Cheeseburger Bowl – A Healthy, Loaded Burger Bowl Recipe
Introduction
Love the flavors of a cheeseburger, but want a healthier, low-carb, and customizable option? This Cheeseburger Bowl is the perfect healthy cheeseburger alternative! Packed with seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, cheese, and a delicious burger-inspired sauce, this bowl gives you all the loaded burger flavors without the bun.
This healthy hamburger bowl is a fantastic meal for meal prep, family dinners, or quick lunches. It’s easy to make, gluten-free, high in protein, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re looking for healthy beef recipes, burger bowl meal prep ideas, or just a low-carb take on a classic burger, this loaded burger bowl is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Bowl
- Low-Carb & Gluten-Free – No bun needed, making it a great healthy hamburger alternative.
- High in Protein – Perfect for muscle-building and satisfying meals.
- Customizable – Add your favorite burger toppings and sauces.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Great for Meal Prep – Stores well for healthy bowls recipes throughout the week.
Ingredients for Cheeseburger Bowl
Gather these fresh, simple ingredients to make this loaded burger bowl:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ small red onion (sliced)
- ½ cup pickles (diced)
- 1 small avocado (sliced, optional)
For the Burger Sauce:
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (or light mayo)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon pickle juice (or apple cider vinegar)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Cutting board and knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make a Cheeseburger Bowl
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Burger Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pickle juice. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the chopped romaine lettuce into bowls. Top with cooked beef, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, red onions, pickles, and avocado.
Step 4: Drizzle with Sauce & Serve
Drizzle the burger sauce over each bowl and toss gently. Enjoy immediately!
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Use Extra Lean Beef – Helps keep the dish low in fat and high in protein.
- Swap the Dressing – Try ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a honey mustard drizzle.
- For Extra Crunch – Add crushed tortilla chips or crispy onions on top.
- Make It Dairy-Free – Use dairy-free cheese and a mayo-based sauce instead of Greek yogurt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining the Beef – If using beef with higher fat content, drain the grease to prevent a greasy bowl.
- Overloading with Sauce – A little goes a long way—drizzle lightly and add more as needed.
- Skipping the Pickles – They add essential tanginess that balances the richness of the beef.
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap the Protein – Use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Low-Carb Option – Replace ketchup with sugar-free ketchup to lower carbs.
- Add More Greens – Try baby spinach, kale, or shredded cabbage for more fiber.
- Use Different Cheese – Pepper jack, feta, or blue cheese all work great!
Serving Suggestions
This burger bowl pairs well with:
- Sweet potato fries for a balanced meal.
- A light coleslaw for added crunch.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts for extra veggies.
How to Store & Meal Prep
Refrigeration:
Store ingredients separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat the beef in a skillet or microwave before assembling.
Freezing:
The cooked beef can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before using.
FAQs
1. Can I meal prep these bowls?
Yes! Store components separately and assemble fresh each day.
2. What’s the best way to make this lower in fat?
Use extra lean ground beef and light cheese or skip the cheese altogether.
3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the beef for a plant-based alternative or black bean mixture.
4. How can I add more protein?
Top with a boiled egg or an extra serving of lean meat.
Conclusion
This Cheeseburger Bowl is the ultimate way to enjoy loaded burger flavors in a healthy, low-carb, and customizable way. Whether you’re craving a healthy cheeseburger, looking for high-protein meal prep ideas, or just want a quick and satisfying bowl meal, this recipe is perfect.
With juicy beef, crisp veggies, and a tangy burger sauce, this healthy bowl recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, nutritious meal in just 30 minutes!
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PrintCheeseburger Bowl – A Healthy, Loaded Burger Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheeseburger Bowl is a low-carb, protein-packed meal! A delicious healthy hamburger alternative with all the loaded burger flavors.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ small red onion (sliced)
- ½ cup pickles (diced)
- 1 small avocado (sliced, optional)
For the Burger Sauce:
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (or light mayo)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon pickle juice (or apple cider vinegar)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Burger Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pickle juice.
- Set aside.
3️⃣ Assemble the Bowls
- Divide chopped romaine lettuce into bowls.
- Top with cooked beef, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, red onions, pickles, and avocado.
4️⃣ Drizzle with Sauce & Serve
- Drizzle burger sauce over each bowl and toss gently.
- Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Use extra lean beef for a lower-fat option.
- Swap the dressing with ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard for a different flavor.
- For extra crunch, add crushed tortilla chips or crispy onions on top.
- To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese and a mayo-based sauce.