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Sweet Potato Burger Bowl

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This vibrant bowl combines juicy ground beef, perfectly roasted sweet potatoes, and a medley of fresh toppings. Golden sweet potatoes are tossed with savory spices and roasted until tender, while lean beef is seasoned and cooked until browned. Everything is layered over crisp shredded lettuce, then finished with red onion, diced tomatoes, and pickles. A tangy special sauce—blended with mayo, ketchup, mustard, and vinegar—adds the final touch. Easy to assemble and bursting with flavors, this is a hearty, wholesome bowl perfect for lunch or dinner.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Mon, 09 Jun 2025 20:12:16 GMT
A bowl of food with meat, rice, and vegetables. Save
A bowl of food with meat, rice, and vegetables. | sarahmeal.com

This Sweet Potato Burger Bowl is for anyone craving classic burger flavors in a fresh and nourishing way. Inspired by my love of loaded burger salads, this recipe brings all the savory, tangy, and creamy notes together with a hearty base of roasted sweet potatoes. It is a meal I first made for a weeknight dinner when everyone wanted something fun yet veggie-packed and now it is a family favorite whenever we want a twist on burgers.

When I first served this dish my kids could not believe how much they loved the special sauce on the roasted sweet potatoes and now they beg for “burger bowls” every month

Ingredients

  • Lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and pairs perfectly with burger spices. Choose beef that is bright red and has little excess liquid
  • Worcestershire sauce: Brightens the flavor with savory tang. Use a brand with real anchovy if possible
  • Garlic powder and onion powder: Infuse the meat and potatoes with deep taste. Opt for freshly opened jars for best aroma
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer. Choose fine sea salt for even distribution
  • Sweet potatoes: Roasted for natural sweetness. Pick firm potatoes with smooth skin and vibrant orange color
  • Avocado oil: Ideal for roasting due to its high smoke point
  • Shredded lettuce: Offers crisp freshness. Use a bag that smells sweet and looks perky
  • Red onion: Thinly sliced gives crunch and a touch of sharpness. Choose onions that are heavy and free of soft spots
  • Diced tomatoes: Juicy and bright for balance. Look for ripe, slightly soft tomatoes with deep color
  • Pickles: Diced for tangy zip and classic burger taste. Use good quality dill pickles for best crunch
  • Special sauce: Blends mayo, ketchup, mustard, and spices for classic burger flavor. Homemade sauce has much more zip than store-bought options
  • Apple cider vinegar: In the sauce cuts the richness for balance. Use raw unfiltered vinegar for extra depth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Peel and dice sweet potatoes into bite-size cubes aiming for even sizes so they roast uniformly. Toss thoroughly with avocado oil garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper so every piece is coated. Spread in a single layer on a lined baking sheet then bake at 400 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes stirring halfway to ensure caramelization on all sides.
Cook the Burger Meat:
While potatoes roast heat a skillet on medium-high until hot. Add the lean ground beef breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks about 8 minutes. Once browned stir in Worcestershire sauce garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper mixing until the beef is deeply seasoned and little juices remain.
Make the Special Sauce:
In a small bowl whisk together mayo ketchup mustard apple cider vinegar onion powder a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and vinegar if needed. Chill until ready to serve.
Assemble the Bowls:
Set out four bowls Add a generous base of shredded lettuce Top with roasted sweet potatoes a scoop of seasoned beef scattered red onion juicy diced tomatoes and crisp pickles. Drizzle with the special sauce so every bite gets flavor.
A bowl of food with rice, meat, and vegetables. Save
A bowl of food with rice, meat, and vegetables. | sarahmeal.com

My favorite part is the special sauce I always double the batch just to have extra The way it mixes with the warm sweet potatoes and seasoned beef reminds me of backyard barbecues and summer picnics with my kids running around and sneaking crunchy pickles from the prep bowl

Storage Tips

Once cooled the ingredients can be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Assemble right before serving for best texture. Leftover sweet potatoes are great to reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to get the edges crisp again while the meat can be microwaved or added cold for a salad feel.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap in ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for the beef with equally tasty results. White potatoes work in place of sweet potatoes although you will lose that hint of sweetness. For a lighter version you can try Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayo in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

These burger bowls are delicious on their own but also shine with a few extras. Try topping with avocado slices or a handful of shredded cheddar. Sprinkle with sesame seeds to give a nod to a classic burger bun. If you love heat add a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapenos.

A bowl of food with meat and vegetables. Save
A bowl of food with meat and vegetables. | sarahmeal.com

Cultural Context

Burger bowls are a fun modern twist on the classic American cheeseburger often popping up in delis and cafes as a lower carb or gluten free option. By swapping the bun for greens and roasted potatoes this dish keeps all the beloved flavors in a way that feels lighter but deeply satisfying.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative work well and can be seasoned similarly to the beef.

→ How can I make the bowl dairy-free?

Swap regular mayo in the special sauce for a dairy-free version, ensuring the rest of the ingredients are dairy-free by checking packaging.

→ What are some topping ideas besides pickles?

Try sliced avocado, jalapeños, shredded cheese, or roasted bell peppers to add different textures and flavors.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep components separate in airtight containers. Assemble fresh with special sauce just before serving for best texture.

→ Is the bowl suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Prepare meat and sweet potatoes ahead of time, then quickly assemble with fresh veggies and sauce when ready to eat.

Sweet Potato Burger Bowl

Layers of seasoned beef, roasted sweet potatoes, veggies, and special sauce in one flavor-packed bowl.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Total Duration
55 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Simple

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yield: 4 Portion Size (4 bowls)

Diet Preferences: Gluten-Free Option

What You'll Need

→ Meat

Ingredient 01 450 g lean ground beef
Ingredient 02 10 ml Worcestershire sauce
Ingredient 03 2.5 g garlic powder
Ingredient 04 2.5 g onion powder
Ingredient 05 2.5 g salt
Ingredient 06 1.25 g black pepper

→ Sweet Potatoes

Ingredient 07 4 small sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
Ingredient 08 15 ml avocado oil
Ingredient 09 2.5 g garlic powder
Ingredient 10 2.5 g onion powder
Ingredient 11 1.25 g salt
Ingredient 12 1.25 g black pepper

→ Bowls

Ingredient 13 225 g shredded lettuce
Ingredient 14 1 red onion, thinly sliced
Ingredient 15 285 g diced tomatoes
Ingredient 16 120 ml pickles, diced
Ingredient 17 Special sauce (see below)

→ Special Sauce

Ingredient 18 80 ml mayonnaise
Ingredient 19 30 ml ketchup
Ingredient 20 15 ml mustard
Ingredient 21 5 ml apple cider vinegar
Ingredient 22 2.5 g onion powder
Ingredient 23 Dash of salt and pepper

How to Make It

Instruction 01

Preheat oven to 200°C. Toss peeled and diced sweet potatoes with avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Spread evenly on a lined baking sheet and bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and lightly browned.

Instruction 02

While sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add lean ground beef and sauté until fully browned, approximately 8 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix to combine and remove from heat.

Instruction 03

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, and a dash of salt and pepper until a creamy dressing forms.

Instruction 04

Layer shredded lettuce in serving bowls. Top with roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced red onion, diced tomatoes, and chopped pickles. Drizzle generously with special sauce before serving.

Additional Tips

  1. Ensure all vegetables are prepped in advance for smooth assembly.

Essential Tools

  • Baking sheet
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise)
  • Contains mustard

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 369
  • Fat Content: ~
  • Carbohydrate Content: ~
  • Protein Content: ~