Who doesn’t love a juicy burger with a side of fries?
(Sadists, that’s who.) As delicious as it is, though, this drool-inducing meal isn’t waist-friendly. Luckily for you, this alternative—which has you opting for lean beef, ditching the bun, and broiling (not frying) sliced, nutrient-rich sweet potatoes—proves to be as satisfying without hampering your progress. You’re welcome.
Hot Tip: Place fast-cooking meats like burgers, salmon, and boneless poultry, as well as produce such as potatoes, cauliflower, and bell peppers, about 4 inches under the heat when using the broiler.
CHEESEBURGER WITH SWEET POTATO FRIESSERVINGS: 4
PREP TIME: 10 min. | COOK TIME: 20 min.
PREP TIME: 10 min. | COOK TIME: 20 min.
YOU’LL NEED
- 1½ lbs lean ground beef
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 sweet potatoes
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 4 thin slices Swiss cheese
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat broiler with rack 4 inches from heat. Grease baking sheet. Mix beef, barbecue sauce, garlic, cumin, ¼ tsp salt, and pepper. Make 4 patties and poke with a skewer. Brush tops with oil.
2. Poke sweet potatoes with a fork and microwave for 5 minutes. When cool, slice into wedges. Toss with oil, chili powder, and ½ tsp salt.
3. Place burgers on sheet and broil until 160°F, about 10 minutes. Top with mustard and cheese; broil until cheese bubbles, about 30 seconds. Remove and drain juices.
4. Place sweet potatoes in an even layer on baking sheet and broil until blistered.
BY MATTHEW G. KADEY, MS, RD