Description

Craving a deconstructed burger that’s healthy, flavorful, and perfect for a family dinner or a fun Valentine’s Day meal? Slow Cooker Burger Bowls are your answer! Adapted from the original stovetop recipe, this slow cooker version features lean beef mince seasoned with a smoky spice mix of paprika, garlic, onion, and oregano, paired with crispy oven-baked potato chips, shredded lettuce, cheese, pickles, and a tangy burger sauce made with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice.

Ingredients

For the Spice Mix:

Smoked Paprika (1 ½ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds smoky, bold flavor to the beef and potatoes.
- Substitutions: Regular paprika or chili powder.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Infuses the mix with savory, aromatic flavor.
- Substitutions: 2 minced garlic cloves (for beef only) or ½ tsp garlic paste.
Onion Powder (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Brings sweet, savory depth to the mix.
- Substitutions: ¼ cup grated onion (for beef only) or ½ tsp onion flakes.
Dried Oregano or Mixed Herbs (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds earthy, herbaceous notes.
- Substitutions: Dried thyme, basil, or Italian seasoning.
Salt (½ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the flavors of the spice mix.
- Substitutions: Sea salt or kosher salt.
Black Pepper (¼ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds mild heat and depth.
- Substitutions: White pepper or a pinch of cayenne.

For the Bowls:

Medium Potatoes (2–3, ~1 lb):
- Why it’s important: Provides crispy, starchy texture as a burger fry substitute.
- Substitutions: Sweet potatoes, parsnips, or zucchini fries.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp, divided):
- Why it’s important: Coats the potatoes for crispiness and cooks the beef.
- Substitutions: Avocado oil, vegetable oil, or cooking spray.
Lean Beef Mince (500 g, ~1 lb, 90/10 preferred):
- Why it’s important: Offers a lean, flavorful protein base.
- Substitutions: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based mince for vegetarian.
Lettuce (2 cups, shredded):
- Why it’s important: Adds fresh, crunchy texture.
- Substitutions: Arugula, spinach, or coleslaw mix.
Cheese (½ cup, dairy-free or regular, shredded or crumbled):
- Why it’s important: Brings melty, savory flavor like a burger topping.
- Substitutions: Cheddar, mozzarella, feta, or nutritional yeast for vegan.
Pickle Slices (½ cup, ~12–16 slices):
- Why it’s important: Provides tangy, briny crunch.
- Substitutions: Pickled onions, jalapeños, or cucumber slices.

For the Burger Sauce:

Mayonnaise (4 tbsp):
- Why it’s important: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the sauce.
- Substitutions: Greek yogurt, vegan mayo, or sour cream.
Ketchup (1 tbsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds sweet, tomatoey flavor.
- Substitutions: Tomato paste with a pinch of sugar or BBQ sauce.
Mustard (1 tsp, Dijon or yellow):
- Why it’s important: Brings sharp, tangy depth.
- Substitutions: Whole-grain mustard or ½ tsp mustard powder.
Pickle Juice (1 tsp, from the jar of pickles):
- Why it’s important: Adds briny, tangy zing to the sauce.
- Substitutions: White vinegar or lemon juice.
Garlic Powder (½ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the sauce with savory flavor.
- Substitutions: 1 minced garlic clove or ¼ tsp garlic paste.
Smoked Paprika (½ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds smoky depth to the sauce.
- Substitutions: Regular paprika or chili powder.

Additional for Slow Cooker:

Beef or Vegetable Broth (¼ cup):
- Why it’s important: Keeps the beef moist during slow cooking.
- Substitutions: Water or red wine for added flavor.

Tip: Use fresh, crisp lettuce for the best texture, and choose a high-quality mayonnaise for a rich burger sauce. Opt for lean beef mince to keep the dish light.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mix

In a small bowl, combine 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried oregano or mixed herbs, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Mix well and set aside.
Tip: Double the spice mix and store extras in an airtight container for future use in other dishes.

Step 2: Prepare and Bake the Potatoes

Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) or prepare an air fryer.
Wash and cut 2–3 medium potatoes into wedges or chips (about ½-inch thick). Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil and half of the spice mix until evenly coated.
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a baking tray (for oven) or in the air fryer basket. Bake in the oven for 30–40 minutes, flipping halfway, or air fry for 20 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
Tip: Cut potatoes uniformly for even cooking, and spread them out to avoid steaming for maximum crispiness.

Step 3: Cook the Beef in the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
Place 500 g lean beef mince in the slow cooker, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle the remaining spice mix over the beef and add ¼ cup beef or vegetable broth to maintain moisture.
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, stirring once halfway through, until the beef is fully cooked (160°F/71°C internally) and tender.
Drain any excess liquid if needed, and break up the beef into crumbles.
Tip: Stir gently to avoid over-compacting the beef, and check doneness early to prevent overcooking.

Step 4: Prepare the Burger Sauce

In a small bowl, combine 4 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp mustard, 1 tsp pickle juice, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp smoked paprika. Mix until smooth.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more pickle juice for tang or paprika for smokiness. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tip: Make the sauce ahead to let flavors meld, and store in a squeeze bottle for easy drizzling.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Divide the crispy potato chips evenly among 4 serving bowls (~½–¾ cup per bowl).
Add a handful of shredded lettuce (~½ cup per bowl) to each bowl, creating a fresh base.
Spoon the cooked beef mince (~½ cup per bowl) over the lettuce, followed by a sprinkle of cheese (~2 tbsp per bowl) and 3–4 pickle slices.
Drizzle 1–2 tbsp burger sauce over each bowl, or serve on the side for dipping.
Tip: Arrange ingredients in sections for a vibrant presentation, or toss lightly for a mixed, casual vibe.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the burger bowls immediately while the potatoes are crispy and the beef is warm.
Pair with a side of coleslaw, cucumber slices, or extra pickles for a complete meal.
Tip: Serve in wide, shallow bowls for a diner-style look, and offer extra sauce for dipping to enhance the burger experience.