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
Cook the Beef
Heat skillet over medium. Brown beef 5–7 minutes, breaking into crumbles. Season well. Drain excess grease if needed.
Make the Sauce
Whisk all sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Bowl
Add lettuce to bowl. Top with beef, cheese, tomatoes, onions, and pickles.
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.