High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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