Hi everyone, Jessy here from The Savory Script! I’m so excited to share a recipe with you today that’s become a real favorite in my kitchen. It’s a healthy, satisfying, and incredibly delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of a burger without all the fuss.
I’m talking about my Sweet Potato Burger Bowl, a dish that proves comfort food can also be incredibly good for you. This bowl comes together in about 45-50 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a wholesome lunch.
Table of Contents
Sweet Potato Burger Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Peel and dice sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Add them to a large bowl. Uniform dicing ensures the sweet potatoes cook evenly. For extra crispiness, you can lightly rinse the diced potatoes and pat them very dry to remove excess starch.
- Toss sweet potatoes with avocado oil and spices (½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper). Make sure each piece of sweet potato is lightly coated for maximum flavor.
- Pour onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet; use two if necessary. This is crucial for achieving crispy edges rather than steamed potatoes.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, mixing them halfway through. Keep an eye on them and adjust baking time based on your oven and desired crispiness. They should be tender and slightly caramelized.
- While the sweet potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil.
- Add the lean ground beef to the hot skillet. Cook until thoroughly browned, about 8 minutes. Break up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning. Avoid stirring too much initially to allow for a good sear.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Add the seasonings (2 tsp worcestershire sauce, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper) and mix well to combine. Cook for another minute until fragrant. The Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of umami flavor that mimics classic burger seasoning.
- Once the sweet potatoes and meat are done cooking, it’s time to assemble your bowls!
- Create your layers: Start with a base of shredded lettuce, then add a generous portion of the roasted sweet potatoes, followed by the seasoned ground beef.
- Top with red onion (thinly sliced), diced tomatoes, and diced pickles.
- Drizzle generously with your favorite special sauce and enjoy immediately!
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!What Exactly is a Sweet Potato Burger Bowl?
You might be wondering what a Sweet Potato Burger Bowl entails. Think of it as your favorite burger, deconstructed and beautifully layered in a bowl. This dish is a perfect example of how creative and satisfying main dishes can be.
Instead of a bun, we’re using perfectly roasted sweet potatoes as the delicious base, loaded with seasoned ground meat and a symphony of fresh, flavorful toppings. It’s a customizable, vibrant meal that’s packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a truly satisfying experience.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Sweet Potato Burger Bowl Recipe
I know you’re going to adore this Sweet Potato Burger Bowl. Here’s why it’s a standout:
- It’s a fantastic, nutrient-dense twist on the classic burger experience, giving you all the satisfaction with added goodness.
- The beauty of this bowl lies in its versatility; you can customize every topping to perfectly match your taste preferences.
- Despite its impressive flavor and presentation, it’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight meal solution.
- You’ll be delighted by the explosion of flavors and the delightful mix of textures in every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this delicious Sweet Potato Burger Bowl to life:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tsp worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 4 small sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 bag shredded lettuce (8 oz)
- 1 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 pint diced tomatoes (10 oz)
- 1/2 cup pickles (diced)
- special sauce
Crafting the Perfect Sweet Potato Burger Bowl: Step-by-Step
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your fantastic Sweet Potato Burger Bowl.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Ensure your oven is fully preheated for even cooking.
- Peel and dice sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Add them to a large bowl. Uniform dicing ensures the sweet potatoes cook evenly. For extra crispiness, you can lightly rinse the diced potatoes and pat them very dry to remove excess starch.
- Toss sweet potatoes with avocado oil and spices (½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper). Make sure each piece of sweet potato is lightly coated for maximum flavor.
- Pour onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet; use two if necessary. This is crucial for achieving crispy edges rather than steamed potatoes.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, mixing them halfway through. Keep an eye on them and adjust baking time based on your oven and desired crispiness. They should be tender and slightly caramelized.
- While the sweet potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil.
- Add the lean ground beef to the hot skillet. Cook until thoroughly browned, about 8 minutes. Break up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning. Avoid stirring too much initially to allow for a good sear.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Add the seasonings (2 tsp worcestershire sauce, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper) and mix well to combine. Cook for another minute until fragrant. The Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of umami flavor that mimics classic burger seasoning.
- Once the sweet potatoes and meat are done cooking, it’s time to assemble your bowls!
- Create your layers: Start with a base of shredded lettuce, then add a generous portion of the roasted sweet potatoes, followed by the seasoned ground beef.
- Top with red onion (thinly sliced), diced tomatoes, and diced pickles.
- Drizzle generously with your favorite special sauce and enjoy immediately!
The Ultimate “Special Sauce” Recipe and Variations
No burger bowl is complete without a fantastic sauce! Here’s a simple guide to creating a delicious special sauce.
To make a basic special sauce, I like to combine about ½ cup of mayonnaise with ¼ cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish, and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Mix it all together until smooth.
- Spicy Version: For a kick, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the sauce.
- Tangy Version: If you prefer more tang, increase the amount of relish or add a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: Simply use a good quality vegan mayonnaise as your base.
- Store-Bought Alternatives: If you’re short on time, your favorite bottled burger sauce or even a simple mix of ketchup and mustard can work in a pinch.
Mastering Your Sweet Potato Roast for Maximum Crispiness
Achieving perfectly crispy sweet potatoes is key to this bowl’s delightful texture. Here are my go-to tips:
- Uniform Dicing: Always aim for consistent ½-inch cubes. This ensures they all cook at the same rate.
- Drying: Don’t skip patting the diced potatoes completely dry with a paper towel. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Single Layer: Resist the urge to overcrowd the baking sheet. Give them space so they roast, not steam. Use two sheets if you have to.
- Oil and Seasoning: Ensure each potato piece is lightly coated in oil and seasonings, but avoid drenching them.
- Oven Temperature: High heat (400°F) is your friend for achieving that desirable crisp.
- Don’t Fear the Flip: Turning them halfway through the baking process is crucial for even browning and crisping on all sides.
Elevating Your Ground Meat Flavor and Texture
To make sure your ground meat is perfectly browned and packed with flavor, follow these easy steps.
- Hot Skillet: Always start with a properly preheated skillet over medium-high heat. This is the first step to getting a good sear.
- Don’t Overcrowd: If you’re making a larger batch, cook the meat in batches. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and result in steamed, rather than browned, meat.
- Sear, Don’t Steam: Allow the meat to brown undisturbed for a few minutes before you start breaking it up. This develops a richer flavor and better texture.
- Seasoning at the Right Time: Adding your seasonings towards the end of the cooking process helps to lock in their flavors and prevents them from burning.
Building Your Perfect Sweet Potato Burger Bowl: Topping Ideas Galore!
The toppings are where you can really let your creativity shine! Here are some of my favorite additions to customize your Sweet Potato Burger Bowl:
- Fresh Veggies: Sliced avocado, cool cucumber, shredded carrots, sweet corn, or spicy jalapeños.
- Crunchy Elements: Toasted sesame seeds, crispy fried onions, or crushed tortilla chips for an extra bit of crunch.
- Sauces & Drizzles: Creamy avocado crema, zesty sriracha mayo, smoky BBQ sauce, or a sweet balsamic glaze.
- Cheesy Goodness: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled feta, or melty mozzarella.
- Pickled Delights: Tangy pickled red onions, spicy pickled jalapeños, or savory sauerkraut.
Delicious Base Alternatives
While shredded lettuce is my go-to for a fresh base, I love knowing there are other options for variety or dietary needs.
| Base Option | Description | Best For… |
|---|---|---|
| Cauliflower Rice | Lightly seasoned and sautéed or roasted cauliflower florets. | Low-carb, Keto diets. |
| Quinoa | Cooked quinoa, seasoned with herbs or spices. | Higher protein, gluten-free, hearty. |
| Brown Rice | Steamed brown rice for a comforting and filling base. | Whole grains, sustained energy. |
| Mixed Greens | A blend of spinach, arugula, and romaine for added nutrients. | Nutrient density, varied flavor profile. |
| Sweet Potato Mash | Roasted sweet potatoes mashed for a softer, sweeter base. | Those who prefer a softer texture. |
Vegetarian & Vegan Protein Swaps
This bowl is incredibly adaptable, especially when it comes to protein. Here are some fantastic vegetarian and vegan alternatives.
| Protein Option | Preparation Notes | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Black Beans | Rinse and drain canned beans. For a hearty and flavorful alternative, try an Ultimate Daniel Fast Black Bean Soup recipe. Sauté with cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of garlic. | Earthy, mildly spiced. |
| Lentils | Cook brown or green lentils until tender. Season with herbs and spices. | Nutty, slightly earthy. |
| Chickpeas | Roast with spices or sauté with onions and garlic. | Mild, slightly sweet. |
| Plant-Based Crumbles | Brown according to package directions with your preferred seasonings. | Varies by brand; often savory/umami. |
| Tofu/Tempeh | Crumble and sauté or pan-fry until golden brown. Marinate for extra flavor. | Neutral (tofu), nutty (tempeh). |
Meal Prep & Storage Made Easy
Meal prepping this Sweet Potato Burger Bowl is a game-changer for busy weeks! For another easy and healthy meal prep option, try these Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Cookies. Here’s how I like to do it:
- Sweet Potatoes: Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. For the best crispiness, reheat them in the oven or air fryer. A microwave works too if you need a quick reheat.
- Ground Meat: Store cooked ground beef in an airtight container. Reheat it in a skillet for the best texture, or use the microwave.
- Toppings: Keep your fresh veggies, pickles, and tomatoes in separate small containers. It’s important to store your lettuce separately to prevent it from wilting.
- Sauce: Put your special sauce in a small, sealed container.
I recommend assembling your bowls just before you plan to eat them. This ensures everything stays fresh and maintains its best texture, especially the crispy sweet potatoes and crisp lettuce.
Dietary Adaptations
It’s so important to me that everyone can enjoy this recipe, so here are a few ways to adapt it:
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
- Dairy-Free: Just make sure your special sauce is made with dairy-free mayonnaise, and omit any cheese toppings.
- Lower Carb/Keto: Swap the sweet potatoes for cauliflower rice or roasted broccoli. Be mindful of any sugary ingredients in your special sauce.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Follow the protein swap suggestions I shared earlier and ensure your special sauce is vegan-friendly.
FAQs about Sweet Potato Burger Bowl
I’ve gathered some common questions to help you make this recipe perfectly!
Can I make this Sweet Potato Burger Bowl ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep all the components separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just assemble right before serving to keep everything fresh.
How long do the components last in the fridge?
Cooked sweet potatoes and meat are good for 3-4 days. Fresh toppings are best used within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes offer a unique flavor and nutrient profile, regular potatoes will also work well in this bowl.
How do I make it spicier?
For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños to your toppings or sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the meat seasoning or your special sauce.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
No problem! You can substitute with soy sauce or tamari (if you need gluten-free), or even a bit of beef broth combined with extra spices.
Conclusion & Call to Action
I truly hope you find as much joy in making and eating this Sweet Potato Burger Bowl as I do. It’s a recipe that’s both incredibly healthy and satisfying, proving that good-for-you food can be absolutely delicious. I encourage you to give it a try and discover your own favorite topping combinations!
Please leave a comment below to share your experience, ask any questions you might have, or tell me about the delicious toppings you used. And if you share your creations on social media, be sure to tag @TheSavoryScript so I can see your amazing bowls! Happy cooking!
