California Burger in a Bowl

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, yellow onions, steak seasoning and Worcestershire sauce and pepper. Do not overmix.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ground beef mixture, cooking until browned and cooked through, 5-7 minutes.
3. Line four entrée-size bowls with butter lettuce leaves around the sides and along the bottom.
4. Add the cooked ground beef, tomatoes, cheese, pickle chips, red onion and bacon to each bowl.
5. Slice each avocado half from about ½-inch below the top to the bottom into semi-thick strips. Fan the avocado slices over the top of each bowl and sprinkle with reserved pickle juice if desired
6. Serve with desired condiments.

Variations:  To make this avocado burger bowl recipe using burger patties, combine ground beef, onions, steak seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. Form into burger patties, smoothing the edges for even cooking. Heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle to medium high. Place the burger patties in the hot skillet. In the center of each patty make a deep thumbprint. (This helps the centers cook at the same rate as the rest of the burgers.) Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, then flip the patties to the other side. Cook an additional 3 to 5 minutes on the other side depending on how well-done you prefer. Sprinkle with pepper and keep warm. Follow the rest of the recipe as noted. If desired, mash some of the avocado with the reserved pickle juice.

The beef patties for the burger bowl also can be cooked on a grill, in an instant pot or air fryer. Follow the manufacturer instructions.

Instead of cooking the onions in the patties, top the burger bowl with caramelized onions for an “extra” presentation.

Serving Suggestion: Use a squeeze bottle filled with your favorite burger condiment or dressing to decorate the top of the burger bowl.

Beverage Pairing: Light beer or hard seltzer