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None of the Bun!) Complete Recipe

None of the Bun!) Complete Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 23 reviews

These Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli deliver all the classic burger flavors without the bun. Featuring juicy, seasoned ground beef served over a crisp bed of mixed greens and fresh vegetables, topped with a rich, sweet-savory caramelized onion aioli, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh chives, this low-carb meal is both satisfying and refreshing. Perfect for those seeking a gluten-free and bunless burger experience with all the authentic taste.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Burger Meat:

  • 1½ Pounds Ground Beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt (kosher or fine sea salt)
  • ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil (regular, for cooking)

For the Caramelized Onion Aioli:

  • 2 Large Yellow Onions (thinly sliced)
  • 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar (light)
  • ½ Cup Mayonnaise (high quality like Hellmann’s or Duke’s)
  • 2 Tablespoons Full-fat Sour Cream
  • 1 Garlic Clove (minced finely)
  • 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice (strained)
  • ½ Teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)

For the Bowl Assembly:

  • 6 Cups Mixed Greens or Chopped Romaine Lettuce (washed and dried)
  • 2 Large Tomatoes (diced) or 2 Cups Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 Large English Cucumber (diced)
  • ½ Large Red Onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 Cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • ½ Cup Dill Pickle Slices
  • ¼ Cup Fresh Chives (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and brown sugar, stirring to coat evenly. Cook slowly for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are deep golden brown, jammy, and sweet. Avoid rushing this process for the best flavor development.
  2. Prepare the Burger Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can toughen the meat.
  3. Make the Caramelized Onion Aioli: Remove the caramelized onions from heat once done and allow to cool slightly. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Fold in the cooled caramelized onions thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The aioli may be refrigerated up to 3 days ahead.
  4. Prepare Vegetables and Cheese: Wash and chop the lettuce or mixed greens, dice the tomatoes and cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and shred the cheddar cheese if using a block. Arrange ingredients separately for easy assembly.
  5. Cook the Burger Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the prepared ground beef mixture, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is well browned and fully cooked through. Allow meat to develop good browning for optimal flavor.
  6. Rest and Season the Meat: Remove skillet from heat and let the cooked beef rest for a few minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary for a well-balanced, flavorful profile.
  7. Assemble the Burger Bowls: Begin with a generous base of fresh mixed greens or romaine lettuce in each bowl. Follow by adding a warm portion of the cooked ground beef in the center.
  8. Add Fresh Vegetables and Pickles: Around the beef, arrange diced tomatoes, cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, and dill pickle slices in neat sections to provide vibrant color and a variety of fresh textures.
  9. Finish with Aioli and Garnishes: Dollop a generous spoonful of caramelized onion aioli atop each bowl. Sprinkle evenly with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh chopped chives for added sharpness and visual appeal.
  10. Serve Immediately: Serve the burger bowls right away with extra aioli on the side for those who want more of the rich, savory sauce. Enjoy the full range of classic burger flavors without the bun.

Notes

  • Using an 80/20 beef blend ensures juicy, flavorful meat; 85/15 works if you prefer leaner.
  • Low and slow caramelization of onions is crucial for maximal sweetness and depth.
  • The aioli can be made 3 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
  • To mellow raw red onions, soak thin slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
  • Use regular olive oil for cooking to handle higher heat; extra-virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point.
  • Freshly grind black pepper for the best aroma and flavor, especially in the meat and aioli.
  • Feel free to substitute mixed greens with your preferred lettuce based on availability and texture preferences.
  • Keep all vegetables fresh and crisp for the best contrast with the rich meat and aioli.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: burger bowl, caramelized onion aioli, low carb burger, bunless burger, keto friendly, gluten free burger, healthy burger bowl, ground beef recipe

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/none-of-the-bun-complete-recipe/