High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the flavors of a classic cheeseburger without the bun in this high-protein cheeseburger bowl. Packed with lean meat, fresh veggies, and a tangy homemade sauce, it’s a satisfying, low-carb meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey (90% lean)
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder (to taste)
• 4 cups chopped lettuce OR 2 cups cooked quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup sliced dill pickles
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese
• Optional add-ons: 1 avocado (sliced), 4 strips cooked bacon, jalapeño slices, 4 fried eggs
• For the sauce:
  • ½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir frequently and cook until no longer pink (8–10 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
2. Step 2: Prepare your base by chopping lettuce or cooking quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice according to package instructions.
3. Step 3: Slice cherry tomatoes, dill pickles, red onion, and any optional add-ons like avocado, bacon, or jalapeño slices.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth to create the sauce.
5. Step 5: Assemble your bowl by layering the base, then adding the cooked meat, topped with sliced vegetables and shredded cheese.
6. Step 6: Drizzle the sauce over the bowls. For extra protein and flavor, optionally top with fried eggs, bacon, or avocado slices.

Tips & Variations

• Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Use quinoa instead of lettuce for added fiber and a more filling meal.
• Make it vegan by using lentil-walnut “meat,” dairy-free cheese, and a plant-based yogurt sauce.
• Add black beans, corn, and chipotle mayo for a southwest twist.
• Turn it into a breakfast bowl by adding hash browns and a fried egg.

Storage

Store all components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the cooked meat gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling. Keep the sauce refrigerated and add fresh before serving for best flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite cheese such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or a dairy-free alternative depending on your preference and dietary needs.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The ingredients store well separately, making it easy to assemble fresh bowls throughout the week without losing texture or flavor.

High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 120 reviews

High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls offer a nutritious, low-carb twist on the classic cheeseburger by combining seasoned lean ground beef or turkey with fresh vegetables, cheese, and a creamy homemade sauce. This versatile recipe is perfect for meal prepping and can be customized with different bases and toppings to suit your dietary preferences.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey (90% lean)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Garlic powder, 1 tsp
• Onion powder, 1 tsp

Base Options

• 4 cups chopped lettuce
• OR 2 cups cooked quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice

Toppings

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup sliced dill pickles
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese

Optional Add-Ons

• 1 avocado, sliced
• 4 strips cooked bacon
• Jalapeño slices, to taste
• 4 fried eggs

Sauce

• ½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef or turkey. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir frequently and cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep it lean and healthy.
2. Prepare the Base: If using lettuce, chop it into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, cook your choice of quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice according to package directions and let it cool slightly.
3. Prep Toppings: Slice cherry tomatoes in half, thinly slice the dill pickles and red onion. If using optional add-ons like avocado, bacon, jalapeños, or fried eggs, prepare these now. Cook bacon until crisp and fry eggs to your liking.
4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together low-fat Greek yogurt, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
5. Assemble Bowls: Layer your chosen base in serving bowls. Top with cooked seasoned meat, followed by the prepared toppings and shredded cheese. Drizzle the homemade sauce over the top for extra flavor.
6. Optional Finish: For extra protein and flavor, garnish the bowls with sliced avocado, crispy bacon strips, jalapeño slices, or a fried egg.

Notes

• Customize freely by swapping beef for turkey or chicken, and replace the base with quinoa for added fiber or lettuce for a bunless option.
• Make it vegan by using lentil-walnut “meat,” dairy-free cheese, and plant-based sauce alternatives.
• Add a Southwest twist with black beans, corn, and chipotle mayo for extra flavor.
• Try a breakfast version by topping the bowl with hash browns and a fried egg.
• Store components separately for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat the meat gently and add the sauce fresh before serving.

Keywords: bunless burger, Cheeseburger bowl, high-protein, keto, low carb, macro-friendly, meal prep