High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe – Low-Carb Meal Prep with Ground Beef & Burger Sauce
There’s something undeniably comforting about the classic cheeseburger. It’s the sizzle of the meat on the grill, the aroma of melting cheese, and the satisfying crunch of fresh toppings that make it such a beloved dish. However, as we strive for healthier choices, traditional cheeseburgers can sometimes feel like a guilty pleasure. That’s why I’ve created this delightful High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe. It’s a cozy, low-carb meal prep option that captures all the flavors you love about a cheeseburger but in a nourishing bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday meal prep, these bowls are satisfying, and they’ll transport you back to summer BBQs with every bite. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Reasons You’ll Want to Try It
- Quick and Easy: Whip up this comforting bowl in under 30 minutes—perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
- Low-Carb & High-Protein: A hearty choice for those looking to reduce carbs while boosting protein intake.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare ahead for the week, and enjoy a flavorsome, grab-and-go meal.
- Customizable: Mix and match toppings and bases to suit your cravings and dietary needs.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it a crowd-pleaser!
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple 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 turkey bacon
- Jalapeño slices (optional)
- 4 fried eggs (optional)
- ½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Make It Together
Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or turkey) with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Prepare the base: Chop the lettuce or cook your grains (quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice) as desired.
Prep toppings: Slice the tomatoes, pickles, and onion. Add any optional toppings like jalapeño slices.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble bowls: In a serving bowl, layer the base, followed by the cooked meat, toppings, and cheese. Drizzle with the creamy burger sauce.
Optional finish: For an extra boost of protein and flavor, top with a fried egg, crispy turkey bacon, or slices of avocado.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Spicy Southwest Style: Add black beans, corn, and fresh cilantro for a zesty twist and serve with avocado salsa.
- Mediterranean Influence: Swap the lettuce for chopped romaine and top with feta cheese, olives, and a drizzle of tahini dressing.
- BBQ Bliss: Incorporate a tangy BBQ sauce into your meat mixture, and replace pickles with sautéed onions and roasted bell peppers.
- Breakfast Bowl: Serve with scrambled eggs instead of fried eggs, and add in some cooked spinach for a nutritious breakfast twist.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead: These bowls store wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to serve.
- Ingredient Swaps: Use ground chicken or plant-based meatless crumbles for a lighter version or to cater to different dietary needs.
- Slicing Tricks: To slice onions easily without tears, chill the onion in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing.
- Storage Suggestions: Use airtight containers to keep your bowls fresh and ready to enjoy throughout the week.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Carbs: 15g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 28g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 900mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare these bowls in advance and enjoy them throughout the week.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to customize your toppings and base to match your flavor preferences and pantry items.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keep the sauce separate to maintain freshness.
How long does it last?
These bowls can be safely stored for up to five days in the refrigerator.
A Cozy Closing Note
The High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls recipe is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that wraps its arms around you like a warm hug on a chilly night. With layers of flavors and textures, this bowl provides everything you love about a classic cheeseburger, minus the guilt. Save this recipe to your healthy meal prep board so it’s ready when you need a cozy yet nourishing treat! Enjoy every succulent bite, dear friends!
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High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low-Carb
Description
A cozy, low-carb meal prep option that captures all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a nourishing bowl.
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 turkey bacon
- Jalapeño slices (optional)
- 4 fried eggs (optional)
- 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
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or turkey) with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, stirring until cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Chop the lettuce or cook your chosen grains (quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice).
- Slice the tomatoes, pickles, and onion. Add any optional toppings like jalapeño slices.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a serving bowl, layer the base, followed by the cooked meat, toppings, and cheese. Drizzle with the creamy burger sauce.
- Optional: Top with a fried egg, crispy turkey bacon, or slices of avocado for extra protein and flavor.
Notes
These bowls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keep the sauce separate until serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: cheeseburger bowls, low-carb meal prep, high-protein, quick dinner, family-friendly