Let me start this post off by saying I PROMISE not to turn GreenLiteBites into a burger blog. I’ve just been so obsessed with my grill and burgers are my go to fun food in the summer.
That being said, I started thinking.. why do we always add flavor by adding things like cheese and bacon on top of the burger? Don’t get me wrong I love a juicy bacon cheese burger but can we up the flavor of a burger without adding so many fat and calories?
Normally I leave beef burgers alone but I just happen to have some leftover lean ground beef in the fridge. It was time to experiment!
Before I get into the idea let me introduce you to my Herb Garden. I’ve added it since doing my garden post.
I’ve got mint, rosemary, thyme, basil and cilantro. All my favorites!
Here’s what I did…
- 3 oz lean ground beef
- 1 small sprig of rosemary
- 4-5 sprigs of thyme
- 10 basil leaves
- 1 slice of onion
- 3 small garlic cloves
Small confession.. I don’t know the proper way to list herbs. Do you list it by teaspoon? Leaf? What’s the norm. How do you normally see it listed in recipe books? Just curious.
Anyway, here’s a visual of all the ingredients. Hope it helps…
Chop the onion and garlic and then mince in the herbs. Here’s what it looked like when I was done..
Work the herb onion mixture into the 3 oz of beef. It’s going to seem like too much but it will incorporate. Here’s a side by side shot of my 3 oz herb-alicious burger and the husband’s 5 oz plain burger.
They are almost the same size with my flavorful additions!
Grill your burger about 4-5 minutes a side over medium heat (or whatever your preferred burger doneness is)
Seriously.. YUM! The herbs and onion added a WONDERFUL flavor! I will totally be doing this again, for myself that is, because as we know the husband is BORING! ;)
| Servings | Amt per Serving | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | the burger NO bun | |||
| Calories | Fat | Fiber | WWPs | |
| 160 | 8g | 0g | old: 4 | new: 4 |
| Sugar | Sat Fat | Carbs | Protein | |
| 1g | 3g | 2g | 17g | |
I hate to say it, but your husband’s “plain” burger is looking mighty sad next to your beautiful herby one! :) Thanks for the idea!
On the “how-to-list-herbs” points, I always go with the witches’ way. As in “the size of a bat’s eyeball of basil” or “About the same amount you’ll use mandrake for a love potion”. Or I’ll just list the herbs and add “as needed” or “to taste”.
Love this idea Roni!!! I never even thought to combine fresh herbs and burgers! I hope it’ll work with turkey burgs as that’s what I’m into at the moment. Can’t wait to try it!!! Thanks Roni!
I just did that with my ultra lean beef over Memorial Day and I agree, those are some mighty tasty burgers!
Wow! That sounds delicious!!!
I’ll take your burger over your husbands anyday! It looks great! I love burgers so you can create your own little burger blog if you’d like!
This sounds soooooo delicious. I’m gonna try it next time I make burgers, maybe tonight :)
On the how-to-list herbs? I’ve seen it a number of ways for example:
1 bunch of fresh basil
or
6-8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
or
Fresh basil: 2 tbsp, chopped
So I am guessing there is no right way, just as long as you get the correct measurement, and then it’s normally to your taste anyway
Those look really good! We’re growing some fresh herbs too so we’ll have to try it. One thing you might like – the last time my bf made burgers he added a sprinkle of real bacon bits in the patties and they were great! Although you’re right that it’s hard to top a real bacon burger!
I love your herb garden. I too thought of having one in my window boxes this year, but didn’t think it would work. So I planted the seeds in the ground….you’ve inspired me, so maybe next year I’ll plant them in my boxes on our deck, also!
Thank you again for another wonderful recipe!!
Your husband and mine could be twins:)
I’m thinking the same way as Andi G, this would work wonderful with ground turkey…love it, thanx Roni!!