This Cheeseburger Bowl with Fries takes all the flavour of a juicy burger and crispy fries but gives it a healthier, protein-packed twist. With 45g of protein and only 556 calories, it’s a filling, satisfying meal that still fits your fitness goals. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this recipe keeps things fresh with crisp lettuce, cucumber, and tomato, while homemade fries bring that classic comfort food crunch.
If you love this Cheeseburger Bowl, then you should try our Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles next!
Cheeseburger Bowl with Fries
If you’re after a high-protein dinner that feels like comfort food but still aligns with your nutrition goals, this Cheeseburger Bowl with Fries has you covered. It’s hearty, savoury, and layered with flavour — from the seasoned lean beef and melted cheese to the crunchy lettuce and fresh tomato.
We start with lean 5% beef mince cooked with paprika, garlic powder, onion, and tomato purée for richness, before topping it with American cheese for that classic burger taste. Served over crisp homemade fries and paired with fresh salad and tangy burger sauce, it’s a lighter way to enjoy a burger-and-fries experience without the heavy bun.
Each serving delivers 45g of protein and just 556 calories, making it perfect for muscle recovery, meal prep, or simply when you’re craving a proper comfort food fix that still works with your goals.
Why We Love this Recipe
- High in Protein: With 45g of protein per serving, it keeps you fuller for longer and supports muscle recovery.
- Meal prep friendly: Cook a batch of mince and fries in advance for quick, healthy meals all week.
- Comfort Food: All the satisfaction of a cheeseburger and fries, but with fresh salad and controlled calories.
What is a Cheeseburger Bowl?
A cheeseburger bowl is a deconstructed burger served without the bun — you get all the savoury mince, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, but presented in a bowl. We’ve paired it with crispy homemade fries so you can still enjoy that indulgent burger-and-fries feel, just with better nutrition and portion control.
Cheeseburger Bowl with Fries Nutrition
This high-protein Cheeseburger Bowl with Fries delivers all the satisfaction of a classic burger and fries while keeping your macros in check. With lean beef, fresh salad, and crispy homemade fries, it’s a filling meal that supports your goals without going overboard. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
Calories: 556
Protein: 45g
Carbs: 58g
Fat: 18g
Ingredients
- 5% Lean Beef Mince: Keeps the recipe lean but still rich in flavour.
- Fries: Maris Piper potatoes are perfect for homemade fries because they crisp up beautifully while staying fluffy inside.
- Paprika & Garlic Powder: Add warmth and depth to the beef.
- Tomato Purée: Provides a savoury richness that balances the seasoning.
- Onion: Adds a mild sweetness to the mince.
- American Cheese Slice: For that classic cheeseburger melt.
- Lettuce, Cucumber & Tomato: Bring freshness and crunch to the bowl.
- Burger Sauce & Ketchup: Add tangy, sweet, and creamy burger flavour.
How to Make Cheeseburger Bowl with Fries
See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Start with the fries. Slice peeled Maris Piper potatoes into thin fries, then soak them in ice-cold water for at least 10 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain well and pat dry before seasoning with salt, black pepper, and a light spray of cooking oil. You can either bake them in the oven or use the air fryer for a quicker, crispier result.
While the fries cook, make the mince. Sauté chopped onion in a little low-calorie cooking spray until softened, then add the beef mince and break it apart as it browns. Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato purée, and cook for a few more minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, portion out what you need for one serving, and store the rest. Return your portion to the pan, top with a slice of American cheese, and melt it gently over low heat.
To assemble, layer the fries in your bowl, then add lettuce, tomato, and cucumber. Spoon over the cheesy beef mince, then finish with a drizzle of burger sauce and ketchup.
Tips
- Soak the fries: This allows it to thicken and develop a richer, deeper flavour.
- Cook fries in the Air fryer: Quicker cooking and crispier results compared to the oven.
- Serve immediately: Fries are best enjoyed straight out of the oven or air fryer.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Sauce swaps: Use light mayonnaise mixed with a little mustard for a tangy alternative.
- Veg variations: Add sliced pickles, red onion, or jalapeños for extra crunch and flavour.
- Swap the Fries: swap the fries for roasted courgette or air-fried carrot fries for fewer carbs while still keeping the meal filling.
Storage
The mince can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat the mince thoroughly in a pan or microwave before serving. The fries, salad, and sauce are best made fresh on the day for the best texture and flavour.
Frequently Asked Questions
No! The cheeseburger bowl is delicious on its own as a standalone meal. The fresh salad, seasoned mince, and melted cheese make it satisfying even without fries.
The combination of seasoned beef, melted cheese, burger sauce, and ketchup gives you that classic cheeseburger flavour — just in a lighter, fresher way.
More High Protein Dinner Recipes
After you try this Cheeseburger Bowl with Fries Recipe, let us know your thoughts! Follow us on Instagram for more high protein, low calorie recipe ideas.
Cheeseburger Bowl with Fries
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Oven
- Frying Pan
- Baking Tray (for oven)
- Chopping Board
- Sharp Knife
- Kitchen Paper
- Mixing Bowl
- Colander
Ingredients
For the Fries
- 200 g Maris Piper Potatoes (peeled)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
For the Mince
- 750 g 5% Fat Free Beef Mince Lean Ground Mince
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Tomato Puree
- 1 medium White Onion (chopped)
- 1 American Cheese Slice
- Low Calorie Cooking Spray
For the Bowl
- ½ Cucumber (chopped)
- 80 g Shredded Iceberg Lettuce
- 1 medium Tomato (chopped)
For the Sauce
- 1 tbsp Burger Sauce
- 1 tbsp Tomato Ketchup
Instructions
Make the Fries:
- Preheat the oven or air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- Peel and slice the potatoes into thin fries. Place the fries into a bowl of ice-cold water and soak for at least 10 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Drain the fries in a colander and pat them completely dry with kitchen paper.
- Transfer to a bowl, and toss with salt, black pepper, and a light spray of cooking oil.
- Air Fryer: Place the fries in the basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed), spray with low-calorie cooking spray, and air fry for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through to ensure even crisping.
- Oven: Spread the fries evenly on a baking tray, spray with low-calorie cooking spray, and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Cook the Mince:
- In a non-stick pan, heat a little cooking spray over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the beef mince, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned.
- Season the beef with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir in Tomato purée and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and portion out one serving of the mince for your bowl, transferring the rest into airtight containers for later.
- Return your portion to the pan, place the American cheese slice on top, and cook gently over low heat until melted.
Assemble the Bowl:
- Layer the bowl, starting with the crispy fries as the base.
- Next, add the fresh lettuce, tomato, and cucumber on top of the fries.
- Spoon the cooked Mince beef next.
- Finish with a drizzle of burger sauce and tomato ketchup for that classic cheeseburger taste.
- Serve & Enjoy!
Notes
Recipe Notes:
- Meal prep tip: The mince makes 5 servings ideal for batch cooking. Store plain portions in airtight containers.
- Use the air fryer for faster, crispier fries with less oil.
Customizations:
- Add More Veggies: For extra nutrients, add bell peppers or shredded carrots.
- Spice It Up: If you like heat, add a pinch of chilli flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to your bowl.
- Change the Protein: Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken to lower the fat content while keeping the protein high.
