These healthy hamburger recipes feature ground beef in classic and unexpected dishes.
27 Healthy Hamburger Recipes
Updated on Apr. 21, 2024
1/27
Arrabbiata Sauce with Zucchini Noodles
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This popular Italian dish is flavorful and spicy. We decided to re-create one of our favorite jarred sauces and serve over zucchini pasta for a lighter, healthier meal that's naturally gluten-free. The results were amazing! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup sauce with 1 cup zucchini noodles: 287 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
2/27
Spinach Tomato Burgers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every Friday night is burger night at our house. The tomatoes add fresh flavor and the cool spinach dip brings it all together. We often skip the buns and serve these over a bed of grilled cabbage. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 389 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 737mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
3/27
Spanish Rice with Ground Beef
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom is famous for her Spanish rice recipe, the ultimate comfort food. When I want a taste of home, I whip up this dish. Punch up the flavor with a little lime and extra chili powder. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 408 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 727mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable.
4/27
Lettuce-Wrap Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These fresh flavors blend like a dream. It's a snap to throw the wraps together for a quick, healthy lunch. The burgers can also be served on buns if you like. —Rachelle McCalla, Atlantic, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 wraps: 252 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 518mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat.
5/27
Hamburger Stew
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this hamburger stew recipe from a woman at our church, Lois Henry, when I needed a way to use up our bounty of home-canned tomatoes. My husband loves it, and I like that it's easy to warm up for a carefree dinner in the winter months. —Marcia Clay, Truman, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 191 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
6/27
Beef and Black Bean Spaghetti Squash
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been working on developing healthier recipes that still taste fabulous—and keep me satisfied. This squash tossed with beef, beans and kale has so much flavor it's easy to forget it's good for you! —Charlotte Cravins, Opelousas, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 312 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 283mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
7/27
Barley Beef Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Barley adds another dimension to an old-fashioned hamburger. My husband and I really enjoy these juicy patties with onion and barbecue sauce mixed right in. —Rosella Peters, Gull Lake, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 395 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 625mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 2 fat.
8/27
Orange Beef Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a lighter version of a restaurant favorite. I also recommend trying these wraps with ground chicken or turkey.—Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 250 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 462mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
9/27
Sassy Salsa Meat Loaves
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
2 loaves (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a twist on classic meat loaf. You can make these loaves ahead, and they’ll last for a few days. Make meat loaf sandwiches with the leftovers, buns and a little Monterey Jack cheese. —Tasha Tully, Owings Mills, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 237 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 634mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
10/27
Feta Mushroom Burgers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this recipe from my son-in-law and I tweaked it to make it healthier. The burgers are so quick to whip up on the grill on busy nights. —Dolores Block, Frankenmuth, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 371 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
11/27
Tasty Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A taco seasoning made from scratch with pantry staples deliciously jazzes up ground beef, turning Tuesday night into an all-out fiesta. Add your favorite toppings, and dinner is served! —Rebecca Levesque, St. George, New Brunswick
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos (calculated without optional toppings): 306 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
12/27
Meatball Cabbage Rolls
Total Time
8 hours 25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother often had these cabbage rolls simmering in her slow cooker when my family and I arrived at her house for weekend visits. The mouthwatering meatballs tucked inside made these stand out from any other cabbage rolls I've tried. —Betty Buckmaster, Muskogee, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
3 rolls: 323 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 762mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
13/27
Presto Pizza Patties
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Craving both beef and pizza? These patties feature both in an open-faced sandwich. And they're lighter than you'd think! —Barbara Schindler, Napoleon, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 299 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 527mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
14/27
Korean Beef and Rice
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend raved about Korean bulgogi, which is beef cooked in soy sauce and ginger, so I tried it. It's delicious! You'll dazzle the table with this tasty version of Korean beef and rice. —Elizabeth King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup beef mixture with 2/3 cup rice: 413 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 647mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
15/27
Healthy Meat Loaf
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Welcome your family in from the cold with this moist and delicious meat loaf with wonderful southwestern taco flavor. This is down-home comfort food at its healthy best! —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 296 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
16/27
Mexican Cabbage Roll Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love sharing our humble and hearty soup made with beef, cabbage and green chiles. A blast of cilantro gives it a sunshiny finish. —Michelle Beal, Powell, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 186 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
17/27
Hoisin Meatball Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these tangy-sweet appetizers every year during the holidays, and it doesn't take long for them to disappear.—Elaine Sweet, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 69 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 99mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
18/27
Savory Beef & Cabbage Supper
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My beef and cabbage supper began as an idea for a gluten-free Reuben sandwich. We also make this dish with smoked sausage. It’s comforting on cooler days. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 260 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 671mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
19/27
Sloppy Joe Recipe
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll love this quick, easy and economical dish. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, both for traditional sandwiches on buns or as a down-home topping for rice, biscuits or baked potatoes. —Laurie Hauser, Rochester, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 439 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1360mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
20/27
Weeknight Beef Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This mild but hearty family fare is chock-full of veggies, Italian seasoning and nutrition. It’s a quick-and-easy meal that just might become one of your family’s favorites! —Clara Coulston, Washington Court House, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups beef mixture with 3/4 cup noodles : 400 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 11g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
21/27
Italian Burritos
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is very picky, so I created this Italian burrito loaded with beef, cheese and sauce to satisfy everyone. It turned out great! —Donna Holter, Centennial, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 275 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
22/27
Cabbage Roll Skillet
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Have a happy helping of this quicker take on something our grandmothers would make. We serve it over brown rice. It also freezes well. —Susan Chickness, Pictou County, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups with 2/3 cup rice: 332 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 439mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 9g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat.
23/27
Greek Sloppy Joes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Feta is one of my favorite kinds of cheese. It's delish in a burger, but it truly shines in this Mediterranean-style sloppy joe. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 337 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 767mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
24/27
Hamburger Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hamburger casserole recipe is such a hit it's traveled all over the country! My mother invented the recipe in Pennsylvania, I brought it to Texas when I married, I'm still making it in California, and my daughter treats her friends to this oldie in Colorado. It's hearty, yet simple to prepare. —Helen Carmichall, Santee, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 270 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 493mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
25/27
Texas Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe by combining a bunch of taco ingredients that my kids like. Once it’s ready, I often keep the beef mixture warm in a slow cooker so the kids can quickly fill taco shells after an afternoon of rigorous soccer practice. —Susan Scully, Mason, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 294 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
26/27
Chili Beef Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Right after I got married, an aunt gave me her recipe for skillet spaghetti and told me it was ideal for a quick weeknight meal. Over the years I’ve tinkered with the ingredients and played with the seasonings to make it a healthier dish that my family truly loves. —Kristen Killian, Depew, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without tomatoes): 319 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 442mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
27/27
Italian Hot Dish
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband had a poor perception of healthy food until he tried this beefy casserole. The combination of pasta, oregano, mushrooms and green peppers makes it a favorite healthy pasta recipe in our house. —Theresa Smith, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 394 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
