High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe
Introduction
High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls are a flavorful and satisfying way to enjoy all the tastes of a classic cheeseburger without the bun. Packed with lean meat, fresh veggies, and a creamy tangy sauce, this dish is perfect for a nutritious, low-carb meal that still feels indulgent.
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
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 4 strips cooked bacon
- Jalapeño slices (optional for spice)
- 4 fried eggs
- 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
- Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir frequently and cook until fully browned, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 2: Prepare your base by chopping the lettuce or cooking the grains or cauliflower rice according to your preference.
- Step 3: Slice the cherry tomatoes, dill pickles, and red onion. Prepare any additional toppings like jalapeño slices or avocado.
- Step 4: Whisk together the Greek yogurt, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth sauce.
- Step 5: Assemble your bowls by layering the base first, then adding the cooked meat, fresh toppings, and shredded cheese. Drizzle the sauce over the top.
- Step 6: For extra protein and flavor, finish by topping each bowl with a fried egg, strips of cooked bacon, and sliced avocado.
Tips & Variations
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or quinoa for added protein and fiber.
- Swap ground turkey for extra lean beef to reduce fat content while keeping protein high.
- Add jalapeño slices for a spicy kick or omit them if you prefer mild flavors.
- Try different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for varied taste profiles.
- Make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge to save time on busy days.
Storage
Store any leftover bowl components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cooked meat and sauce chilled separately from the fresh vegetables to maintain texture. Reheat the meat and base gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before assembling. Avoid reheating the avocado, bacon, and fried eggs to preserve their texture and freshness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the ground meat with plant-based protein options like seasoned lentils, black beans, or meat substitutes to keep it high in protein while making it vegetarian-friendly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. The ingredients can be prepped and stored separately to assemble fresh bowls throughout the week. Store cooked meat, sauce, and veggies separately to keep everything tasting its best.
PrintHigh-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe
High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls combine the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a low-carb and nutrient-dense bowl featuring lean ground beef or turkey, fresh vegetables, cheese, and a tangy yogurt-based sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick, protein-packed meal without the bun.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Protein & Meat
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey (90% lean)
- 4 strips cooked bacon
- 4 fried eggs
Vegetables & Base
- 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 avocado, sliced
- Jalapeño slices (optional)
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese
Spices & Seasonings
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder (for seasoning meat and sauce)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (for sauce)
- ½ tsp paprika (for sauce)
Sauce
- ½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp ketchup
Instructions
- Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef or turkey seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir frequently and cook until the meat is fully cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Prepare the base: Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces or cook your choice of grains or cauliflower rice according to package instructions. This will serve as the foundation of your bowls.
- Prep toppings: Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, slice the dill pickles, thinly slice the red onion, and prepare any optional add-ons such as jalapeño slices to your preference.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-fat Greek yogurt, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble bowls: Begin by layering your chosen base in bowls. Next, add the cooked seasoned meat, followed by the sliced vegetables and shredded cheese. Drizzle the prepared yogurt sauce over the top to add a creamy tang.
- Optional finish: For extra protein and added flavor, top each bowl with a fried egg, cooked bacon strips, and sliced avocado. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- This recipe is versatile—swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based meat alternatives as preferred.
- Use lettuce for a low-carb option or grains for more energy-dense bowls.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the pan and heat; ensure meat is thoroughly cooked.
- The sauce can be adjusted with more or less mustard and ketchup based on taste preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add avocado and fried eggs fresh when serving.
Keywords: cheeseburger bowl, high protein, low carb, ground beef, turkey bowl, Greek yogurt sauce, healthy cheeseburger, stovetop recipe
