Zucchini Burgers
Juicy zucchini burgers with savory seasoned tomatoes offer a delicious, vegetable-packed meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, combining hearty flavors with fresh zucchini.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, shredded zucchini, bread crumbs, and egg. Form into eight 1/2-inch thick patties.
- Brown the patties on both sides in a large nonstick skillet for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add sliced zucchini, seasoned tomatoes, and potatoes to the skillet.
- Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, turning the patties and stirring 2 to 3 times, until vegetables are crisp and tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef. If you don't have seasoned bread crumbs, plain bread crumbs mixed with Italian herbs will work well. To keep the patties from falling apart, ensure the mixture is well combined and let them rest for a few minutes before cooking. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can also enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these zucchini burgers with a side of mixed greens or sweet potato fries for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with a dollop of yogurt or your favorite sauce on top. For a fun twist, consider serving them on a bun with lettuce and tomato, or alongside a fresh salad to balance the richness of the beef.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover zucchini burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. This will help retain their moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Burgers contains roughly 1125 calories, with 32g protein, 208g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (64% of the Daily Value), iron (57% of the Daily Value), and calcium (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1436mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these zucchini burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 2 months; just be sure to separate each patty with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
What can I substitute for the egg in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes). These will help bind the ingredients together while keeping the burgers moist.
How can I adjust the seasoning for these burgers?
Feel free to customize the seasoning to your liking. Adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor. For those who love a bit of heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the mixture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).