This is a healthy twist on the classic burger! Don't get me wrong! I still love lettuce buns, but these pepper buns are a definite game change and another great way to enjoy burgers without all the carbs.
Eat the peppers raw for a nice fresh crunch or grill them along side your burger for soft, tender sweet bell peppers. Top with your favorite sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles for a complete lean and green meal! I used light thousand island dressing for a Big Mac style burger but light ranch dressing is also another favorite! Or try it with 2 tbsp of guacamole and 1 tbsp salsa as an additional condiment. There are so many ways to enjoy this burger so let's get our grilling on!
Bell Pepper Burgers
Ingredients:
2 medium size sweet bell peppers ~ 298 g total after removing stems, seeds and membrane (4 Greens)
For Burgers:
1 lb 94 to 96%% lean ground beef * (1 Leaner)
1/2 tsp seasoned salt (2 Condiments)
1/4 tsp black pepper (1/2 Condiment)
1/4 tsp garlic powder (1/2 Condiment)
1 tsp worcestershire sauce (1 Condiment)
Toppings:
2 tbsp light thousand island dressing (or use 2 tbsp light ranch dressing, 1 1/2 tbsp light mayonnaise, 2 tbsp guacamole or another Healthy Fat option)
1/2 cup (36 g) iceburg lettuce (1/2 Green)
1/4 cup (60 g) sliced tomatoes (1/2 Green)
56 g pickle slices ~ I only used a few slices (1 Optional Snack)
Directions:
Remove the stem and cut the peppers in half lengthwise, removing seeds and membrane. Set aside.
Gently mix ground beef, seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder and worcestershire sauce in a large bowl. Make 2 large patties.
Broil or grill over medium heat for about 4 to 6 min on each side until a thermometer reaches 160 degrees. Do not overcook your burgers or your burgers will be dry.
Add 1 tbsp light thousand island dressing on two pepper buns. Place burger on top. Add an additional 1 tbsp of light dressing on top of burgers. Then add lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles.
Makes 2 Servings
Each Serving provides
1 Leaner, 3 Greens, 2 Condiments, 1 Healthy Fat, and 1 Optional Snack
* If you prefer to use 85 to 94% lean ground beef, use 14 ounces raw weight and omit the Healthy Fat. You can use one additional Condiment per serving such as 1 tbsp sugar free bbq sauce, 1 tbsp low sugar ketchup or 1 tbsp yellow mustard.
