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Avena Recipes

Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli

These Burger Bowls with Caramelized Onion Aioli are loaded with seasoned ground beef, crisp vegetables, cheddar cheese, and a rich homemade aioli for an easy, satisfying low-carb dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Burger Meat
  • 1½ pounds 680 g ground beef (85/15 recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil if needed
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce optional
For the Caramelized Onion Aioli
  • 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
For the Bowls
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup dill pickle slices
  • ½ small red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado sliced (optional)
  • Sesame seeds optional
  • Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Method
 

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring every few minutes, for 20–25 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
    In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Fold in the cooled caramelized onions. Refrigerate while preparing the remaining ingredients.
      Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 8–10 minutes, breaking the beef into bite-sized crumbles until browned and fully cooked. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce if using.
        Drain any excess grease and taste the beef, adjusting the seasoning if needed.
          Divide the chopped romaine lettuce evenly among four serving bowls.
            Top each bowl with the cooked beef, shredded cheddar, tomatoes, pickle slices, red onion, and avocado if desired.
              Spoon a generous amount of the caramelized onion aioli over each bowl. Garnish with parsley, chives, or sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

                Notes

                Cook the onions slowly for the best sweet, rich flavor—don't rush this step.
                Store the beef, vegetables, and aioli separately for easy meal prep throughout the week.
                Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese and gives the bowls a creamier texture.
                For extra crunch, add crispy fried onions just before serving.