Low-fat Classic Hamburger

Say goodbye to summer with this low-fat version of hamburgers! This is a recipe we use often, and we have some tricks to lower the points even more.*

*We use Wonder Light Buns (3 pts.)

*Or....We use 1 point bread slices instead of buns (2 pts.). Hamburger buns taste best, but this is a pretty good substitute. It's better if you lightly toast the bread.

*We make the patties smaller, and/or use the leanest burger we can find. (94/6) (3 pts.)

When DH first made this recipe I scoffed at the recipe -- veggies in the burger? Bleh. He made it anyway, thank goodness! This burger recipe is now my favorite; I like it better than fast food. So tasty. It's good for you, too.

Here's how I make my burger:  with the bread slices (2 pts.), super-lean hamburger patty (3 pts.), tomato slices, cuke slices (I know, I know -- just try it!), lettuce, hold the onion, dab o' ketchup, just a skiff of light mayo (o pts. -- I put on just enough that I can see it and tell myself, yep I had mayo on my burger -- LOL). People, that's a yummy 5 point burger! Huzzah!

 

Low-fat Classic Hamburger

14 ounces ground beef sirloin or round

1/2 cup finely chopped scallion (green onion)

1/2 cup shredded carrot

1 large egg, lightly beaten, or 1/4 cup egg substitute

1/4 cup tomato sauce

4 teaspoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1/2 cup sliced onion, separated into rings

4 (2 ounce) hamburger buns

4 lettuce leaves

1/2 medium cucumber, sliced

1 medium tomato, sliced

2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons ketchup

 

1. In a large bowl, combine the beef, scallion, carrot, egg, tomato sauce, and parsley. Shape the mixture into 4 equal burgers.

2. Spray a large non-stick skillet with non-stick spray and place over medium heat. Add the burgers; cook, turning once, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the side of each patty registers 160 degrees F. for medium, about 10 minutes.  Remove the burgers from the skillet; set aside and keep warm.

3. Add the onion to the skillet; cook, stirring frequently, until softened and lightly browned, 2-3 minutes.

4. Toast the hamburger buns. Place 1 lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each roll; divide the cucumber and tomato slices on top of each, then top with a burger. Divide the onions and ketchup among the burgers, the top with the other half of the buns.

Makes 4 servings.  1 burger = 7 points*

 

*for even lower points, see above.

Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook, p. 197

picture credit: Allposters.com, Burgers