13 Unexpected (But Still Totally Delicious) Healthy Burger Recipes
We're just going to go ahead and say it: there is nothing like biting into a juicy burger, and if you happen to make a delicious burger yourself right at home (instead of having to head to your typical fast food or restaurant option) that just makes it all the more satisfying. There are plenty of ways to change up a burger, too, so it's not just a meat patty slapped between two pieces of bread. We happen to have 13 of the best burger recipes that put a twist on the classic version, and they just so happen to be good for you, too. From a new and improved take on McDonald's beloved Big Mac to a reinvented chicken burger to a mushroom veggie burger that won't ever have you saying, "Where's the beef?," you'll be a burger-flipping pro in no time.
Check out our 13 healthy burger recipes that will make you want to grab that spatula ASAP.
Best Copycat Big Mac Recipe
OK, we get it: what makes Mickey D's Big Mac memorable is that it has three buns in it, but trust us when we say you don't need that middle piece of bread! In our version, we sear two lean ground sirloin patties in a cast iron skillet until they're beautifully browned, then bring the classic burger's ingredients together between one set of buns. It's fewer calories, but still packed with all the flavor you want.
Get our recipe for the Best Copycat Big Mac.
Lean Ultimate Burger Recipe
Take a bite out of this burger, and you'll immediately notice the patty is made from lean, ground brisket and sirloin, making a truly hearty combination. What makes this burger stand out is the lack of condiments—this simple recipe proves that you don't need to drench a burger in sauce to have an irresistible bite! With sweet, caramelized red onion and peppery arugula, you won't even miss the sauce.
Get our recipe for the Lean Ultimate Burger.
Low-Calorie Sliders, Two Ways
If you happen to order sliders at a restaurant, you're more likely going to be greeted with greasy appetizers that are high in calories and basic in taste. Here, we offer up two different slider recipes: mushroom blue-cheese and chipotle-bacon, both of which deliver huge flavor for a mini caloric price tag. Whip these up at your next party, and they're sure to be a hit!
Get our recipe for Low-Calorie Sliders, Two Ways.
Cowboy Burger Recipe
The inspiration for this cowboy burger comes from a Carl's Jr. classic, the Western Bacon Cheeseburger, so now, you can skip the drive-thru line and make your own beef, barbecue sauce, and fried onions burger at home. In our version, we use bison meat and replace the breaded onion rings with sweet grilled ones, serving you a much healthier version that's nearly 300 calories less than Carl's burger.
Get our recipe for the Cowboy Burger.
Restaurant-Worthy Jalapeño Cheeseburger Recipe
Calling all spice lovers: this jalapeño cheeseburger is for you. And with some smart swaps—like using lean sirloin and olive oil mayonnaise—we cut calories dramatically. This is 100 percent a restaurant-worthy burger you can perfect right at home!
Get our recipe for the Restaurant-Worthy Jalapeño Cheeseburger.
Green Chile Cheeseburger Recipe
This green chile cheeseburger has every making of a perfectly healthy burger: lean beef (you can use either sirloin or brisket), roasted chiles as the condiment (instead of anything fried), Swiss cheese, and small, fiber-rich buns. This is proof that you can have a flavor-packed burger that won't damage your waistline!
Get our recipe for the Green Chile Cheeseburger.
Red Wine-Infused Mushroom Swiss Burger Recipe
Ever heard of the bourgie burger? You'll most likely recognize it by its exotic condiments and its rather intense menu name. And while restaurants like Ruby Tuesday and Chili's have made their own version, it's actually very easy to make this upscale burger right at home. Our recipe is a red-wine infused mushroom Swiss burger that simply tastes expensive. Overall, this version is much lower in calories than any burger you would order while dining out, in addition to it being cheaper to make your own version at home.
Get our recipe the Red Wine-Infused Mushroom Swiss Burger.
Smashed A.1. Swiss Burger Recipe
If you've never had a Midwestern smashed burger before, just know that it involves using a spatula to thwack ground beef into a thin patty while it cooks in a cast iron skillet. It sounds intense, we know, but the end result is a burger covered in cheese, onions, mushrooms, and A.1. sauce. that is crispy yet juicy and still low in calories.
Get our recipe for the Smashed A.1. Swiss Burger.
Spicy-Cool Southwest Turkey Burger Recipe
If you're craving something other than beef, go for a lean turkey burger. In this recipe, we combine an olive oil mayonnaise, a chipotle puree, avocado, pico de gallo, and our magic blackening rub for a sandwich that packs in tons of spicy-cool flavors in each bite.
Get our recipe for the Spicy-Cool Southwest Turkey Burger.
Chicken Burger With Sun-Dried Tomato Aioli Recipe
A chicken burger might come across as boring and bland, but that's only for those who aren't cooking it right! We've helped you out by reinventing the chicken burger, using a lean grind of meat and a low-calorie spiked mayo that pairs perfectly with the sun-dried tomatoes and mixed greens it's topped with. We guarantee you haven't had a chicken burger like this before!
Get our recipe for the Chicken Burger With Sun-Dried Tomato Aioli.
Asian-Inspired Tuna Burger With Wasabi Mayo Recipe
Tuna is a firm, meaty fish, making it the ideal candidate to be transformed into a burger. And here, we make sure the meal is packed with protein. Pro tip: the tuna needs to be cold before you pop it in the food processor or, if you're skilled, just finely chopped. The fish burger is topped with a spicy wasabi mayo, giving you a sandwich that really brings the heat.
Get our recipe for Asian-Inspired Tuna Burgers With Wasabi Mayo.
Vegetarian Mushroom Burger With Mozzarella Cheese Recipe
Veggie burgers may seem like the smarter option when you're dining out, but most of the time, they're basically offering up the same amount of calories, fat, and sodium found in their beef counterparts. Here, we use a meaty portobello cap as the base for this burger that is rubbed in olive oil and balsamic and topped with melted mozzarella for a truly healthy veggie burger.
Get our recipe for the Vegetarian Mushroom Burger With Mozzarella Cheese.
Ultimate Patty Melt Recipe
If you step into any diner, there's a good chance you'll see this hamburger iteration on the menu. A thin patty covered in melted cheese and griddled onions, held together between slices of toasted rye bread—yes, as you can imagine, it often comes with a massive caloric investment. Our version though is anything but scary, as we've lightened the load. Our patty melt features Swiss cheese and either ground sirloin or ground turkey, both lean, delicious options, all coming together for under 400 calories.
Get our recipe for the Ultimate Patty Melt.
