Bun-less burgers
It’s the bun that makes the burger unhealthy. So why not leave it out and enjoy all the good ingredients guilt-free?
Ok, I agree… it’s rather a “meat patty topped with stuff” than a burger, and hard core burger lovers might frown at the thought of this no-bun burger.
But believe me, once you’ve tried it you might switch to breadless burgers just like we did. Because you can still enjoy the juiciness and flavors of a burger, without the bloating effect of the bread.
A tower of goodness
The idea is simple, you bake a few beef patties (or why not use minced chicken, turkey, or lamb for a change), and serve delicious and healthy toppings in separate bowls.
Then the fun begins: everyone tops his or her burger with a mix of ingredients to build a unique and tasty creation.
Red meat offers easily absorbable iron, vitamin B12, and zinc, and is an excellent protein source important for growth and strong bones.
For the toppings we love guacamole, sliced tomatoes and cucumber, homemade mayonnaise, lettuce, and caramelized onions (with a teaspoon of maple syrup).
But the possibilities are endless: pickled cucumber or onions, coleslaw, kale chips, feta cheese, cheddar, mushrooms, bell peppers, mustard…
On the side I like to serve a simple salad and homemade (sweet potato) fries or baked potatoes.
Win win win…
Happy cook (it takes just a few minutes to make) + happy kids (tasty and fun).
And more advantages:
- Gluten-free
- Healthy
- Easy
- Dairy-free
- Paleo
- Keto
- Low carb
How to select the best ground meat?
The success of this recipe is partly due to the fact it takes me just a few moments to get dinner to the table.
So yes, I do buy prepared beef patties to win time on busy nights.
But I always care about the origin of the meat and the ingredients of the burgers. When I buy from a butcher I always choose organic and/or grass-fed meat (aka happy omega-3 rich cows) and ask to grind the meat on the spot.
Alternatively, I sometimes buy patties from the supermarket but always carefully scan the ingredients. Avoid any hidden sugars (anything in –ose), E-numbers, colorants, preservatives, water etc.
Ingredients
Serves 4
*Unless stated differently, my recipes are measured with US measuring cups like these ones.
Directions
Prepare the side dishes: mash the avocados and mix with some lemon juice, salt and pepper, slice the tomatoes and cucumbers. Slice the onions and set aside.
Heat the butter in a frying pan and bake the beef patties as desired, first on high heat, then lower heat and cover.
When the burgers are done keep them warm in aluminum foil.
Now bake the sliced onions in the pan you used for the burgers. There should still be some gravy. If not, add a small piece of butter. Bake on medium to high while stirring often. Add some water if too dry and let evaporate. Add 1-2 teaspoons of maple syrup and let caramelize a few more minutes on medium to high heat.
Serve the burgers with toppings and let everyone make his own creation.
Ingredients
Directions
Prepare the side dishes: mash the avocados and mix with some lemon juice, salt and pepper, slice the tomatoes and cucumbers. Slice the onions and set aside.
Heat the butter in a frying pan and bake the beef patties as desired, first on high heat, then lower heat and cover.
When the burgers are done keep them warm in aluminum foil.
Now bake the sliced onions in the pan you used for the burgers. There should still be some gravy. If not, add a small piece of butter. Bake on medium to high while stirring often. Add some water if too dry and let evaporate. Add 1-2 teaspoons of maple syrup and let caramelize a few more minutes on medium to high heat.
Serve the burgers with toppings and let everyone make his own creation.