Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bowls deliver all the comfort of a cheeseburger in a lighter, more wholesome format. They’re high in protein, low in carbs, and completely customizable with your favorite toppings. Perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner, they come together fast and leave you feeling full without the heaviness of a traditional burger and bun.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the beef:
lean ground beef or ground turkey
onion (finely chopped)
garlic powder
onion powder
salt
black pepper
mustard (optional, for flavor)
For the bowl base and toppings:
romaine lettuce or mixed greens (chopped)
grape tomatoes (halved)
pickles (sliced)
red onion (thinly sliced)
shredded cheddar cheese
avocado (sliced, optional)
sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the burger sauce:
Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
ketchup
mustard
pickle juice or diced pickles
paprika (optional)
Directions
- Cook the beef:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and mustard. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Set aside. - Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or mayo), ketchup, mustard, pickle juice or chopped pickles, and paprika. Adjust to taste. - Assemble the bowls:
In each bowl, layer chopped lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, red onion, and shredded cheese.
Add a scoop of the seasoned ground beef on top. - Top and serve:
Drizzle with the burger sauce and garnish with sesame seeds or avocado slices if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: 20–25 minutes
Variations
- Keto Version: Use full-fat cheese and mayo, and skip ketchup or use a sugar-free version.
- Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese and use a dairy-free yogurt or mayo in the sauce.
- Add Grains: Serve over quinoa or brown rice for extra fiber and bulk.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the sauce or beef mixture.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat or black beans as the protein base.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cooked beef and sauce separately from the fresh ingredients in airtight containers. The beef will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the meat in a skillet or microwave before assembling your bowl. Avoid storing fully assembled bowls to maintain freshness and texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a lean and delicious alternative.
What kind of lettuce works best?
Romaine, iceberg, or any crunchy greens work well to mimic burger texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all condiments and ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How do I keep this low-carb?
Stick with low-sugar ketchup and skip starchy add-ins like croutons or grains.
Can I meal prep these bowls?
Yes, store each component separately and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
What cheese is best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but American, Colby Jack, or dairy-free cheese all work too.
Can I use premade burger patties?
Yes, chop or crumble them into the bowl after cooking.
What can I serve with this?
Try sweet potato fries, roasted veggies, or cauliflower tots on the side.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s fun, customizable, and familiar—great for all ages.
Conclusion
Healthy Cheeseburger Bowls are a flavorful, fast, and nourishing way to enjoy all the deliciousness of a cheeseburger—without the bun. With crisp veggies, seasoned meat, creamy sauce, and endless topping possibilities, they’re perfect for busy weeknights, lunches, or meal prep. Once you try it, this bowl is sure to become a regular on your table.
PrintHealthy Cheeseburger Bowls
Healthy Cheeseburger Bowls are a low-carb, high-protein twist on the classic burger—served bunless in a bowl with juicy ground beef, fresh veggies, cheese, and a creamy burger-style sauce. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that’s lighter but just as flavorful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
- Total Time: 20–25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
Ingredients
-
- For the beef:
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp mustard (optional)
-
- For the bowls:
- 4 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- For the burger sauce:
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp pickle juice or 1 tbsp finely chopped pickles
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and mustard. Cook until browned and crumbled. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or mayo), ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and paprika. Adjust to taste.
- Assemble each bowl: start with lettuce, then top with tomatoes, pickles, red onion, cheese, and cooked beef.
- Drizzle with burger sauce and top with avocado and sesame seeds, if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a nonstick skillet or lightly spray the pan if using lean beef to avoid sticking.
- Adjust the sauce spice by adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Pre-chop veggies and make the sauce ahead for quick assembly during the week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
