Cheeseburger Protein Bowl (High-Protein, Low-Guilt Comfort Food)
If you love the flavor of a classic cheeseburger but want something lighter, higher in protein, and meal-prep friendly, this Cheeseburger Protein Bowl is the perfect solution. It delivers all the juicy, cheesy, tangy burger taste you crave without the bun, while keeping calories controlled and protein high. Each hearty serving packs about 45g protein and around 350–400 calories, making it ideal for lunches, dinners, or post-workout meals. It’s satisfying, customizable, and comes together quickly for a full week of healthy eating.
Ingredients
Base
2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for lower carbs)
1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor, or leaner if preferred)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Veggies & Toppings
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½–¾ cup dill pickle slices
2–3 tbsp chopped chives or green onions
Optional: sesame seeds
Burger Sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1–2 tbsp pickle juice
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the rice
Prepare rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside. For a lighter bowl, use cauliflower rice or half rice/half cauliflower.
2. Brown the beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until fully browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Drain excess grease if needed. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well and remove from heat.
3. Prep toppings
While the beef cooks, shred lettuce, dice tomatoes, slice pickles, chop chives, and shred cheese if needed.
4. Make the sauce
Whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, paprika, and salt until smooth. Adjust to taste — extra pickle juice adds more tang.
5. Assemble bowls
Layer rice on the bottom, then lettuce and tomatoes. Add warm beef, sprinkle cheese, and top with pickles. Drizzle generously with burger sauce and finish with chives and sesame seeds.
Tips
Store components separately for meal prep, then assemble fresh. Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken, add bacon bits, or use Greek yogurt in the sauce for a lighter option. Enjoy your burger fix — guilt free!