If you love the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger but want a healthier way to enjoy it, these Healthy Cheeseburger Bowls are perfect. Packed with protein, & fresh veggies-this dish is all the flavors of cheeseburger without the heavy bun or greasy ingredients.
This gluten free, nutrient dense bowl recipe swaps the traditional burger bun for whole ingredients like roasted potatoes, crisp greens, and avocado. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite toppings and dressings to suit your taste. Whether you're meal-prepping for the week or serving up a quick dinner-these Healthy Cheeseburger Bowls will become a new favorite! ✨🥑
Why You'll Love These Healthy Cheeseburger Bowls
These Healthy Cheeseburger Bowls offer a balanced and satisfying meal packed with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and healthy fats. Using ground turkey instead of beef keeps things lighter while still delivering plenty of flavor. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold seasoning makes this dish both nutritious and enjoyable.
One of the best things about these bowls is how easy they are to customize. You can swap the protein for chicken or beef, add extra vegetables, or choose a dressing that fits your taste. This flexibility makes them a great option for families-everyone can build their own bowl with their favorite ingredients.
They're also perfect for meal prep. By cooking the turkey patties and roasting the potatoes ahead of time, you can quickly assemble fresh, satisfying meals throughout the week. Everything stores well, making it a great option for busy schedules.
Since this recipe skips the bun, it's naturally gluten-free and easier on digestion. The crispy smashed potatoes provide a hearty, fiber-rich base without the heaviness of traditional bread. Whether you're looking for a nutritious dinner, a meal-prep-friendly option, or just a fresh take on classic cheeseburger flavors, these bowls are a great choice.
Need More Meal Prep Ideas?
Try my Easy Cava Bowl Recipe!
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How to Make Healthy Cheeseburger Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Ground Meat I use ground turkey
- 1 Cup Feta
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 2 Cups Rice cooked
- 1 Cup Tomatoes chopped
- 1 Cup Cucumbers chopped
- ½ Red Onion chopped
- ½ Cup Pickles chopped
- 1 Avocado
- 4-6 Potatoes
- Greens
- Dressing of Choice I like to use Trader Joe's Vegan Creamy Dill
- Cheese I used feta cheese
Check out the recipe video on Instagram!
Step-By-Step
- Make the Smashed Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Wash the potatoes and microwave them for about 5 minutes, or until they're fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly. Place the potatoes on a lined baking sheet, then use the bottom of a glass or a fork to gently smash each one. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
- Prepare the Turkey Burger Patties: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated, then form the mixture into small burger patties.
Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat, then cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature shoul reach 165°F). Remove from heat and let them rest for a few minutes.
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- Prep the Fresh Ingredients: While the potatoes roast and the patties cook, chop the tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, pickles, and avocado. These fresh ingredients add texture and flavor balance to the dish.
- Assemble the Bowls: Start with a base of greens and cooked rice, then add the crispy smashed potatoes and turkey burger patties. Top with chopped veggies, avocado slices, and crumbled feta. Drizzle with your favorite dressing and enjoy!
Ingredient Substitutions and Alternatives
These Healthy Cheeseburger Bowls are easy to customize based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you need a gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-carb option, here are some ingredient swaps to fit your needs.
Protein options
Instead of ground turkey, try ground chicken, lean ground beef, or a plant-based alternative like lentil or black bean patties. If you're looking for a seafood twist, grilled salmon or shrimp can also work well with the flavors in this bowl.
Cheese alternatives
Feta adds a salty, tangy bite, but other cheeses like shredded cheddar, pepper jack, Swiss, or dairy-free alternatives work just as well. If you want a creamy texture without cheese, mashed avocado or a drizzle of cashew-based queso is a great substitute.
Grain swaps
If you want to switch up the base, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or shredded lettuce are all great alternatives to rice. For a heartier grain option, try farro or brown rice for extra fiber.
Potato substitutes
Smashed potatoes add a crispy, satisfying element, but you can swap them for roasted sweet potatoes, air-fried parsnips, or even baked carrot fries for a slightly sweeter contrast. For a lower-carb option, try crispy roasted radishes or zucchini fries.
Vegetable variations
The fresh mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickles adds crunch and flavor, but feel free to experiment with roasted bell peppers, shredded carrots, red onions, or sautéed mushrooms for added depth. Jalapeños or banana peppers can bring a little heat.
Dressing alternatives
A classic burger-style sauce made with Greek yogurt, mustard, and a little ketchup is always a hit, but other great options include balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard, avocado ranch, or a lemon tahini drizzle. A spicy chipotle mayo can also add a smoky kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a low-carb version, skip the rice and smashed potatoes. Instead, serve the turkey burger patties over a base of greens, avocado, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Cauliflower rice is also a great substitute if you want extra texture.
Absolutely! While lean ground turkey keeps these bowls lighter, ground beef, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative works well. Just adjust the seasoning to match your protein choice.
I always use Trader Joe's Creamy Dill Dressing for this recipe but a homemade burger sauce, Greek yogurt dressing, honey mustard, or balsamic vinaigrette all complement the flavors. If you want a more classic burger taste, try mixing Greek yogurt or mayo with mustard, ketchup, and a splash of pickle juice for a lighter version of "special sauce."
Yes! Cook the turkey burger patties and smashed potatoes ahead of time and store them in airtight containers. Keep fresh toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickles separate until you're ready to assemble your bowl to keep everything fresh.
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it skips the burger bun.
Definitely! Simply leave out the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
For the best texture, grill or pan-sear the turkey patties over medium heat for about four to five minutes per side until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to keep them juicy.
Yes! To air-fry smashed potatoes, cook them at 400°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Store components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat the turkey patties and smashed potatoes in a skillet or oven at 350°F for the best texture. Keep fresh toppings and greens chilled until you're ready to serve.
Enjoy!
These Healthy Cheeseburger Bowls bring together fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and plenty of customization options. They're a great choice for meal prep, a quick dinner, or simply a lighter way to enjoy the classic cheeseburger taste.
With roasted smashed potatoes, seasoned turkey patties, and crisp vegetables, this meal is satisfying without feeling heavy. Grab your ingredients and put together a bowl that's both nourishing and full of flavor-no bun needed. Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy
📖 Recipe
Healthy Cheeseburger Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Ground Meat I use ground turkey
- 1 Cup Feta
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 2 Cups Rice cooked
- 1 Cup Tomatoes chopped
- 1 Cup Cucumbers chopped
- ½ Red Onion chopped
- ½ Cup Pickles chopped
- 1 Avocado
- 4-6 Potatoes
- Greens
- Dressing of Choice
- Cheese I used feta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Wash the potatoes and microwave them for about 5 minutes, or until they're fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly. Place the potatoes on a lined baking sheet, then use the bottom of a glass or a fork to gently smash each one. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated, then form the mixture into small burger patties.
- Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat, then cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from heat and let them rest for a few minutes.
- While the potatoes roast and the patties cook, chop the tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, pickles, and avocado. These fresh ingredients add texture and flavor balance to the dish.
- Start with a base of greens and cooked rice, then add the crispy smashed potatoes and turkey burger patties. Top with chopped veggies, avocado slices, and crumbled feta. Drizzle with your favorite dressing and enjoy!
Nutrition
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Mariana says
Made these for dinner last night & my family loved them. I used ground chicken! 10/10