Recipe: Sweet Potato Bunless Burgers

In an effort to cut back on dinners centered around breads and pastas we've been substituting roast, steamed or sauteed vegetables into our dinners in their place. A couple years ago we tried using slices of roast sweet potato instead of buns on our burgers, and we all loved it so much that it's pretty much the only way we do burgers at home now.

Not only is it a little healthier than using a regular bun, but I also don't have to feel bad about throwing away the leftover buns -- because we can never seem use up the whole bag. Do you have the same problem? I always think of a scene from one of my favorite movies when I toss out those extra buns....



I just laugh out loud every time I see that scene! Anyway, here is my solution to the bun and burger ratio...

INGREDIENTS
For the "buns":
4 large sweet potatoes
olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste

For the burgers: 

1 1/2 pounds 80% lean ground beef
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
8 thin slices cheddar cheese (optional)

lettuce and sliced tomato, for topping

INSTRUCTIONS

For the "buns": Slice sweet potatoes into 1/4-1/2 inch thick slices. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in oven at 400 for 20-30 minutes (flipping half-way through). You want edges to be slightly crispy.

For the burger: Sprinkle the ground beef evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Gently form the meat into balls, about 1-inch-thick patties, that will fit with the size of your "buns". The number of burgers you make will vary depending on the size of the "buns" you make. Make a 2-inch-wide indentation in the center of each with your thumb to prevent the burgers from bulging when grilled.

Preheat a grill to high. Season the patties with salt and pepper. Grill, undisturbed, until marked on the bottom, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn and grill until the other side is marked and the patties feel firm, 3 to 5 more minutes; if desired, top each burger with 2 slices cheese during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Serve your burgers topped with all of your favorite toppings. We like grilled onions, guacamole, tomato and lettuce.

Burger recipe source.

Enjoy!