Can burgers actually be healthy? I believe so. When you choose pastured beef and serve the burgers on a sourdough bun or salad, then they are absolutely healthy! Read on to see how to make these juicy burgers for yourself – just in time for Memorial Day weekend. And let me know in the comments if you make them!
Healthy Burgers
How can a burger be healthy? As with many foods we eat today, there are healthy versions and there are unhealthy versions. For example, overnight soaked oatmeal is healthier than the sugary packets of instant. Sourdough bread is healthier than a factory-made variety loaded with preservatives. And grass fed beef is healthier than conventionally raised (corn-fed, antiobiotic-laden, diseased) beef. These Easy Italian Beef Burgers fit the bill to help you stay healthy.
I have grass fed beef every week (but not every day). I love to include it as a normal rotation in my meal plans to fill me up and give me energy. The protein in it keeps me satiated and the iron in the red meat helps me especially when I’m on my cycle.
When you serve this burger over a salad, you are getting additional nutrients and fibers from the vegetables. Or you could serve it on a sourdough bun, which is better for your gut health thanks to the probiotics. I used this recipe to make my own sourdough buns. If you aren’t into baking, you can usually find sourdough bread at most bakeries. Some grocery stores have started carrying sourdough buns, but look at the ingredients label to avoid unnecessary preservatives.
Feeding a Crowd
There’s nothing better than firing up the grill on a hot day. Keep the heat outside where it belongs, I say. It’s easy to slice a watermelon, make a salad and assemble a tray of toppings for these Easy Italian Beef Burgers.
I repurposed a sausage recipe I’ve used in the past to make these burgers. The recipe serves eight, so they are perfect for feeding a crowd.
Hopefully you are able to get together with friends and family this weekend and enjoy being outside and eating good food that is as easy as these burgers to prepare!
What’s In the Burger
This recipe is super easy and comes together in 15 minutes. You’ll basically need some grass fed beef and your spice rack.
Mix up two pounds of beef with some Italian seasoning, coconut sugar or brown sugar, salt, onion powder, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Voila! Form into 8 burger patties and you are ready to grill.
Take a photo of your Easy Italian Beef Burgers on the grill and tag me at #akukskitchen.
How to Eat Easy Italian Beef Burgers
I love to eat these on a sourdough bun with the works: mustard, mayo, lettuce, tomato, raw cheddar and red onion. It is equally delicious on top of a salad with a balsamic dressing.
Some sides that work well with these Italian are watermelon, sweet potato salad, roasted asparagus, and green salad.
How would you most love to eat these burgers? And will you be making them this weekend? Let me know in the comments!
Easy Italian Beef Burgers
Equipment
- Grill
Ingredients
- 2 pounds grass fed ground beef
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar or brown sugar optional
- 2 teaspoons sea salt or Real Salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat a grill and allow it to come to high heat.
- Mix together ground beef and spices in a large bowl, using your hands to get everything well distributed.
- Divide the beef into 8 portions. Form each portion into a patty, making it bigger than the burger bun. The meat will shrink when it cooks.
- Cook burgers over a hot grill, about 2 minutes per side or less.
