Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner that deconstructs the classic smash burger into a bowl format. Featuring crispy seared beef, fluffy rice, and a tangy secret sauce, this meal offers all the comfort food flavors without the heavy bun or mess.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups water (for rice)
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced thin
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Dill pickle chips
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- Fresh sliced tomatoes
- Handful of spinach or mixed greens (optional)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp oil (for skillet)
Instructions
- Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until clear. Combine with 2 cups of water in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp yellow mustard, and 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium-high heat for at least 5 minutes until very hot.
- Divide ground beef into two equal balls. Place them in the hot skillet and immediately press down hard with a spatula or heavy glass to flatten into thin patties.
- Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are browned and caramelized.
- Flip patties, top immediately with cheddar cheese, and cover the pan for 30 seconds to melt the cheese. Remove from heat.
- Assemble bowls by placing a base of fluffy rice, adding spinach if using, then topping with two beef patties, sliced tomatoes, and pickles.
- Drizzle generously with the secret sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure the skillet is screaming hot before adding beef to achieve a crispy crust. Do not press the patties after the initial smash to preserve the crust. Rinse rice thoroughly for fluffy grains. The secret sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Leftover beef should be reheated in a skillet to restore crispness, not microwaved.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl per person
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: smash burger, burger bowls, weeknight dinner, quick meals, ground beef recipes, comfort food, meal prep, gluten-free option