Hearty High Protein Cheeseburger Bowls: Speedy Dinner (Print Version)
High Protein Cheeseburger Bowls are my easy weeknight dinner. Loaded with flavor, simple to make, and a total crowd-pleaser. Perfect for busy evenings!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: High Protein
# Ingredients:
→ Base Bowl Ingredients
01 -
1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 preferred)
02 -
2 large Russet potatoes, cubed
03 -
1 yellow onion, diced
04 -
1/2 cup beef broth
05 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
→ Seasonings & Spices
06 -
1 tsp garlic powder
07 -
1 tsp onion powder
08 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
09 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Creamy Sauce & Cheese
10 -
4 slices American cheese
11 -
1/2 cup mayonnaise
12 -
1/4 cup ketchup
13 -
1 tbsp yellow mustard
14 -
Pinch of paprika (for sauce)
15 -
Pinch of garlic powder (for sauce)
→ Fresh Toppings & Garnishes
16 -
2 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
17 -
1 large tomato, diced
18 -
1/2 cup dill pickles, sliced
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, chop up your potatoes into bite-sized cubes. I don't bother peeling them, honestly, the skin adds a nice rustic touch and some extra fiber! Get that water boiling with a pinch of salt – this is where I always forget to salt the water, oops! Cook until they're tender, then drain and set aside. While that's happening, dice your onion and get your lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles prepped. Mise en place, as they say, makes everything smoother.
02 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your lean ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want it to get nicely browned, not just steamed, so don't overcrowd the pan; do it in batches if you need to. Once it's mostly browned, drain any excess fat – a crucial step! Then, toss in your diced onion and cook until it softens and turns translucent, picking up all those delicious beefy bits from the bottom of the pan. It smells so good, I swear.
03 -
Now for the good stuff! Stir in your garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika with the beef and onions. Let them toast for about a minute; you'll smell that amazing aroma filling your kitchen. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This is where the magic happens, developing that deep, savory burger flavor. Let it reduce a bit, maybe 3-5 minutes, until it's slightly thickened. So good!
04 -
Reduce the heat to low. Lay your American cheese slices right over the beef mixture. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for a minute or two until it's gloriously gooey and bubbling. Oh, the anticipation! This step is what truly transforms it into a cheeseburger experience. I sometimes peek too early, and the cheese isn't quite melted, so be patient, friend.
05 -
While the cheese is melting, grab a small bowl and whisk together your mayo, ketchup, mustard, a pinch of paprika, and a dash of garlic powder. Taste it and adjust – maybe a little more mustard for a kick, or more ketchup for sweetness. This sauce is totally customizable to your liking. It's the perfect creamy, tangy counterpoint to the rich beef.