Cheeseburger Protein Bowl

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Cheeseburger Protein Bowl (High-Protein, Low-Guilt Comfort Food)

Servings: 1 large bowl

(Meal-prep friendly — easily scale to 4 servings)

 Ingredients

Protein

  • 5 oz (140g) 93–96% lean ground beef

  • Salt & black pepper

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

Bowl Base

  • 2 cups shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce

  • ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 2 tbsp diced red onion

  • ¼ cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar

  • 3–4 dill pickle slices

High-Protein Burger Sauce

  • 2 tbsp plain nonfat Greek yogurt

  • 1 tbsp light mayonnaise

  • 1 tsp yellow mustard

  • 1 tbsp sugar-free ketchup

  • 1 tsp pickle relish

  • Splash white vinegar

  • Pinch paprika

 Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef
    Heat skillet over medium. Brown beef 5–7 minutes, breaking into crumbles. Season well. Drain excess grease if needed.

  2. Make the Sauce
    Whisk all sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

  3. Assemble the Bowl
    Add lettuce to bowl. Top with beef, cheese, tomatoes, onions, and pickles.

  4. Finish & Serve
    Drizzle sauce generously over top. Optional: sprinkle sesame seeds for that “burger bun” vibe.

 Description Notes

  • Tastes like a cheeseburger without the bun.

  • High protein, low carb.

  • Keeps you full for hours.

  • Great for cutting or maintenance phases.

  • Meal-prep approved (stores well 3–4 days).

 Pro Tips

✔ Let beef cool slightly before adding to lettuce to prevent wilting
✔ Add shredded cabbage for extra crunch & volume
✔ Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick
✔ Want even leaner? Use 99% lean turkey
✔ Add ½ avocado for healthy fats (great for bulking)

Nutritional Info (Approximate)

  • Calories: 340–370

  • Protein: ~45g

  • Carbs: 10–12g

  • Fat: 15–18g

  • Fiber: 3–4g

(Will vary based on meat leanness and cheese choice.)

Benefits

  • Supports muscle growth & recovery

  • Helps control cravings

  • Lower calorie than fast-food equivalent

  • Blood sugar friendly

  • Easy macro tracking

 Q & A

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — skip cheese and use dairy-free yogurt in the sauce.

Q: Is this keto-friendly?
Yes, if using sugar-free ketchup and relish.

Q: How do I meal prep it?
Store beef separately from lettuce. Keep sauce in small containers and assemble before eating.

Q: Can I add carbs?
Add ½ cup cooked rice or roasted potatoes for a higher-calorie version.

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