High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe – Low-Carb Meal Prep with Ground Beef & Burger Sauce
When you’re in the mood for a hearty yet wholesome meal, look no further than these High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls. This vibrant dish encapsulates everything you love about a cheeseburger, presented in a nutritious bowl that’s perfect for meal prep. Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and a homemade burger sauce that’s both creamy and tangy, these bowls come together in a matter of minutes, catering to busy weekdays or casual family dinners alike.
Imagine serving them for a casual weekend gathering or a quick weeknight dinner; both you and your loved ones will savor every bite. The delightful combination of textures and flavors, from the crispy bacon to the creamy avocado, will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, with low-carb options for the base, it’s a dish that keeps your health goals in check without sacrificing taste.
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly assembled.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey (90% lean)
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
- 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
- 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
Fresh ingredients ready for assembly and cooking.
Directions
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Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the meat is cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
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Prepare the base: While the meat cooks, chop the lettuce or cook your chosen grains or cauliflower rice as desired.
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Prep toppings: Slice the tomatoes, pickles, onion, and any optional add-ons, ensuring a colorful and appealing presentation.
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Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
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Assemble bowls: In each serving bowl, layer the base of your choice, followed by the cooked meat, toppings, and a sprinkle of cheese. Drizzle with the prepared sauce.
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Optional finish: For an extra pop of flavor and protein, top each bowl with a fried egg, crispy bacon, or slices of avocado.
Tips & Variations
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Ingredient substitutions: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also replace the cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a lactose-free meal.
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Optional variations: Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or grilled zucchini for additional veggies, or spice things up with some crushed red pepper flakes.
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Storage or reheating tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave, but add fresh toppings afterward for the best texture.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty level: Easy
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Generic image description or alt-text for the recipe
High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey (90% lean) Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- 4 cups chopped lettuce Alternatively, use 2 cups of 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 Can substitute with a dairy-free alternative.
- 1 1 avocado, sliced
- 4 strips cooked bacon
- jalapeño slices Add based on spice preference.
- ½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the meat is cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- While the meat cooks, chop the lettuce or cook your chosen grains or cauliflower rice as desired.
- Slice the tomatoes, pickles, onion, and any optional add-ons, ensuring a colorful and appealing presentation.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
- In each serving bowl, layer the base of your choice, followed by the cooked meat, toppings, and a sprinkle of cheese. Drizzle with the prepared sauce.
- For an extra pop of flavor and protein, top each bowl with a fried egg, crispy bacon, or slices of avocado.