Top 10 lighter burgers: lean beef, turkey, mushroom buns and more

2026-11-07 · 5 min read · Get Lean Today

Most burger calories come from 20–30% fat beef, cheese, sauce and the bun. Swap each part and the burger loses half its calories.

Original: Fast-food cheeseburger — 850 kcal

1. 1. Homemade lean beef burger (sirloin, round)

   420 kcal · Protein 38 · Fat 13 · Carbs 36 · you save 430

   Grind sirloin or round with onion, 150 g patty, dry grill pan 4 min per side.

2. 2. Store-bought 90/10 beef burger

   450 kcal · Protein 35 · Fat 17 · Carbs 36 · you save 400

   Look for “90% lean / 10% fat” on the label. Cook on a rack so fat drips away.

3. 3. Turkey burger

   390 kcal · Protein 36 · Fat 10 · Carbs 36 · you save 460

   Turkey mince + grated zucchini for juiciness, mustard on the bun.

4. 4. Grilled chicken breast burger

   380 kcal · Protein 40 · Fat 7 · Carbs 36 · you save 470

   Pound the breast, yogurt-paprika marinade, grill 5 min per side.

5. 5. Salmon burger

   430 kcal · Protein 32 · Fat 16 · Carbs 34 · you save 420

   Chopped salmon + lemon + dill, cucumber-yogurt sauce.

6. 6. Black bean burger

   360 kcal · Protein 16 · Fat 7 · Carbs 55 · you save 490

   Mash beans with oats and onion, shape, bake 20 min at 200 °C / 390 °F.

7. 7. Portobello-bun burger

   280 kcal · Protein 34 · Fat 11 · Carbs 9 · you save 570

   Roast two portobello caps for 10 min — that's the bun. Lean patty and veg inside.

8. 8. Lettuce-wrap burger

   260 kcal · Protein 33 · Fat 11 · Carbs 6 · you save 590

   Swap the bun for 2–3 iceberg leaves. Saves ~150 kcal.

9. 9. Beef & mushroom blended burger

   370 kcal · Protein 30 · Fat 11 · Carbs 36 · you save 480

   Replace half the beef with finely chopped mushrooms: juicy and 30% lighter.

10. 10. Whole-grain burger with a fried egg

    440 kcal · Protein 38 · Fat 16 · Carbs 34 · you save 410

    Lean patty + an egg on a dry pan — more protein, longer fullness.

Approximate macros per serving

Tip

• Sauce: 2% yogurt + mustard + pickle ≈ 25 kcal versus 100 for mayo.
• Cheese — one thin slice of light cheese, or skip it.
• Instead of fries — a salad or air-fryer fries (see the article above).

FAQ

Which beef is best for a lighter burger?

Grind your own sirloin or round, or buy 90/10 mince. Even lighter: 95/5 or turkey.

How many calories are in a healthy burger?

From 260 kcal bun-free to 450 kcal on a whole-grain bun.

Won't a lean patty be dry?

Add grated zucchini, onion or mushrooms and don't overcook — 4 minutes per side.