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A deconstructed cheeseburger bowl with seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, pickles, cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of burger sauce.

High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls Recipe – Low-Carb Meal Prep with Ground Beef & Burger Sauce

These High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls are a delicious, low-carb twist on a fast-food favorite—perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners. Packed with seasoned ground beef, crisp veggies, shredded cheese, and a tangy burger-style sauce, each bowl delivers all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger without the bun. With over 30 grams of protein per serving, this easy-to-customize dish is great for keto, paleo, or high-protein lifestyles. Add avocado, bacon, or swap in turkey for a lighter option!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Low-Carb Entrée, Meal prep lunch, Salad bowl
Cuisine American-Inspired
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Whisk
  • Measuring spoons
  • Serving bowls or containers

Ingredients
  

Protein:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey (90% lean)
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder

Base Options:

  • 4 cups chopped lettuce
  • OR 2 cups cooked quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice

Toppings:

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup sliced dill pickles
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese

Optional Add-Ons:

  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 4 strips cooked bacon
  • Jalapeño slices
  • 4 fried eggs

Sauce:

  • 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
 

  • 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.

Notes

  • Customize freely: Swap beef for turkey or chicken, use quinoa for added fiber, or go bunless with lettuce.
  • Make it vegan: Use lentil-walnut “meat,” dairy-free cheese, and plant-based sauce.
  • Southwest twist: Add black beans, corn, and chipotle mayo.
  • Breakfast version: Top with hash browns and a fried egg.
  • Storage: Keep components separate for up to 4 days. Reheat meat gently and add sauce fresh.
Keyword bunless burger, Cheeseburger bowl, high-protein, keto, low carb, macro-friendly, meal prep