High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls – Low-Carb Meal Prep with Ground Beef and Burger Sauce

Last updated on February 14th, 2026 at 12:01 pm

If you’re looking for a high-protein dinner that’s low in carbs but still packed with flavor, these Cheeseburger Bowls are about to become a weekly staple. Made with seasoned ground beef, fresh toppings, and a creamy burger sauce, this recipe gives you all the classic cheeseburger flavor—without the bun.

Perfect for low carb meal prep, healthy lunch bowls, or a quick protein dinner, this dish is simple, satisfying, and easy to customize.

If you enjoy creative ground beef meals like this, you might also love these Cheesy Taco Sticks for another fun and protein-packed dinner idea “Ground Beef Recipes Turned Into Cheesy Taco Sticks“

And if you’re building a full healthy dinner rotation, this Steak Queso Rice Bowl is another bold, satisfying option with plenty of flavor “Steak Queso Rice Bowl“

Why These Cheeseburger Bowls Work

These bowls take everything people love about cheeseburgers and turn it into a balanced, high protein meal that fits low carb goals.

No bun means fewer carbs.
Ground beef provides satisfying protein.
Fresh toppings add crunch and texture.
The homemade burger sauce ties everything together.

They’re ideal for healthy high protein meals that don’t feel like “diet food.”

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the bowls:
2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup diced red onion
½ cup sliced pickles
Optional: avocado slices

Burger Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
1 teaspoon pickle juice
½ teaspoon paprika

How to Make High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls

Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Break it apart while cooking. Drain excess grease if needed.

Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

In a small bowl, whisk together the burger sauce ingredients until smooth.

Assemble the bowls by layering chopped romaine lettuce at the base. Top with warm ground beef, shredded cheese, tomatoes, onion, and pickles.

Drizzle generously with burger sauce and serve immediately—or portion into meal prep containers for later.

How to Make It Perfect for Low-Carb Meal Prep

For lunch meal prep, divide ingredients into airtight containers and store the sauce separately to keep everything fresh.

These bowls stay good in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

You can also swap romaine for cauliflower rice if you prefer a warmer base while keeping carbs low.

High-Protein Add-Ons

Want to increase the protein content even more?

Add:

• A fried egg on top
• Extra lean ground beef
• Cottage cheese on the side
• Turkey bacon crumbles

This makes it one of the easiest healthy high protein dinners you can repeat all week.

Variations

One of the best things about high-protein cheeseburger bowls is how easy they are to customize based on your goals and taste preferences. Whether you’re focused on low carb meal prep or simply looking for healthy bowls recipes to rotate during the week, this base recipe adapts easily.

For a classic bacon cheeseburger version, add crispy turkey bacon or regular bacon crumbles on top. This adds flavor and additional protein while keeping the bowl filling and satisfying.

If you prefer a leaner option, swap the 85/15 ground beef for 90/10 or even ground turkey. You’ll reduce fat slightly while keeping the protein high, making it ideal for healthy high protein meals.

To turn this into a spicy burger bowl, mix hot sauce into the burger sauce or add sliced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese. A sprinkle of chili flakes also adds depth without extra carbs.

For extra crunch and nutrients, add shredded cabbage, diced cucumbers, or roasted zucchini. These vegetables increase volume without adding many carbs, which makes the bowl even more satisfying for low carb meal prep.

If you want a warm base instead of lettuce, cauliflower rice works beautifully. It keeps the meal low carb while making it feel more like a hearty protein dinner rather than a salad-style bowl.

You can also turn this into a cheeseburger “Big Mac” style bowl by adding sesame seeds and a touch of relish to the sauce for that classic fast-food flavor in a healthier format.

Storage and Reheating

These cheeseburger bowls are perfect for lunch meal prep because the components store well when separated properly.

For best results, store the cooked ground beef in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep lettuce, fresh vegetables, and burger sauce in separate containers to maintain freshness and texture.

When you’re ready to eat, reheat only the ground beef portion in the microwave or on the stovetop for 1–2 minutes until warmed through. Assemble the bowl fresh with chilled vegetables and drizzle the sauce on top just before serving.

If you’re using cauliflower rice, store it separately and reheat with the beef for a warm base. Avoid microwaving lettuce, as it wilts and loses texture.

For weekly meal prep, portion everything into individual containers on Sunday. This makes it easy to grab a balanced, high protein dinner or healthy lunch during busy weekdays.

Freezing is possible for the cooked beef alone. Let it cool completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cheeseburger bowls ahead of time for the whole week?
Yes. These bowls are ideal for meal prep. Store the beef, vegetables, and sauce separately and assemble fresh each day for best texture.

How much protein is in a cheeseburger bowl?
Using 85/15 ground beef and cheese, each serving typically provides around 30–40 grams of protein, depending on portion size. You can increase protein by adding extra beef or a fried egg on top.

Are cheeseburger bowls good for low carb diets?
Yes. By skipping the bun and using lettuce or cauliflower rice as the base, this becomes a naturally low carb meal that fits most low carb and high protein meal plans.

Can I use minced meat other than beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even lean minced pork work well. The seasoning and burger sauce help maintain that classic cheeseburger flavor.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise for the burger sauce?
You can substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter, higher-protein option. This keeps the sauce creamy while reducing fat and increasing overall protein content.

Can I eat this bowl cold?
Yes. While many people prefer warming the beef, the bowl can be enjoyed cold as a healthy lunch option, especially when meal prepping.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
It can be. Simply use full-fat ingredients and ensure your ketchup and sauce ingredients are low in added sugar.