Print

Healthy Clean Grilled Lean Hamburgers with Veggie Buns

healthy clean grilled lean hamburgers - featured image

A juicy, flavorful lean beef burger served with grilled vegetable buns for a perfect low-carb, gluten-free meal that is quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for patties)
  • 2 large portobello mushroom caps, cleaned and stems removed
  • 1 large zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips
  • 1 large eggplant, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing veggies)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: leafy greens (arugula or spinach), sliced tomatoes, red onions, avocado slices, mustard or light yogurt-based sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the veggie buns by cleaning portobello mushrooms and removing stems. Slice zucchini and eggplant lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips.
  2. Brush all veggie pieces lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 375°F).
  3. Grill veggie buns for 3-4 minutes per side until tender with grill marks but not mushy. Remove and set aside.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine lean ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently but thoroughly without overworking.
  5. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 3/4-inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb.
  6. Lightly oil grill grates or pan. Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness (internal temp ~160°F). Add 1-2 minutes per side for well-done. Avoid pressing patties while cooking.
  7. Assemble burgers by placing a patty on one veggie bun slice, adding optional toppings, then topping with the second veggie bun slice. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not overwork the meat to keep patties tender. Make a thumb indentation in patties to prevent puffing. Grill veggie buns first so they can rest while patties cook. Avoid pressing patties while grilling to retain juices. Optional: add low-fat cheese slice in last minute of grilling and cover to melt.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy burger, low-carb burger, grilled burger, lean beef, veggie buns, gluten-free, clean eating, quick dinner, summer grilling