferred
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Large skillet or cast iron pan
  • Spatula
  • Small mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F. Toss diced red potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and preferred seasoning. Spread in a single layer without overlapping. Air fry for 16 to 18 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
  2. While potatoes cook, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add diced onions and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and caramelized. Remove and set aside.
  3. Raise skillet heat to medium-high. Add ground beef in loose chunks and press flat against the pan with a spatula. Hold for a few seconds. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes total, smashing and breaking up pieces, until browned with crispy caramelized edges. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Cajun seasoning until smooth. Adjust to taste.
  5. Build each bowl with crispy potatoes as the base, then smashed beef, caramelized onions, and shredded cheese. Drizzle Cajun sauce generously over the top. Finish with pickles and lettuce. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef. Lean beef will not produce crispy smash burger edges. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or potatoes will steam. Caramelize onions on medium-low heat for best flavor, do not rush on high heat. Store all components separately for up to 3 days. Reheat potatoes in air fryer at 375 degrees F for 4 to 5 minutes. Sauce keeps in fridge for up to 5 days.