Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries Recipe
Introduction
These Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries offer a flavorful twist on classic comfort food. Juicy seasoned ground beef pairs perfectly with crispy ranch-seasoned waffle fries and fresh toppings, all brought together with a tangy house sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef (85/15 for the juiciest)
- 2 teaspoons burger seasoning (one teaspoon per side)
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Diced burger pickles
- 1 22-ounce bag frozen waffle fries
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 1-ounce packet ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tablespoons)
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 clove grated garlic
Instructions
- Step 1: For the ranch fries, bake the waffles fries according to package directions. Once done, add butter directly to the sheet pan and toss the fries to coat them evenly and add juiciness.
- Step 2: Toss the buttery fries with the ranch seasoning mix. Adjust the amount based on how many fries you have and how strong you want the flavor.
- Step 3: Prepare the house sauce by whisking together mayo, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and grated garlic. Taste and season with salt as needed.
- Step 4: Heat a well-seasoned cast iron skillet over high heat without adding oil—it should be very hot to properly sear the beef.
- Step 5: Season one side of the ground beef with 1 teaspoon of burger seasoning. Place the beef in the pan, seasoned side down, and let it cook undisturbed for several minutes to develop a crust and render fat.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the exposed side of the beef with the remaining teaspoon of seasoning. After a few minutes, flip the beef and break it into fork-sized chunks. Continue cooking until well-browned, then remove from heat.
- Step 7: To assemble, layer shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and pickles in a bowl. Add the juicy burger crumbles, top with ranch fries, and drizzle the house sauce over everything. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use a cast iron skillet for the best sear on your beef and to prevent sticking without oil.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the house sauce.
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- If short on time, use store-bought burger sauce instead of making your own.
Storage
Store any leftover beef and fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat to retain juiciness, and warm fries in the oven to keep them crisp. Keep the house sauce separate and refrigerated for up to a week.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fries instead of frozen waffle fries?
Yes, fresh-cut potatoes work well. Just par-cook them by baking or frying until crispy before tossing with butter and ranch seasoning.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free butter substitute and check that your ranch seasoning and mayo are dairy-free or use suitable alternatives.
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Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This recipe for Burger Bowls with House Sauce and Ranch Fries offers a delicious twist on classic burgers by serving flavorful burger crumbles alongside crispy ranch-seasoned waffle fries and fresh toppings. The juicy seasoned ground beef is seared in a hot cast iron skillet for maximum flavor, paired with a tangy house sauce and ranch fries for a satisfying, fork-friendly meal without buns.
Ingredients
Burger Bowls
- 1 lb. ground beef (85/15 for the juiciest)
- 2 teaspoons burger seasoning (one teaspoon per side)
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Diced burger pickles
Ranch Fries
- 1 (22-ounce) bag frozen waffle fries
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning)
House Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 clove grated garlic
Instructions
- Prepare Ranch Fries: Bake the frozen waffle fries according to the package directions. Once done, add 3 tablespoons of butter directly onto the hot sheet pan with the fries and toss them well so they become juicy. Then sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the fries and toss again until evenly coated. Adjust the seasoning amount depending on your preference.
- Make House Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayo, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 teaspoon horseradish, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1 clove grated garlic. Taste the sauce and add salt as needed or use a store-bought burger sauce if preferred.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a well-seasoned cast iron skillet over high heat without oil. The pan should be very hot to sear the beef properly. Season one side of the 1 lb ground beef with 1 teaspoon burger seasoning. Place the seasoned side down in the hot pan and avoid breaking it up immediately to develop a browned crust. Let it cook undisturbed for several minutes as the fat renders and browning forms.
- Finish Beef Cooking: Sprinkle the other side of the beef with the remaining 1 teaspoon of burger seasoning. After a few minutes, flip the beef in large chunks and begin breaking it up into fork-sized pieces carefully, keeping it chunky for juiciness. Continue cooking until the beef is well browned and fully cooked, then remove from heat.
- Assemble Burger Bowls: In serving bowls, layer shredded lettuce as a base. Top with the warm, juicy burger crumbles, followed by diced tomatoes and diced pickles. Add a generous spoonful of house sauce over the top. Serve alongside the ranch fries for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet to ensure a good sear without sticking.
- Adjust ranch seasoning on fries according to your taste preference.
- For an extra kick, add hot sauce to the house sauce combination.
- Make sure not to over-break the beef to keep it juicy and pleasant to eat with a fork.
- This recipe is easily customizable with additional toppings like cheese or onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: burger bowl, ranch fries, ground beef recipe, burger sauce, waffle fries, easy dinner, skillet burger
