Every November I start getting in the mood for chili---Chili Cheese Fries, Frito Chili Pies, and Chili Burgers. Yum, yum, and yum. When purchased at a local drive-thru, chili burgers are generally anywhere from 600-700 calories.Yikes! My usual method of lowering drive-thru fare (cutting in halves) just isn't practical for chili burgers.
Well, low and behold, I stumbled on to a delectable saucy turkey chili burger that is low is calories (246 per burger) and easy to cook. Saucy Turkey Chili Burger can be found in I Can't Believe it's Not Fattening!: Over 150 Ridiculously Easy Recipes for the Super Busy
. Hands on time is 8 minutes.
Saucy Turkey Chili Burger
Ingredients- 3 Tablespoons 98% or 99% fat-free canned turkey chili with beans
- 3 ounces 99% lean ground turkey
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 (about 3 1/2-inch diameter) whole-wheat or whole-grain hamburger bun
- Yellow mustard to taste (optional)
Preparation
1) Preheat a grill to high heat. I am using the George Foreman Grill ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vMTkYhvDYRkmcLsOE1Ugq3NWnUzvY-mDg9PVe_4eNF82v82A66ymSUr1Uk_m5g9WOxc2ysyT-C6nhETXUzJJZEkfMh6ArQDVu0eGENS_hQRD5hieTLA5D-M-lbOESxoVkwu4yMia4HBXqKjFuupf94r3PvZmX1ijJLwoM_BEWzC1FZMuCi=s0-d)
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_sl_ox8kMs48LwtYRQJ11zIOgOfFWXDtI9MPXc0QvE4jhFDQwVQa6Ri9D0BHauyIAsxHAQV9cI9ldfo82IdPDOGxFw7aMrFlMFO7Pp9V30gQGnbJAv_SIvdpfG4XupkuYPUmDFTXDBWCKlgZe-oNDzvBUw7P_se02eAyp7vlPNwCpgs7J_P=s0-d)
rather than an outdoor grill and doubling the recipe to make two burgers.
2) Spoon the chili into a small microwave-safe bowl and cover bowl with paper towel. (Alternatively, you can heat the chili in a small saucepan over medium heat.)
3) Line a flat work surface with waxed paper. With my hands, I shape the turkey into a tight ball.
4) Place it on the waxed paper and press it into a 4-inch-diameter patty. Season the patty with salt and pepper.
5) Grill until it is no longer pink inside, about two minutes per side. Since I am using the George Foreman grill, it takes approximately 8-10 minutes to grill. During the last minute of cooking, if desired, toast the bun by placing it, inside face down, on a top grill rack or away from direct flame until just toasted. I replace buns with whole-wheat smart bagels which are only 100 calories per bagel.
6) Meanwhile, I microwave the chili on high in 30 second intervals until warmed through.
7) Place the bun (bagel) bottom on a serving plate. Add the burger, then spoon the chili on top. Spread the mustard over the inside of the bun (bagel) top. Add to the burger and serve immediately.![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlnv5krvFnefcqWTMrIgD_xlOEQ9fWE7Yc-RxVvfe6s1ZTfaYqC3IOHZzRZDLzFz5yk6_sjXVPBSgIYRpzgYWYnKjmVeaUKvXqVEt3H7UdnHcOAxTVaNBbppTSZiEYx98u_uJGuTIgg/s320/DSC01209ps.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlnv5krvFnefcqWTMrIgD_xlOEQ9fWE7Yc-RxVvfe6s1ZTfaYqC3IOHZzRZDLzFz5yk6_sjXVPBSgIYRpzgYWYnKjmVeaUKvXqVEt3H7UdnHcOAxTVaNBbppTSZiEYx98u_uJGuTIgg/s320/DSC01209ps.jpg)
If you want a truly stress-free cooking experience, this recipe is for you. Doubling the recipe is easy, so you can cook chili burgers to your heart's content. It is worth saying again. Yum.