Why Make This Recipe

High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls are a delicious and healthy option for meal prep. They are low-carb and packed with flavor while providing a good source of protein. These bowls allow you to enjoy the taste of a cheeseburger without the extra carbs from buns. Perfect for busy days, you can prepare them ahead of time and customize them according to your preferences.

How to Make High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls

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 ground meat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until cooked through (8–10 minutes). Drain excess fat.
Prepare the base: Chop lettuce or cook grains/cauliflower rice as desired.
Prep toppings: Slice tomatoes, pickles, onion, and any optional add-ons.
Make the sauce: Whisk Greek yogurt, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble bowls: Layer base, meat, toppings, and cheese. Drizzle with sauce.
Optional finish: Top with fried egg, bacon, or avocado for extra protein and flavor.

How to Serve High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls

Serve your cheeseburger bowls in deep plates or bowls to hold all the delicious layers. You can add extra sauce on the top for more flavor. These bowls are great for lunch or dinner, and you can offer additional toppings on the side, like extra jalapeños or hot sauce, for those who like a bit of heat.

How to Store High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls

Store any leftover cheeseburger bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you prefer, you can keep the components separate to maintain their textures and flavors. Reheat the meat and any grains before serving.

Tips to Make High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls

Use lean meats to keep the bowls healthier while still providing plenty of flavor.
Customize the toppings based on your taste. You can add things like avocado or bacon for extra richness.
Prepare the sauce in advance to save time during the assembly process.
Try using different cheese types for a twist on the flavor.

Variation

You can switch up the base by using different grains like farro or barley, or even go fully vegetable with spiralized zucchini. For a spicy kick, add hot sauce to the meat or the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken instead of ground beef or turkey?
Yes, you can use ground chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

2. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Avoid using any ingredients with gluten, like certain sauces, and stick to gluten-free grains or use just lettuce as your base.

3. Can I prepare these bowls in advance?
Absolutely! These bowls are great for meal prep. Make them on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week. Just keep the components separated until you’re ready to eat.