High-Protein Low-Calorie In-N-Out Animal Style Sweet Potato Burger

If you crave the iconic flavors of an In-N-Out Animal Style burger but want to keep things light and nutrient-dense, this recipe is for you.

We swap out high-carb bread for crisp, golden sweet potato buns made with grated sweet potato, mozzarella, and eggs. Stacked with juicy seared steak, melty cheese, slow-caramelized onions, and dill pickles, it's all brought together by a high-protein "animal style" spread made with Greek yogurt. It delivers every bit of that fast-food nostalgia with zero food-coma afterwards!

Prep time, Cook time, Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Yield: 1 large burger (or 2 smaller sliders) — 1 serving

Ingredients

The Sweet Potato Buns 🍠

• 1 medium sweet potato, raw and coarsely grated

• ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 large eggs

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp cornstarch or all-purpose flour (optional, for extra binding/crispness)

• 1 tsp sesame seeds (for topping)

The High-Protein "Animal Style" Spread 🥣

• ⅓ cup plain zero-sugar Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp low-sugar ketchup

• 1 tsp yellow or Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp grated dill pickle (plus a splash of pickle juice)

• 1 tbsp caramelized onions (reserved from the onion batch below)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Caramelized Onions 🧅

• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 1 tsp olive oil or butter

• Pinch of salt

• ½ tsp brown sugar (optional, for faster caramelization)

Meat & Assembly 🥩

• 4–5 oz lean steak or ground beef patty

• 1 slice mozzarella or cheddar cheese

• Dill pickle slices

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the High-Protein "Animal Style" Spread 🥣

In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, low-sugar ketchup, mustard, grated dill pickle, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth. Set aside until ready to assemble.

2. Caramelize the Onions 🧅

Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt (and brown sugar, if using). Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft, sweet, and deeply golden brown. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of the caramelized onions and mix them directly into your prepared spread. Keep the rest warm in the pan.

3. Mix & Bake the Sweet Potato Buns 🍠

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• In a bowl, mix the grated raw sweet potato, shredded mozzarella, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cornstarch (or flour) until well combined.

• Place two metal ring molds onto the parchment paper (or shape by hand into two equal circular discs). Pack the sweet potato mixture tightly inside the molds.

• Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and bake for 18–20 minutes until set, bound, and golden-crisp around the edges.

4. Sear the Steak & Assemble 🍔

• Heat a pan over medium-high heat and sear your steak (or beef patty) with salt and pepper to your desired doneness.

• Top one baked sweet potato bun with a slice of cheese, hot caramelized onions, seared steak, dill pickle slices, and a generous spoonful of your high-protein spread.

• Cap with the second sweet potato bun, slice in half, and enjoy every single bite!

📊 Estimated Macros (Per Serving - Whole Burger with Sauce)