Fire Up the Grill for Food Network Star Ellie Krieger’s Stuffed Turkey Burgers

With the warmer weather upon us, it’s time to get the grill going for summer get-togethers.

And Food Network personality Ellie Krieger’s tasty — and satisfying — Stuffed Turkey Burgers are the ultimate summertime fare you have to try if you like flavorful, juicy burgers on the grill without a high caloric bill to pay.

Krieger’s food philosophy

Krieger, a registered dietitian nutritionist, is one of the very few cooks on television today offering healthier options for what we love to eat. With her public television program Ellie’s Real Good Food and Food Network’s Healthy Appetite, Krieger has established a platform to let home cooks know they really can have the food they love, with the right approach.

“It really centers on looking at food as ‘usually,’ ‘sometimes’ or ‘rarely,’ she told AARP. “You make the backbone of what you’re eating the ‘usually’ foods, such as vegetables, whole fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, healthy fats, seafood, lean protein. The other foods are ‘sometimes’ and ‘rarely’ — you sprinkle them in and they can add flavor and texture. And there’s no such thing as ‘never’: There’s no forbidden fruit, which kind of takes the stress and guilt out of it.”

Krieger was ‘born loving food’

The Washington Post columnist has also penned quite a collection of cookbooks including Whole In One featuring complete, healthy meals in a single pot, sheet pan or skillet; the wellness plan-focused Small Changes, Big Results; and The Food You Crave.

The two-time James Beard Award winner’s career is about proving “that the words delicious and healthy can be used in the same sentence.” Her inspiration, she told SparkPeople in 2009, came from her own childhood.

“I was born loving food,” Krieger, who was heavy as a youngster, said. “My mother said that me becoming a dietitian was like a pyromaniac becoming a firefighter. Something snapped in me, and I became uncomfortable in my own skin.”

The New York Times bestselling author admitted she has “certain go-tos. Something can be super simple and delicious. My latest favorite is Dijon mustard and honey spread on salmon fillets.”

Her Stuffed Turkey Burger recipe

Krieger’s uniquely delicious burger recipe (full recipe found here) is also uniquely simple, with just five ingredients: ground turkey breast, roasted red peppers, shredded part-skim mozzarella, and salt/pepper.

Once you’ve made eight patties out of the ground turkey, place two tablespoons of roasted red pepper and mozzarella cheese on four of the patties.

Then, place the other four patties on top, and seal the edges of the four stuffed burgers. Salt and pepper the patties, throw them on the grill for about five minutes per side, and enjoy.