Lean Beef Burger
A juicy, lean beef patty grilled to perfection, topped with crisp bacon and melted cheddar on a whole-grain bun. All the classic burger satisfaction with a lighter touch, ready in under 20 minutes.
For 4 servings
Form and season the patties.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each).
- Gently shape each portion into a patty that's slightly wider than your buns.
- Press a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.
- Season both sides of the patties with salt and black pepper.
TIPHandle the meat as little as possible to keep the burgers tender and juicy.Cook the burger patties.
Heat a grill or a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for well-done.
TIPAvoid pressing down on the patties with a spatula, as this squeezes out the flavorful juices.Melt the cheddar cheese.
During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty. Cover the grill or pan to help the cheese melt evenly.
Toast the buns.
While the cheese is melting, place the buns cut-side down on the grill or in the pan. Toast for about 30-60 seconds until they are lightly golden and warm.
Assemble your burgers.
- Spread 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Place a cooked patty with melted cheese on top.
- Layer with a lettuce leaf, a slice of tomato, and a few rings of red onion.
- Place the top bun on and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the juiciest burgers, use ground beef that is cold, right from the refrigerator.
- 2Let the cooked patties rest for a minute before assembling. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- 3To ensure even cooking, make sure all your patties are of a uniform thickness.
- 4If using an outdoor grill, preheat it to medium-high and cook for the same amount of time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Serve the burger patty on a gluten-free bun or wrapped in a large lettuce leaf.
dairy freeDairy free
Simply omit the cheddar cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheese slice.
ketoKeto
Skip the bun entirely and serve the patty and toppings in a lettuce wrap or on a bed of greens.
spicySpicy
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture or top the burger with sliced jalapeños.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High-Quality Protein
Lean beef is an excellent source of complete protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue and keeping you feeling full.
Rich in Iron
Beef provides heme iron, a form that is easily absorbed by the body, helping to prevent anemia and support energy levels.
Complex Carbohydrates
The whole-wheat bun offers complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, providing sustained energy and supporting digestive health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this burger is designed to be a healthier option. It uses lean ground beef, a whole-grain bun for fiber, and controlled portions of cheese and bacon to keep calories and saturated fat in check.
