Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
High-protein cheeseburger bowl on a white marble countertop, filled with lean ground beef, shredded cheddar, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, pickle

Protein Cheeseburger Bowl recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Lyall
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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
  • 12 tbsp water (to adjust sauce consistency)
  • Optional toppings: avocado, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, pickled jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
  2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, for 4-5 minutes until browned.
  3. Season with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; cook 1 more minute.
  4. While beef cooks, prepare the sauce: whisk Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and 1-2 tbsp water to desired consistency.
  5. Assemble the bowl: layer chopped lettuce at the bottom, then add cooked beef, shredded cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pickles.
  6. Drizzle the sauce over the bowl and add optional toppings as desired.
  7. 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