Big Mac Cheeseburger Protein Bowl

Enjoy all the classic flavors of a Big Mac without the bun! This high-protein cheeseburger bowl is packed with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, cheddar cheese, pickles, tomatoes, onions, and a creamy homemade “special sauce.”

Ingredients

For the Bowl

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
• 1 tsp olive oil (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup diced red onion
• ½ cup dill pickle slices, chopped
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

Big Mac-Style Sauce

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
• 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles or pickle relish
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
3. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
5. Divide the chopped lettuce among 4 serving bowls.
6. Top each bowl with the cooked beef, shredded cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, diced onion, and chopped pickles.
7. Drizzle generously with the Big Mac-style sauce.
8. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips

• Use lean ground turkey or ground chicken as a lighter alternative.
• Add avocado for healthy fats and extra creaminess.
• Chill the sauce for 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavor.
• For extra crunch, add shredded cabbage.

Serving Suggestions

• Sweet potato fries
• Roasted broccoli
• Cauliflower rice
• Cucumber slices
• Sparkling water with lemon

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store the beef, vegetables, and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Meal Prep: Assemble the bowls without the sauce and add it just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 430 calories per serving
Protein: Approximately 34 g per serving