Go Back
–+ servings
High-protein cheeseburger bowls topped with fresh ingredients

High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls

Warm, savory cheeseburger bowls that blend cozy fall flavors with high protein nutrition, perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 bowls
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

Burger Base

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option) Choose lean ground beef or turkey.
  • 1 tsp olive oil For cooking.
  • 1 medium sweet onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp kosher salt

Toppings

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice Quinoa is recommended for extra protein.
  • 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage or mixed greens
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 1/2 cup dill pickles, sliced
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tbsp ketchup or tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • optional sliced avocado, chopped chives, or roasted sweet potato cubes For additional topping options.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Dice onion and tomato, shred cabbage, cook quinoa or rice, and shred cheese.

Make the Burger Base

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
  • Add garlic, then add ground beef. Break the meat into small pieces with a spatula.
  • Season with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes.

Prepare the Special Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mustard, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar. Adjust salt to taste.

Assemble the Bowls

  • Divide cooked quinoa or rice among four bowls.
  • Top each with shredded cabbage or greens, a generous scoop of the seasoned beef, diced tomato, pickles, and shredded cheddar.
  • Drizzle the special sauce and add sliced avocado or roasted sweet potato cubes if using.

Finish and Serve

  • Garnish with chopped chives or a sprinkle of extra paprika. Enjoy warm.

Notes

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce grease; drain any excess for a cleaner bowl. Toast quinoa lightly in a dry pan before cooking for added depth. For melty cheese, briefly broil the filled bowls in an oven-safe dish for 2–3 minutes. Make the special sauce ahead for better flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 40gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 900mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8g
Keyword comfort food, Customizable Bowls, Healthy Dinner, High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls, meal prep
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!