why make this recipe
This High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe – Low-Carb Meal Prep with Ground Beef & Burger Sauce gives you the burger taste without the bun. It is quick, full of protein, and fits low-carb or meal-prep plans. If you like easy bowls with bold flavor, this is for you.
introduction
This bowl mixes browned lean ground beef, fresh veggies, cheese, and a simple yogurt-based burger sauce. It cooks fast and stores well for the week. For other low-carb ground beef meals, see this low-carb Mongolian ground beef and cabbage recipe for more ideas.
how to make High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe – Low-Carb Meal Prep with Ground Beef & Burger Sauce
Follow these steps to build the bowls. Work in simple steps so the meal comes together fast.
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
Directions :
- Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the base: Chop lettuce or cook your choice of quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
- Prep toppings: Slice cherry tomatoes, pickles, and red onion. Slice avocado and cook bacon and eggs if using.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together Greek yogurt, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble bowls: Start with the base, add the cooked meat, then top with tomatoes, pickles, onion, cheese, and jalapeño slices. Drizzle with the burger sauce.
- Optional finish: Add a fried egg, bacon strips, or avocado slices for more protein and flavor.
how to serve High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe – Low-Carb Meal Prep with Ground Beef & Burger Sauce
Serve warm. Offer extra sauce on the side. These bowls work as a single meal or party platter where guests build their own bowls.
how to store High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe – Low-Carb Meal Prep with Ground Beef & Burger Sauce
Cool the meat and sauce before storing. Put components in airtight containers. Keep the base and toppings separate from the sauce for up to 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat meat, then assemble fresh to keep lettuce crisp. If you used cooked grains, they will store well and reheat nicely.
tips to make High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe – Low-Carb Meal Prep with Ground Beef & Burger Sauce
- Use 90% lean meat to cut fat while keeping flavor.
- Drain fat well for a cleaner bowl.
- Make the sauce ahead to save time.
- Toasting the pickles lightly in the pan can add extra flavor.
- For meal prep, store eggs and avocado separately and add before eating.
- For more bowl ideas with ground beef, try this ground beef burrito bowl recipe.
variation (if any)
- Swap cheddar for Swiss or pepper jack for heat.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Replace lettuce with cauliflower rice for strictly low-carb bowls.
- Add BBQ sauce or hot sauce instead of the yogurt sauce for a different flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen ground beef?
A: Yes. Thaw fully before cooking and drain any extra moisture.
Q: How do I keep the lettuce from getting soggy?
A: Store lettuce and wet toppings separate from the cooked meat and sauce until serving.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Use cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute in place of beef, and keep the sauce dairy-free if needed.
Q: Is the sauce healthy?
A: The sauce uses Greek yogurt, which adds protein and reduces fat compared to mayo. You can swap to non-fat yogurt if desired.
Q: Can I freeze these bowls?
A: Freeze only the cooked meat and cooked grains. Lettuce and fresh toppings do not freeze well.
Conclusion
These High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls are simple, fast, and flexible for meal prep or weeknight dinners. For another easy low-carb bowl idea, see this Cheeseburger Bowls (Easy Low Carb Meal). If you want a high-protein version with a different sauce idea, check this High Protein Burger Bowls with Sauce Recipe.
Print
High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low-Carb
Description
Quick and delicious cheeseburger bowls without the bun, perfect for low-carb meal prep.
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
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Chop lettuce or cook your choice of quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
- Slice cherry tomatoes, pickles, and red onion. Slice avocado and cook bacon and eggs if using.
- Whisk together Greek yogurt, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth to make the sauce.
- Assemble the bowls starting with the base, add the cooked meat, and then top with tomatoes, pickles, onion, cheese, and jalapeño slices. Drizzle with the burger sauce.
- Optionally, finish with a fried egg, bacon strips, or avocado slices for more protein and flavor.
Notes
Cool the meat and sauce before storing. Keep the base and toppings separate from the sauce for up to 3–4 days in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
