High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe
Introduction
This High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowl is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines all your favorite burger ingredients without the bun. It’s a perfect low-carb, protein-packed meal that’s quick to prepare and endlessly customizable.
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 beef or turkey with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir occasionally until cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 2: Prepare your base by either chopping the lettuce or cooking quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice as you prefer.
- Step 3: Slice the 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 create the sauce.
- Step 5: Assemble the bowls by layering the base first, then the cooked meat, followed by the tomatoes, pickles, onion, and shredded cheese. Drizzle the sauce over the top.
- Step 6: For extra protein and flavor, top each bowl with a fried egg, a strip of cooked bacon, and sliced avocado.
Tips & Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use any grain or vegetable base you like to make it gluten-free or keto-friendly.
- Add pickled jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Substitute the yogurt sauce with ranch dressing or your favorite burger sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, replace meat with grilled mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.
Storage
Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cooked meat and base chilled and the sauce refrigerated. When ready to eat, reheat the meat and base gently in a microwave or skillet, then assemble with fresh toppings and sauce. Avoid storing fried eggs with other ingredients to maintain texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this bowl?
Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend. Choose what melts well and complements your flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Keep the cooked meat, base, and sauce separate to maintain freshness and assemble bowls when ready to eat for the best texture and flavor.
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High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowl is a nutritious and satisfying meal that combines lean ground beef or turkey with fresh veggies, a flavorful yogurt-based sauce, and optional protein-packed toppings like fried eggs, bacon, and avocado. Perfect for those craving classic cheeseburger flavors without the bun, this recipe is customizable with greens or grains and offers a balanced, protein-rich bowl for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey (90% lean)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Base
- 4 cups chopped lettuce OR 2 cups cooked quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
Toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 4 strips cooked bacon
- Jalapeño slices, to taste
- 4 fried eggs
Sauce
- 1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey, seasoning it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir frequently and cook until fully browned and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat before removing from heat.
- Prepare the base: Depending on your preference, chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces or cook your choice of grains such as quinoa or brown rice, or prepare cauliflower rice, making sure it is cooked and ready to serve.
- Prep toppings: Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, thinly slice the dill pickles and red onion, and prepare any additional toppings like jalapeño slices. Set all aside for assembling.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-fat Greek yogurt, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, and salt and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble bowls: Begin by layering your chosen base at the bottom of each bowl. Top with the cooked meat, then add the sliced tomatoes, pickles, onions, and shredded cheese. Drizzle the prepared sauce evenly over the assembled ingredients.
- Optional finish: For added protein and flavor, top each bowl with a fried egg, cooked bacon strips, and slices of avocado as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef based on preference.
- Use lettuce for a low-carb option or grains for a more filling meal.
- The sauce can be adjusted for spice by adding hot sauce or cayenne pepper if preferred.
- Leftover bowls can be refrigerated and eaten cold or reheated without the fried egg and avocado for best texture.
- For dairy-free versions, omit cheese and substitute Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: high-protein, cheeseburger bowl, ground beef, healthy meal, low carb, quick dinner, yogurt sauce
