High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe
Introduction
This high-protein cheeseburger bowl is a tasty and satisfying way to enjoy classic burger flavors without the bun. Packed with lean meat, fresh veggies, and a creamy sauce, it’s perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner that’s quick to prepare.
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)
- 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 meat. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir occasionally and cook until fully browned, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 2: Prepare your base by chopping the lettuce or cooking your preferred grains or cauliflower rice.
- Step 3: Slice cherry tomatoes, dill pickles, and red onion. Prepare any additional toppings like jalapeño slices if using.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth to make the sauce.
- Step 5: To assemble, layer the base in bowls, add the cooked meat, then top with tomatoes, pickles, onion, cheese, and drizzle the sauce over everything.
- Step 6: Finish each bowl with a fried egg, cooked bacon strips, and sliced avocado for extra protein and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb and add extra veggies.
- Add jalapeño slices or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Try a different cheese like pepper jack or mozzarella for variety.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate to prevent sogginess. Reheat the meat and base in a skillet or microwave before assembling with fresh toppings and sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the meat with seasoned cooked lentils, plant-based ground meat, or beans to maintain protein content.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Prepare each component ahead of time and assemble bowls just before eating to keep ingredients fresh.
Print
High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls recipe offers a tasty and nutritious way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger without the bun. Featuring lean ground beef or turkey cooked with traditional seasonings, fresh veggies or grains as the base, and topped with cheese, avocado, bacon, and a creamy tangy sauce made from Greek yogurt, mustard, and ketchup. Perfect for a quick, satisfying, protein-packed meal that’s low in carbs and customizable to your preferences.
Ingredients
Protein and Meat
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey (90% lean)
- 4 strips cooked bacon
- 4 fried eggs
Vegetables and 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
Seasoning Spices
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
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
- Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef or turkey. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir regularly and cook until the meat is fully cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Prepare the base: Chop the lettuce if using as your bowl base or cook your choice of quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice according to package instructions. This forms the foundation of your bowl.
- Prep toppings: Slice the cherry tomatoes, dill pickles, and red onion thinly. Prepare any optional toppings like jalapeño slices or avocado to your liking.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-fat Greek yogurt, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble bowls: Start by layering your base (lettuce or grains) in each bowl. Then add the cooked ground meat evenly on top. Add the sliced toppings: tomatoes, pickles, onion, and jalapeños if using. Sprinkle shredded cheddar or American cheese over everything. Drizzle the prepared sauce generously on top.
- Optional finish: To add extra protein and flavor, top each bowl with a fried egg, cooked bacon strips, and slices of fresh avocado.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey as a lower-fat alternative to beef.
- Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb base option.
- Adjust seasoning amounts to your taste preference.
- The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and bacon, and add more veggies or plant-based protein.
- Frying eggs over medium heat with a little oil or butter gives the best texture for topping bowls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: high-protein, cheeseburger bowls, low carb, lean beef, turkey, healthy recipe, quick dinner, Greek yogurt sauce
