Stretch high-quality grass-fed ground beef—which has a higher ratio of healthy fats than conventionally raised beef—and boost nutrients by adding vegetables and cheese. All ingredients, including the cheese, are incorporated right into the meat mixture, which makes these burgers moist and flavorful. Small patties are perfectly portioned for kids, and each one provides a quarter of your little ones’ daily vegetable needs. Serve with a side of fresh fruit to add another food group.
Hidden Veggie Cheeseburgers
Ingredients
- 1 lb grass-fed ground beef
- 2-3 medium zucchini, shredded and squeezed completely dry (to yield 7-8 oz)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 2 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 small whole-grain rolls (TRY: Rudi’s Organic Bakery Wheat Buns)
- Toppings: Lettuce, tomato slices, avocado slices, ketchup
Instructions
- In the bowl of a food processor, place ground beef, shredded zucchini, parsley, cheese and salt. Grind until well combined, stopping to scrape down bowl sides as needed. Form into six small patties, about 3 ½ ounces each.
- In a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat, warm oil. Add patties, allowing space in between. Cook 4–5 minutes per side, or to desired doneness. You can also use a grill.
- Set burgers, rolls and toppings on the table and let everyone assemble their own burger.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
Hidden Veggie Cheeseburgers
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1291
Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 8g
12%
Saturated Fat 4g
20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 3g
Cholesterol 56mg
19%
Sodium 517mg
22%
Total Carbohydrates 29g
10%
Dietary Fiber 5g
20%
Sugars 4g
Protein 25g
50%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
PER SERVING (1 burger with bun): 291 cal, 8g fat (3g mono, 1g poly, 4g sat), 56mg chol, 517mg sodium, 29g carb (5g fiber, 4g sugars), 25g protein