'Big Mac' Style Potato Bowls

Homemade 'Big Mac' Roasted Potato Bowls

These 'Big Mac' Potato Bowls are a huge hit in our house. Crispy seasoned potatoes, cheesy ground beef, fresh toppings, and that iconic sauce - made right at home. Comfort food, but leveled up.

'Big Mac' Potato Bowls

Ingredients (serves ~6-8)

For the potatoes:

• 8 medium potatoes, diced

• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1-2 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon paprika

For the beef:

• 1 medium-large package extra lean ground beef (about 1.5-2 lbs / 680–900 g)

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1-2 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or use processed cheddar slices for a more classic Big Mac taste)

Toppings:

• 2 cups chopped lettuce

• 1 cup diced onion

• 1 cup diced pickles

‘Big Mac’ Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon pickle relish

• 2 teaspoons white vinegar

• 2 teaspoons sugar

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2  teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Roast the potatoes:

   1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

   2. Toss diced potatoes in olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

   3. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway (or every 10-15 mins), until golden and crispy.

      1. Note: I usually steam in a microwave safe bowl for 10ish minutes to speed up the cooking process.

2. Cook the beef:

   1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.

   2. Drain excess fat, then stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

   3. Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar (or processed slices), stirring until melted and combined.

3. Make the sauce:

   1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, pickle relish, vinegar, sugar, onion powder, paprika, pepper, and salt until smooth. Set aside.

4. Assemble the bowls:

   1. Divide roasted potatoes among 8 bowls.

   2. Top each with a portion of cheesy ground beef.

   3. Add lettuce, diced onion, and diced pickles.

   4. Drizzle with ‘Big Mac’ Sauce.

   5. Enjoy!

Estimated nutrition information per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: ~517 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~31.4 g

• Fat: ~29.4 g

• Protein: ~30.4 g

• Fibre: ~4.4 g

• Sugar: ~4.4 g

*These values are approximate and can vary depending on exact ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Lower Calorie Option

• Olive oil: Reduce from 2–3 tablespoons to 1.5 tablespoons.

• Ground beef: Use 96% lean ground beef, or a 50/50 mix of extra lean ground beef and lean ground turkey.

• Cheese: Use reduced-fat shredded cheddar or light processed cheese slices.

• Big Mac sauce: Use light mayonnaise, low-fat French dressing (or light Thousand Island), and no-sugar-added pickle relish. Reduce added sugar or use a sugar substitute.

• Potatoes: Optional – replace half the potatoes with sweet potatoes or roasted cauliflower for fewer carbs and calories.

Nutrition per serving if using low calorie option

• Calories: ~382 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~30 g

• Fat: ~16 g

• Protein: ~29 g

• Fibre: ~4.3 g

• Sugar: ~4 g

Felicia Newell is a Registered Dietitian, Nutritionist, Food and Nutrition Expert, Health Coach, and proud mom of four. She is also the owner of Sustain Nutrition/FN Health.

Felicia knows firsthand what it’s like to juggle a busy life while trying to stay healthy in an environment that doesn’t always make it easy. The world of health and wellness can be overwhelming, full of mixed messages and misinformation - and she’s passionate about helping people cut through the noise. Her mission is to guide clients in navigating life and health with clarity, confidence, and enjoyment.

With more than 12 years of education and experience in Nutritional Sciences, Felicia brings both expertise and empathy to her work. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences, has worked at a leading research centre, taught university courses, and served in various healthcare roles. Over the years, she’s helped countless individuals achieve their health and wellness goals through evidence-based nutrition counselling that fits their real lives.

As a busy mom herself, Felicia understands the challenges her clients face and offers practical, sustainable strategies to support long-term success. Whether you’re looking to improve your overall health, manage a condition, or simply feel your best, Felicia has the skills, knowledge, and dedication to help you get there - on your terms.