Description
This High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls recipe is a flavorful, low-carb meal prep option featuring lean ground beef cooked with classic seasonings, served over a bed of fresh lettuce or your choice of quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice. Topped with cheddar cheese, fresh veggies, creamy homemade burger sauce, and optional protein boosters like fried eggs, bacon, and avocado slices, this bowl offers a satisfying and nutritious take on the beloved cheeseburger without the bun.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey (90% lean)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
Bases
- 4 cups chopped lettuce OR 2 cups cooked quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
Vegetable Toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup sliced dill pickles
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- Jalapeño slices (optional, to taste)
- 1 avocado, sliced
Cheese and Protein Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese
- 4 strips cooked bacon
- 4 fried eggs
Burger 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 ground beef or turkey along with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir frequently and cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
- Prepare the base: Choose your base by either chopping fresh lettuce or cooking your preferred grain such as quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice. Ensure the base is ready and set aside for assembling the bowls.
- Prep toppings: Slice the cherry tomatoes in halves, thinly slice the dill pickles and red onion, and prepare optional jalapeño slices if you desire some heat.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the low-fat Greek yogurt, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency that will complement your bowl.
- Assemble bowls: Start by layering your chosen base in serving bowls, then add the cooked ground meat evenly on top. Follow with the prepared vegetable toppings and sprinkle shredded cheddar or American cheese over the top. Drizzle the homemade burger sauce generously to bring all flavors together.
- Optional finish: For an extra boost of protein and flavor, top each bowl with a fried egg, cooked bacon strips, and avocado slices. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use turkey for a leaner protein alternative to beef.
- Substitute cheese with a vegan alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Cauliflower rice keeps this dish low-carb and keto-friendly.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce.
- Cook the eggs to your preferred doneness—fried, poached, or scrambled work well.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: high protein, cheeseburger bowl, low carb, meal prep, ground beef, Greek yogurt sauce, keto friendly, quick dinner
