Description
This Protein Cheeseburger Bowl packs over 50g of lean protein and delivers all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger without the bun. Perfect for low-carb diets, meal prep, or a quick weeknight dinner, it comes with a delicious Greek yogurt-based ‘secret sauce’ that elevates the flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500g lean ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large romaine lettuce, chopped
- 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced dill pickles
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1–2 tbsp water (to adjust sauce consistency)
- Optional toppings: avocado, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, for 4-5 minutes until browned.
- Season with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; cook 1 more minute.
- While beef cooks, prepare the sauce: whisk Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and 1-2 tbsp water to desired consistency.
- Assemble the bowl: layer chopped lettuce at the bottom, then add cooked beef, shredded cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pickles.
- Drizzle the sauce over the bowl and add optional toppings as desired.
- Serve immediately or pack into meal prep containers, keeping sauce separate for freshness.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Meal Prep Tip: Keep lettuce and toppings separate from hot beef to avoid soggy salad.
- Reheating: Warm beef before combining with cold veggies and toppings.
- Protein Boost Tip: Add 1/2 cup edamame or high-protein cheese for extra protein.
- Variations: Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumble; use dairy-free cheese/mayo to make it paleo or vegan-friendly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, High-Protein
- Method: Skillet-Cooked, No-Bake Assembly
- Cuisine: American, Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 52g
- Cholesterol: 100mg