Ever craved a cheeseburger but wanted to skip the carbs?
Indulging in a delicious cheeseburger has never been easier or healthier thanks to this High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe! This low-carb meal prep with ground beef and a creamy burger sauce transforms your favorite flavor in a way that’s both satisfying and guilt-free. The best part? You whip this up in one pan, making cleanup a total breeze. Who wants to wash ten pots and pans anyway?
Why make this recipe
So, why should you bring this bowl of goodness into your life?
- Easy Cleanup: Seriously, we’re all about keeping dishes to a minimum. This one-pan wonder means less scrubbing and more munching!
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist a cheeseburger, right? Whether you’ve got kids or adults, this meal is sure to please.
- Super Versatile: You can mix and match toppings like the culinary Picasso you are, so everyone gets their perfect bowl.
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 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 (for some spice!)
- 4 fried eggs (because why not?)
- 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
Ready to cook? Let’s dive into this deliciousness!
- Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir it up until fully cooked (about 8–10 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- Prepare the base: While the meat is cooking, chop your lettuce or cook your grains/cauliflower rice as you like.
- Prep toppings: Slice your tomatoes, pickles, onion, and any optional add-ons you desire.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together Greek yogurt, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and delightful.
- Assemble bowls: Layer your base, followed by the cooked meat, toppings, and cheese. Drizzle that tasty sauce over the top.
- Optional finish: Go ahead and add a fried egg, some bacon, or avocado to kick the flavor up a notch.

How to make High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe – Low-Carb Meal Prep with Ground Beef & Burger Sauce (Overview)
Starting with the ground meat, let it brown up nicely in your trusty skillet. While it’s sizzling, prep your base of greens or grains—your choice! Next, slice up those colorful toppings that’ll add freshness and crunch. How do you think burger joints make it look so vibrant? It’s all in the presentation, baby! Finally, whip up that creamy sauce in a jiffy, layer everything into your bowls, and voilà! You got yourself a high-protein feast. Pro tip: Don’t skip the frying the egg — it’s the cherry on top of this savory dish!
How to serve High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe – Low-Carb Meal Prep with Ground Beef & Burger Sauce
Serve these bowls proudly! Imagine a vibrant mixture of greens, juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese all drizzled with that creamy burger sauce—it’s a sight to behold! Pair it with a sparkling drink to elevate the aroma wafting from those delectable layers. If you’re feeling especially jazzy, sprinkle on some extra toppings like herbs or crispy fried onions for that pop of color and crunch.
How to store High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe – Low-Carb Meal Prep with Ground Beef & Burger Sauce
Want to savor the love a bit longer? You can store your cheeseburger bowls in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to go the extra mile, prep the ingredients separately for a make-ahead masterpiece! Reheat in the microwave for a quick meal on-the-go, but trust me, don’t microwave the avocado; it really doesn’t appreciate the heat! 😉
Tips to make High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe – Low-Carb Meal Prep with Ground Beef & Burger Sauce
Here are some insider tricks to nail this recipe every time:
- Season generously: Your ground meat deserves it! Don’t hold back on the spices to really elevate the flavor.
- Customize your base: Go crazy! Quinoa today, cauliflower rice tomorrow—the choice is yours.
- Crisp it up: If you’re using bacon, make sure it’s nice and crispy for that satisfying crunch.
- Double the batch: Make a large batch for meal prep; your future self will thank you when hunger strikes!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Switch out ground beef for chicken or plant-based crumbles for a vegan twist. Add some barbecue sauce instead of the burger sauce if you’re in the mood for a smoky flavor. Toss in whatever toppings make your heart sing—this bowl’s all about YOU!
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as turkey cooks faster.
Can I make these vegetarian?
You sure can! Use black beans or lentils in place of ground meat for a hearty alternative.
How do I keep this low-carb?
Stick with lettuce as a base instead of rice or quinoa, and keep an eye on sauces and toppings that add sugars.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls
Ingredients
For the base
- 4 cups chopped lettuce Alternatively, use 2 cups cooked quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
Main ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey (90% lean) Turkey cooks faster; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- 1 tsp salt To taste.
- 1 tsp pepper To taste.
- 1 tsp garlic powder Use an additional ½ tsp for the sauce.
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup sliced dill pickles
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese
- 1 medium avocado, sliced Reheat the bowls without the avocado.
- 4 strips cooked bacon For crispy texture.
- 1 medium jalapeño slices (for spice) Optional.
- 4 large fried eggs Optional, for extra protein.
Sauce ingredients
- ½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- ½ tsp paprika
Instructions
Cooking
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for about 8–10 minutes.
- While the meat is cooking, chop your lettuce or cook your grains/cauliflower rice as preferred.
- Slice the tomatoes, pickles, onion, and any optional add-ons.
- In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Layer your base (lettuce or grains), followed by the cooked meat, toppings, and cheese, then drizzle sauce on top.
- Optionally, add a fried egg, some bacon, or avocado to enhance flavor.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
Want just the essential recipe details without scrolling through the article? Get our printable recipe card with just the ingredients and instructions.
