Updated August 28, 2014.

Burgers are an American classic, but they're often loaded with fat and calories. The good news is that there are a lot of easy ways to create delicious, low-calorie burger patties. Hungry Girl is here to help!

LOW-CALORIE BURGER BEST BETS...

Extra-Lean Ground Beef: If you're looking to slash the fat in your burger patties but only real beef will do, this is your best option. "Extra-lean" means it has 4% fat or less -- it's often labeled as 96% fat-free.

A 4-ounce serving will have around 145 calories and less than 5 grams of fat. 

Lean Ground Turkey: Poultry is a great option, but not all ground turkey is lean. You really need to pay attention to those percentages. I prefer "lean," which has 7% fat or less. In other words, it's at least 93% fat-free. A 4-ounce serving has about 160 calories and no more than 8 grams of fat. Extra-lean turkey is an option, but it tends to be extremely dry and less flavorful than the lean kind.

Meatless Patties: There are many vegetarian burgers in the freezer aisle, from soy-based picks to ones made from veggies and grains. If you like your patties to taste like meat, go for the hamburger-style patties with 100 calories or less, like the kinds by Boca. For something delicious but not exactly meaty, Amy's has terrific picks with under 140 calories.

Portabella Mushroom Caps: Here's a completely unconventional burger swap I love! When baked or grilled until soft, portabella mushrooms make GREAT "burgers." They're super low in calories, and they even pack some fiber and protein.

Just remove the stem for patty perfection. Click for a Big Mac swap featuring two portabellas!

 

ADDITIONAL GUILT-FREE INGREDIENTS 

Seasonings: There are no rules here... except for the fact that you need SOME seasonings! Spices and herbs deliver major flavor for hardly any calories. I like garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, and a little salt or salt-free seasoning.

More Meat Add-Ins: Hot sauce, ketchup, sweet Asian chili sauce... Condiments like these can be used to infuse a little extra flavor into your beef or turkey. Just use the stuff sparingly so that the burger patty stays together. Speaking of which, liquid egg whites or fat-free liquid egg substitute can be used as a low-calorie binding agent; you only need about a tablespoon per 4-ounce patty.

Stuffed Burger Tips: I absolutely love stuffing burger patties with cheese and other ingredients. It makes the burgers seem fancy, and it's a cinch to do. In fact, over the years, I've perfected an easy method -- for that and more stuffed-burger info, click right here.

Buns: Why ruin a perfectly guilt-free burger patty with an oversized roll packed with carby calories? Light hamburger buns or 100-calorie flat sandwich buns are my top picks. Or just skip the top of that roll and enjoy your burger open faced. Another option I love? Ditch the bread altogether and wrap your burger patty in lettuce leaves! It's the ultimate low-carb burger fix...

 

BEST LOW-CALORIE TOPPINGS

Basics: Classic toppings like tomato and onion are completely guilt-free. They add flavor and make your burger more filling. Pickles are also great, but sodium watchers should skip these salty things. As for cheese, I prefer light spreadable cheese wedges -- stuff one inside your patty, or spread it onto the top half of your bun. When it comes to slices, 2% milk is the way to go. I also like 2% shreds, since you can control the amount you add.

Grilled Extras: Grilled veggies or fruit can really amp up your sandwich! You can cook them right next your patties, in a grill pan or on the barbeque. Try onion slices (rings intact), pineapple rounds (fresh or previously packed in juice), and sliced portabella mushrooms.

Condiments: Ketchup and mustard are a diet-friendly burger's BFFs. If you're into mayo, look for light options. You can also add a little low-calorie sauce or light dressing, like teriyaki sauce or light ranch dressing. A great combo? Grilled pineapple with teriyaki sauce!

 

EASY BURGER RECIPES

Onion Goodness Burgers: Mix 1 1/4 pounds raw lean ground turkey with a 1-ounce packet of dry onion soup/dip mix. Form into five patties, and throw those babies on the grill! 180 calories, 8g fat

Bacon Cheeseburger Patty: Mix a tablespoon of precooked real crumbled bacon with 4 ounces raw extra-lean ground beef. Stuff the patty with a wedge of The Laughing Cow Light cheese (click for tips), and cook it up! Easy and delicious. 205 calories, 8.5g fat

Taco Turkey Burgers: Combine 1 1/4 pounds raw lean ground turkey, 1/4 cup liquid egg whites, 2/3 cup fresh pico de gallo (drained), and 1 tbsp. taco seasoning mix. Form five patties, and grill away. 180 calories, 8g fat

For more easy burger recipes, check out this list! 

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