Fully Loaded Burger Bowls Recipe

If you’re craving all the fun and flavor of a classic, juicy burger without the bun—and maybe with a little less mess—let me introduce you to Fully Loaded Burger Bowls! Imagine everything you love piled high in a savory, meaty bowl: crispy bacon, buttery mushrooms, gooey cheddar, and all your favorite sauces, all tucked into a golden ground beef “bowl.” Totally crowd-pleasing, totally customizable, and absolutely satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients are the secret to making Fully Loaded Burger Bowls that taste over-the-top indulgent. Each one brings its own flavor and texture—think crisp, gooey, juicy, and a little smoky for true burger bliss.

• Butter: Adds luxurious flavor to the mushrooms and helps them caramelize beautifully.
• Fresh Mushrooms: Choose white or cremini for their earthy flavor and satisfying texture.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer to perfection.
• Bacon: Smoky, crispy, and absolutely key for that classic burger experience.
• Extra Lean Ground Beef: The base of your bowl—extra lean keeps it sturdy while still juicy.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses the meat with subtle depth and aroma.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Savory and ever-so-slightly tangy, it takes the beef to the next level.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheddar becomes the heart and crown of each bowl.
• Green Onions: For a fresh, zippy finish—don’t skip!
• Your Favorite Burger Sauce: Optional, but a drizzle of BBQ, ranch, or burger sauce puts it over the top.

Variations

One of the best things about Fully Loaded Burger Bowls is that they’re incredibly flexible! You can swap, add, or scale back ingredients to tailor each bowl for your cravings or dietary preferences—so let’s get creative.

• Turkey or Chicken Bowls: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner, lighter version.
• Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based beef alternative and skip the bacon—or try vegetarian bacon strips!
• Add Veggies: Spinach, sauteed onions, or diced bell peppers can be folded into the mushroom filling for extra color and nutrients.
• Spicy Twist: Stir cayenne or jalapeños into the meat for a little heat, or top with hot sauce after baking.
• Cheese Lovers: Try pepper jack, smoked gouda, or mozzarella for new melty flavors in your burger bowls.

How to Make Fully Loaded Burger Bowls

Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms

Start by melting half your butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, and let them sauté slowly. Take your time here—you want the mushrooms to release their moisture, then caramelize and turn deeply golden. This step brings a rich, earthy layer to your burger bowls!

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

Once the mushrooms are done, transfer them to a bowl. In the same pan, lay out your bacon strips. Let them sizzle gently first; when the fat begins to render, crank up the heat a tad until they’re as crispy as you like (usually 1–3 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels and resist the urge to snack—these are going on your burger bowls!

Step 3: Prepare the Burger Meat

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and one cup of grated cheddar. Use your hands or a spatula, but don’t overwork the mixture—just until combined for the juiciest burgers.

Step 4: Form and Fill the Bowls

Line a baking sheet with foil. Divide the meat into four portions, then shape each into a wide “bowl” using your hands or the bottom of a jar—press into the center and create high sides. Sprinkle half the remaining cheese into each bowl, then spoon in your golden mushrooms. Top off with another layer of cheddar.

Step 5: Bake & Finish

Bake the burger bowls for about 30 minutes, or until browned and the internal temperature hits 160°F. Let them cool briefly. Crumble bacon generously over each bowl, then shower with chopped green onions. Now it’s time: drizzle on burger sauce, BBQ, ranch—or all of the above! Dig in while it’s still gooey and warm.

How to Serve Fully Loaded Burger Bowls

Garnishes

After baking, brighten up your Fully Loaded Burger Bowls with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions and a big tangle of crumbled bacon over top. A final drizzle of your favorite sauce—or even some pickles or sliced jalapeños—really brings all the flavors together and makes for an irresistible finish.

Side Dishes

These burger bowls need little more than a crisp garden salad, but they’re also fantastic served alongside roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, or classic coleslaw. If you want something extra, try baked potato wedges or a tangy dill pickle spear to keep the meal feeling like a true burger feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Fully Loaded Burger Bowls straight from the oven in individual ramekins for an upscale touch, or scoop them into lettuce cups for a playful, low-carb twist. For gatherings, set up a burger bowl bar with assorted sauces, extra toppings, and a colorful spread of garnishes so everyone can build their own masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover burger bowls keep beautifully! Let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3–4 days—which means easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

To freeze, cool the baked burger bowls completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results and to preserve that cheesy texture.

Reheating

For best flavor and texture, reheat Fully Loaded Burger Bowls in a 350°F oven until warmed through—this keeps the cheese nice and melty. The microwave also works in a pinch, but cover loosely to keep moisture in. Add fresh sauce or green onions after reheating to revive those toppings.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Fully Loaded Burger Bowls in your own kitchen—they’re a hands-down favorite at my house for good reason! Each bite is savory, cheesy, and totally customizable, so invite friends and family to build their own and enjoy a delicious spin on burger night. Let me know your favorite topping combos!

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