Bunless Beef Burgers

The traditional burger is made up of a bun, beef paddy, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato sauce, pickles, and really any ingredients you like. With a few tweaks to your store-bought burger, you can enjoy without getting added nasties.

Fun Fact: The reason a certain large fast-food chain cheeseburger has pickles is that, without the pickle, sugar is over the total ingredient percentage it would need to be classified as a dessert.

Firstly, the bun. Hamburger buns and bread, in general, contain a lot of added sugar, are generally made from wheat products and have preservatives to keep them fresher for longer. Removing the bun is the first step to making your meal all that bit healthier.

Secondly, burger patties. Make your own, using high-fat mince beef to keep them tasty, add your favourite jalapeños, beetroot and delicious vegetables, lots of salt and pepper for taste. Without adding breadcrumbs, sugar and fillings.

Lastly, sauces and spices. Choose low sugar, preferably home-made options.

By changing these three key areas your burger goes from a highly processed carbohydrate burger to a no worries, whole food meal.

Ingredients

For Burgers:
1 medium onion, peeled and finely diced
1kg good quality beef mince
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely chopped
2 teaspoons of wholegrain mustard
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped thyme leaves
1 beaten egg
2 generous pinches of Salt
6 Grinds of Black Pepper
1/4 cup Jalapeños
1/2 Beetroot

Burger Toppings:
2 Baby Gem Lettuce, washed and separated
2 Tomatoes, sliced
Pickles for Seasoning
Home Made Mayonnaise * (see page x )
Beetroot, sliced
Cheese slices

Anything, you want as your toppings.

Method

• Put the beef mince, onion, egg yolk, jalapeños, garlic, mustard, parsley, thyme, salt and pepper. Coarsely grate one-half beetroot and mix well with your hands (wear gloves to stop staining). Shape into patties. 
• Heat a frying pan or barbecue. Lightly spray with oil. Add the burgers and fry for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked to your liking.
• Wash and separate the gem lettuce. Line a plate, top with burger patties and toppings.