I love this cookbook. It gives you healthy alternatives to higher calorie restaurant food. This burger was compared to Applebee's Southwest Jalapeno Burger which has 1,110 calories, 70 grams of fat and 2,100 milligrams of sodium! Do you really want to eat most of your day's calories in one sandwich? Not to mention there are probably fries that go with this order and that makes your calorie, fat, and sodium count fly sky high!
Of course, me being me, I had to switch it up just a little, but not in any way that would hurt the burger calorie wise - and I had little choice but to switch it up some because we didn't have pepper jack cheese in the house. My nephew Austin had this sandwich pretty much devoured before I even had a chance to sit down to eat! A great compliment to this burger are the Southwestern Cheddar Steak Fries. So, stay home, eat healthy and delicious and save money! 🙂
- 2 tablespoon Ketchup
- 2 tablespoon relish (I used sweet)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil Mayonnaise (preferred but we didn't have it so went with regular)
- Salt and Pepper
- 1 lb ground sirloin
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese (I used Monterey Jack Cheese and tossed in some finely diced jalapenos to substitute)
- 1 cup caramelized onions (see below for how to caramelize onions)
- ¼ cup pickled jalapeno slices (I went with fresh since that was what we had)
- 4 potato buns
- for caramelized onions:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large onions, sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Combine the ketchup, relish, and mayo in a mixing bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and set aside.
- Preheat a grill, grill pan, or cast-iron skillet. Combine the ground sirloin with ½ teaspoon salt and½ teaspoon pepper and mix gently. Without overworking the meat, form into four patties until the beef just comes together. (This is where I went a little different - I stuffed the cheese inside the burger instead of topping it - so if you want to stuff it, divide the cheese and stuff the burgers!)
- When the grill or skillet is hot, add the patties. Cook on the first side 5-6 minutes until a nice crust develops. Flip and immediately top with the cheese (if not using it for stuffing). Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and burgers are firm but still yielding to the touch. Remove the burgers. While the grill or pan is hot, toast the buns.
- Slather the bottom buns with reserved spread, then top with caramelized onions and jalapenos. Crown with bun tops and serve. (we opted to top the burger with both the spread and onions).
- Made their way this burger comes in at only 360 calories, 14 grams fat, and 850 mg sodium! You can afford your potato when you have a burger this healthy for you!
- For the onions: Heat oil in a large saucepan or saute pan over medium low heat. Add the onions and salt, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and beginning to take on a caramel color, about 20 minutes. Makes 1 cup.
Patsyk says
Wow! What a great looking burger, and to save so many calories in the process... well, I am sold!
Cleaners London says
I love burgers and jalapeño! Love your posT!
LaPhemmePhoodie says
Holy moly that is a lot of calories, fat and sodium in the Applebee's burger. You know most people eat the fries too. Wow. The alternative burger sounds very tasty.
Gera@SweetsFoodsBlog says
Really this burger is for me! Jalapeño and cheese mmm extremely mouthwatering 🙂
Cheers,
Gera
Julie M. says
I don't eat a lot of red meat, but this has my mouth watering! I love those books. My friend had one at her house and i could barely set it down.
Jersey Girl Cooks says
Looks very yummy!
bridget {bake at 350} says
That looks SO good! 🙂
megan @ whatmegansmaking says
this sounds really good! And that sounds like a great cookbook 🙂
Linda says
I am so impressed - with the onions, jalapenos, and spread, I wouldn't miss the fat! I've recently become a fan of Kraft Sandwich Shop Reduced Cal Chipotle Mayo - so good!
Fallon says
YUM! I love the lower calorie version. The jalapeno sounds great. I usually opt for plain burgers out without a bun because I know how crazy those fancy burgers can get!
Kathleen says
I haven't had a hamburger in a long time. This one has me jonesing for a burger!
bellini says
I do love a good burger Shelby.
Shelby says
Dan, how is it not good? Lean protien, lowerfat, much less sodium.... If you have to have a burger this is definitely good for you. 🙂
vanillasugar says
good for me? good. now can i have two? lol
Dan says
I'd question the "good for you," but I'd definitely mark it up to "better than a regular burger.."
With that cheese and the peppers tho.. oohh. Must taste amazing.
Ninette says
This sounds really good!
Pegasuslegend says
I can't tell you the last time I ate meat, or a hamburger, now I am craving this at 7am in the morning nice job!