Description
This deconstructed burger bowl with fire-roasted corn and tangy pickled onions offers big flavor in an easy, healthy weeknight meal. It’s a family-favorite twist that simplifies dinner without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef, 80/20 or 90/10
- 1 Tbsp (8 g) burger seasoning (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper)
- 2 cups (300 g) corn kernels, fresh or frozen (thawed)
- 1 medium (150 g) red onion, thinly sliced
- 0.5 cup (120 ml) apple cider or white vinegar
- 1 Tbsp (15 g) granulated sugar
- 0.5 tsp (3 g) salt (for pickling, plus more for seasoning beef)
- 6 cups (150 g) fresh greens (romaine, spring mix, or spinach)
- 1 cup (150 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
- 0.25 cup (10 g) fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional condiments: homemade ranch, spicy mayo, or classic BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Quick Pickled Onions: Thinly slice 1 medium red onion. In a small bowl, combine the sliced onion with 0.5 cup (120 ml) vinegar, 1 Tbsp (15 g) sugar, and 0.5 tsp (3 g) salt. Stir well until the sugar dissolves. Let this mixture sit for 15-20 minutes while you prepare other ingredients; the onions will soften and turn vibrant pink, developing their tangy flavor.
- Fire-Roasted Corn: Heat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it just begins to smoke (about 3-4 minutes). Add 2 cups (300 g) corn kernels directly to the dry skillet (no oil needed). Toss occasionally for 10-15 minutes until the corn is slightly charred and sweet-smelling.
- Cook the Burger Meat: In a separate large skillet (or after removing the corn), crumble 1 lb (450 g) ground beef into the hot pan. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks for 8-10 minutes, until no pink remains and it’s beautifully browned. Season generously with 1 Tbsp (8 g) burger seasoning. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Assemble Your Bowls: Start with a generous bed of 6 cups (150 g) fresh greens in each serving bowl. Top evenly with the seasoned ground beef, the sweet fire-roasted corn, and a good spoonful of the tangy quick pickled onions. Add 1 cup (150 g) diced tomatoes, slices of 1 medium avocado, and a sprinkle of 0.25 cup (10 g) fresh cilantro. Drizzle with your favorite condiments.
Notes
For lighter protein, try ground turkey or chicken. Plant-based eaters can use crumbled black bean or lentil patties. Grass-fed beef can enhance flavor. For keto/low-carb, reduce corn or use extra non-starchy vegetables. Ensure sauces are dairy-free for dietary needs. Do not over-pickle onions; 15-20 minutes is ideal for quick tang.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (400 g)
- Calories: 420 calories
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: burger bowl, deconstructed burger, fire-roasted corn, pickled onions, weeknight meal, healthy, easy dinner, ground beef, family favorite, quick meal