Big Mac-Inspired Protein Bowl Recipe for Flavorful Meal Prep

Big Mac Protein Bowls

Beef

• 1kg (2.2lb) – Lean Beef Mince (95/5)
• 1 tsp (4g) – Onion Powder
• 1 tsp (4g) – Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp (4g) – Smoked Paprika
• Salt & Pepper

Big Mac Sauce (Macro-Friendly)

• 150g (5.2oz) – Low-Fat Mayonnaise
• 150g (5.2oz) – High Protein Greek Yogurt
• 1 ½ Tbsp (30g) – Tomato Ketchup
• 1 Tbsp (20g) – Yellow Mustard (American)
• 2 – Dill Pickle Slices, Finely Diced
• 3 tsp (15g) – Pickle Brine
• 1 tsp (4g) – Smoked Paprika
• Salt & Pepper

Rice

• 300g (10.5oz) – Brown Rice
• 600ml (600g) – Cold Water
• Pinch of Salt

Toppings (Fresh)

• 300g (10.5oz) – Iceberg or Romaine Lettuce, Shredded
• 200g (7.05oz) – Cherry Tomatoes, Halved
• 2–3 – Dill Pickle Slices, Finely Diced
• ½ – White or Red Onion, Finely Diced

Cook the Rice

• Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Put the rice, water and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 25–28 minutes. Remove from heat, leave covered for 5 minutes to steam, then fluff with a fork and set aside.

Cook the Beef

• Heat a large pan over medium-high and lightly coat with spray oil. Add the beef mince and cook 1–2 minutes until it begins to sizzle, breaking it apart with a spatula. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Continue cooking 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.

Make the Sauce

• In a bowl combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, ketchup, mustard, pickle brine, diced pickles, smoked paprika and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and adjust seasoning to taste.

Prepare the Vegetables

• Shred the lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely dice the onion and pickles. Grate reduced-fat cheddar if using.

Assemble the Bowls

• Divide cooked rice evenly between five meal-prep containers. Top each with seasoned beef, shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, diced onion and pickles. Drizzle with the Big Mac sauce and sprinkle with cheddar if desired. Serve or store as instructed below.