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High Protein Cheeseburger Bowls - A Satisfying, Lighter Take on a Classic

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the beef: 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (90–96% lean) or extra-lean turkey
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional but great)
  • 1–2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • For the bowls: 6 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce (or a mix)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1 cup dill pickles, chopped
  • 3/4–1 cup shredded cheddar or Colby Jack
  • 1 avocado, diced (optional)
  • 1 cup cooked grains (rice, quinoa, or farro) or roasted potatoes if you want more carbs
  • For the sauce: 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or 0%)
  • 2–3 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tsp pickle brine (from the jar)
  • 1 tsp honey or a pinch of sweetener (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, ketchup, mustard, pickle brine, and paprika. Add honey if you like a touch of sweetness. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Chill while you cook the beef.
  2. Season the beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently to avoid toughening the meat.
  3. Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the seasoned beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook 6–8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, drain it. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Warm the grains (optional): If you’re using rice, quinoa, or potatoes, warm them so they serve as a cozy base. You can also keep everything cold for a crisp salad vibe.
  5. Prep the veggies: Chop lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and pickles. Dice the avocado if using.
  6. Assemble the bowls: Add lettuce to each bowl. If using grains or potatoes, add a scoop. Top with a generous portion of beef. Sprinkle on shredded cheese so it softens slightly from the heat.
  7. Add toppings: Scatter tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, pickles, and avocado. Drizzle with the sauce. If you want extra zing, add a splash of pickle brine or hot sauce.
  8. Finish and serve: Garnish with fresh cracked pepper. Serve immediately while the beef is warm and the lettuce is crisp.