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Healthy Cheeseburger Protein Bowls - All the Flavor, Packed With Protein

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Lean ground beef: 90–95% lean works best. Ground turkey or chicken also work.
  • Onion: Yellow or white, finely diced.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced for that savory kick.
  • Burger seasoning: Salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and a pinch of mustard powder.
  • Base: Shredded romaine, mixed greens, or chopped iceberg; or use cooked brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa.
  • Cherry tomatoes: Halved for bursts of sweetness.
  • Pickles: Dill pickle chips or spears, chopped for crunch and tang.
  • Red onion: Thinly sliced for bite.
  • Cheese: Shredded cheddar, reduced-fat cheddar, or a cheese blend.
  • Avocado: Optional, for creaminess and healthy fats.
  • Sesame seeds: Optional garnish for a burger-like touch.
  • Olive oil: For cooking the beef (or use avocado oil).
  • “Special sauce”: Greek yogurt, light mayo, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle brine or diced pickles, garlic powder, and a splash of apple cider vinegar.

Method
 

  1. Prep your base: Wash and chop your greens or cook your grain of choice. If using cauliflower rice, sauté it with a little oil and salt until tender, then set aside.
  2. Make the special sauce: Stir together 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons light mayo, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon mustard, 1 tablespoon pickle brine (or finely chopped pickles), a pinch of garlic powder, and 1–2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Chill while you cook.
  3. Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add 1 teaspoon oil, then the onion. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  4. Brown and season: Add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Season with 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of mustard powder. Stir to coat and cook 1 minute more.
  5. Prep the toppings: Halve the tomatoes, slice the red onion, dice the avocado, and chop the pickles. Shred the cheese if not pre-shredded.
  6. Assemble the bowls: Add your base to each bowl. Top with a generous scoop of the seasoned beef. Add tomatoes, red onion, pickles, avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese. Drizzle with the special sauce.
  7. Finish and serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cracked pepper. Serve warm with extra sauce on the side.