Hungry Healthy Happy

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
×
Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Burgers

Healthy Hidden Vegetable Beef Burgers

Updated: Nov 11, 2024 · Published: Jun 6, 2018 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 54 Comments

1027 shares
  • 514
  • 28
Diet: Gluten Free / Low Carb / Low Fat
Jump to Recipe
Hidden Vegetable Beef Burgers with a text title overlay.

Wouldn't it be great to enjoy a homemade beef burger, with all the trimmings, and know you are eating some vegetables too? Well, now you can with these Hidden Vegetable Beef Burgers. These nutritious burgers are great for fussy eaters that would rather eat burgers than vegetables, because this recipe is both, and they will never know if you grate everything finely.

Two Beef Burgers in buns with tomato, cheese and pickles.

We have taken a classic beef burger, and added lots of shredded vegetables to make them more nutrient dense and the best thing is, kids love them! They are a firm favourite in our house and perfect for burger night when you want to sneak in a bit of extra goodness.

Because the vegetables are shredded and mixed in with the beef you would never know they are there, which is why we have called them Hidden Vegetable Beef Burgers.

You can still serve them up with all the usual burger toppings, and nobody is going to know any different. Easy to adapt with different vegetables, these also freeze well and they are great for BBQs if you want to serve up something a little different.

Looking for some other vegetable packed meals to try? Why not try our Creamy Vegetable Soup, Cheesy Vegetable Pie, Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry, Roasted Vegetable Couscous Salad or Vegetable Mash?

Jump to:
  • Why You Will Love Them
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • Variations
  • How to Make Hidden Vegetable Beef Burgers - Step by Step
  • Burger Toppings
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storage
  • Extra Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Burger Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Why You Will Love Them

  • Kids love them - I don't think I have ever met a kid that doesn't like burgers and these are no different. Make mini versions or even turn them into meatballs for a kid friendly meal.
  • Great for BBQs - Why just serve regular beef burgers, when you can serve burgers stuffed with vegetables. This is something a little bit different to serve up, that will really impress your BBQ guests.
  • Sneak in some vegetables - We could all do with some extra vegetables in our life, right? Well, this is an easy way to do that, whilst still enjoying a comforting and hearty classic. Great for kids that don't love vegetables too.
  • Freeze well - These vegetable beef burgers freeze really well. We like to make a big batch of them and then keep them in the freezer and defrost them individually as and when we want one.

Ingredients and Substitutions

All the ingredients needed for this recipe with text overlay labels.
  • Beef mince - We used a lean, less than 5% fat beef mince to keep these burgers on the lighter side. If you want more flavour, then use a higher fat content beef mince. You could even swap the beef mince for turkey, chicken or lamb. We find that the vegetables hide better in beef mince though, because it is darker.
  • Garlic - Freshly crushed is best, but you could use ready crushed garlic in a jar to save time. If you are crushing it yourself, try to make sure it is almost paste like, as it will ensure an even distribution in the burgers.
  • Worcestershire sauce - This is always my "secret" ingredient in burgers, and it adds so much flavour. You could leave it out if you didn't have any.
  • Egg - This is what helps to bind the burgers together.
  • Tomato puree - This not only adds a nice rich colour, but it adds some fresh flavour too.
  • Shallot - You could use a small brown onion, but we love the sweeter flavour that shallots have.
  • Carrot - The first of the hidden vegetables. This has a lovely vibrant colour and the sweetness means that it doesn't have an over powerful flavour.
  • Courgette - This adds a delicious green boost to the burgers. If you wanted to make it more hidden, then peel the outer green skin off first and just grate when it left.
  • Herbs - Some fresh herbs really help to lighten the burger up. We like fresh basil and parsley, but any leafy herbs work well. We wouldn't recommend woody herbs like thyme or basil though. Why not add our Homemade Burger Seasoning?

Variations

We have shredded up some carrot and courgette to add to the burger mince, but there are loads of other vegetables you could use instead. You could grate broccoli and cauliflower or even butternut squash, sweet potato and bell pepper. If you wanted to add some leafy greens, then some finely chopped spinach works well, but this is more noticeable, and not very "hidden".

We have used a lean beef mince, as we think the darker mince makes it easier to hide vegetables in. However, you could use turkey, chicken or lamb mince for something different.

Add some extra flavour to the burgers by mixing in a little pesto or sundried tomato paste. You will only need a little bit though, otherwise it can make the burgers too wet and they won't hold together as well. You could also add a seasoning mix, like Fajita, Cajun or an Italian herb blend.

If you don't want to make these as burgers, then they work really well as meatballs. Just roll them into 12 meatballs and then you can either bake them or fry them. They are great with spaghetti and our Easy Tomato Pasta Sauce.

How to Make Hidden Vegetable Beef Burgers - Step by Step

a mixing bowl containing shredded vegetables and beef mince.
  1. Step 1: Thinly slice the carrot, courgette and shallot and put in a large mixing bowl with the beef mince.
Crushed garlic, egg, tomato puree and chopped herbs added to the bowl.
  1. Step 2: Add the garlic, salt and pepper, egg, tomato puree and herbs.
Worcestershire sauce added to the bowl and everything mixed.
  1. Step 3: Add the Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
four uncooked beef and vegetable burger patties on a white plate.
  1. Step 4: Using your hands, divide the mixture and form into 4 burger patties and put in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking.
Beef burgers cooking on a barbecue grill.
  1. Step 5: Put your burger patties on to a hot BBQ grill and cook for 3 minutes one side and 6 minutes the other side for medium-well done.

Burger Toppings

What is a burger without toppings? Boring, that's what! Toppings don't have to add loads of calories though, so we have some healthy burger topping options, and some not so healthy (or nutrient dense) toppings.

  • Lettuce - This adds lots of crunch to the burger. We used little gem lettuce, as it adds colour too, but you could use iceberg, rocket or even spinach.
  • Tomato - A juicy addition to a burger. We used a beef tomato, however you could swap it for sundried tomatoes for an intense tomato burst.
  • Red onion - This adds some nice crunch to a burger. If you don't like raw onion, then you could fry it a little first, to soften in. Try our Pickled Red Onions.
  • Coleslaw - Why serve coleslaw on the side when you could have it right there in the burger. Not only does it add lots of crunch and flavour, but it could act as the sauce too.
  • Bacon - Do we really need to say any more? Beef and bacon is such an amazing combination when it comes to burgers.
  • Hash browns - Take this burger to the next level with some hash browns. Why not make our Oven Baked Hash Browns.
  • Mushrooms - We love mushrooms in a burger. Either fry up some chopped brown mushrooms, or grill a whole portobello mushroom to add.
  • Fries onions - Caramelised balsamic onions on a burger are amazing. Cook them low and slow - it's worth the wait.
  • Avocado - This adds so much creaminess and a little freshness to the chicken burgers.
  • Jalapeños - If you love a kick of spice on your burger, then add some sliced pickled jalapenos.
  • Sauce - Why not try our Healthier Ketchup, Homemade Healthier BBQ Sauce or our easy Burger Sauce?

If you are looking for more burgers, take a look at our list of Epic Burgers.

A burger made up of bun, lettuce, tomato, beef patty, cheese and pickles.

Serving Suggestions

Burgers and fries are just the perfect match. Why not try our making our French Fry Seasoning for homemade fries or our Garlic Baked Potato Wedges, Parmesan Truffle Fries, Baked Sweet Potato Wedges or The Best Air Fryer Fries. If you want something a little lighter, then our Baked Carrot Fries are a great choice.

Other great burger sides include No Mayo Coleslaw, Oven Baked Onion Rings, Little Gem Salad, Baked Polenta Fries, The Best Greek Potatoes, Mustard Potato Salad, Oven Baked Hash Browns, Grilled Corn with Herb Butter.

Storage

Store: If you have any leftovers, then you can store them in an air tight container in the fridge and they will keep for 2 days.

Freeze: These freeze really well. Just wrap them individually and then store them in a freezer bag and they will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Defrost: Defrost overnight in the fridge.

Reheat: Make sure they are fully defrosted if you have frozen them, and then you can either heat them through in a pan (on low, to make sure that you don't burn the outside) or in the oven for 10-15 minutes.

Extra Tips

  • You don't have to make these as burgers. Instead of forming them into burger patties, roll the mixture into mini meatballs and bake in a tomato sauce.
  • Mix up the flavours by adding in different herbs and spices. You could have Mexican burgers, Cajun, Italian - get creative.
  • If you are trying to keep things low carb, swap the burger bun for a giant lettuce leaf for a low carb burger option.
  • Always chill your burgers in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking. This will help them stay together when cooking.
A beef burger in a bun with salad, cheese and pickles. A small wooden skewer is pushed through the whole burger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to cook these on the BBQ?

Nope! You can cook these under the grill or fry them in a pan too. I think they are best when they have the charred taste of being cooked on the BBQ and food always tastes better when cooked and eaten outside, but you don't have to. Cooking times will of course vary.

How many calories in a hidden vegetable beef burger?

There are 237 calories in the burger itself, however when you add the bun, sauce and toppings, the calories can quickly add up.

How can I tell if the burgers are cooked?

We always use a meat thermometer, as we find that is the best way to ensure that the meat is cooked all the way through. Beef burgers should be 65°C/150°F if you want it medium well done. If you wanted it well done, then aim for above 71°C/160°F.

Are hidden vegetable beef burgers gluten free?

Yes, these burgers are gluten free. Just make sure that there is no cross contamination and be careful what you serve them in and any sides, that they are gluten free too.

More Burger Recipes

  • Two air fryer burgers on a wooden board next to some lettuce leaves.
    Air Fryer Burgers
  • A Quorn pesto burger in a brioche bun sat on a wooden serving board. A small jar of sauce is next to it.
    Pesto Quorn Burgers
  • A sesame seed bun containing a Mexican burger, lettuce, tomato, guacamole and relish
    Mexican Burger
  • Spiced Lamb Burger on a serving board with fries.
    Spiced Lamb Burger with Tzatziki & Chilli Jam

If you’ve tried these hidden vegetable beef burgers, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

Recipe

Hidden Vegetable Beef Burgers in buns with cheese, tomato and pickles.

Hidden Vegetable Beef Burgers

By: Dannii Martin
These Hidden Vegetable Beef Burgers are great for fussy eaters that would rather eat burgers than vegetables, because this recipe is both, and they will never know!
A circular logo saying GF.
Gluten Free
The words low carb in a white circle.
Low Carb
the words low fat in a white circle.
Low Fat
4.91 from 51 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 10 minutes mins
Chilling time: 30 minutes mins
Total: 15 minutes mins
Servings: 4 burgers
Calories: 211kcal
Allergens:
An illustration of a cracked egg.
Eggs
An illustration of a fish.
Fish
An illustration of a cow's head.
Meat

Ingredients

  • 500 g (1 lb) Lean beef mince
  • 2 Garlic clove - crushed
  • 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Egg - whisked
  • 2 tablespoon Tomato puree
  • 1 Shallots - large; diced
  • 1 Carrot - small; grated
  • 0.5 Courgette (zucchini) - grated
  • 1 handful Mixed fresh herbs - finely chopped (use whatever you have that needs using up)
  • Buns, lettuce, tomato and sauce to serve

Instructions

  • Put all of the ingredients in a bowl and use your hands to mix well.
  • Using your hands, form the mixture into 4 burger patties and put in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Put your burger patties on to a hot BBQ grill and cook for 3 minutes one side and 6 minutes the other side for medium-well done.
  • Stack your burgers by adding them to buns with lettuce, tomato and sauce.

Recipe Tips

  • You don't have to make these as burgers. Instead of forming them in to burger patties, roll the mixture in to mini meatballs and bake in a tomato sauce.
  • Mix up the flavours by adding in different herbs and spices. You could have Mexican burgers, Cajun, Italian - get creative.
  • If you are trying to keep things low carb, swap the burger bun for a giant lettuce leaf for a low carb burger option.
  • Always chill your burgers in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking. This will help them stay together when cooking.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1burger only | Calories: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 118mg | Sodium: 170mg | Potassium: 663mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2785IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 4mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

You'll love these too...

  • A turkey smash burger in a bun on a piece of parchment paper.
    Turkey Smash Burgers
  • Burger in a bowl with salad, chips and sauce.
    Burger in a Bowl
  • Burger seasoning in a bowl with a small wooden spoon.
    Burger Seasoning
  • The best burger sauce in a glass on a board with two burgers.
    The Best Burger Sauce

Comments

  1. Aisling says

    November 23, 2024 at 7:36 pm

    5 stars
    First time trying this recipe, and yum’y is the only verdict!! Made these burgers for my sister visiting and to celebrate an occasion for my husband, and they both have said “wow”! I put one slice of breadcrumbs in, and didn’t even need the bun. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Dannii Martin says

      November 26, 2024 at 8:10 am

      I am so happy that you all enjoyed them and that they were part of a special occasion. It's good to know that it worked with just one slice of bread too.

      Reply
« Older Comments
4.91 from 51 votes (17 ratings without comment)

Made this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Dannii with a sunset behind her.

Welcome

My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.

Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

About me...

Salad Recipes

  • Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad in a white dish surrounded by crumbled feta.
    Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad
  • A plate of kale, watermelon and feta salad surrounded by watermelon slices.
    Kale, Watermelon and Feta Salad
  • A large bowl of chickpea tuna salad with a serving spoon in it.
    Chickpea Tuna Salad
  • Chopped Blue Cheese Salad in a large white bowl.
    Chopped Blue Cheese Salad
  • A bowl of watercress salad with a wooden fork and spoon in it.
    Watercress Salad
  • Little Gem Salad in a round white bowl.
    Little Gem Salad

Recipe Books

The Hungry Healthy Happy book cover.
The healthy slow cooker book cover.
the front cover of The Picky Plate eBook.

Popular Recipes

  • Leftover chicken pasta on a black plate.
    Leftover Chicken Pasta
  • Mediterranean Rice Salad in a large round serving dish.
    Mediterranean Rice Salad
  • Fourteen healthy flapjacks on a sheet of parchment paper.
    Healthy Flapjacks
  • A tortilla chip being dipped into some nacho cheese sauce.
    2 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce
  • Sticky Ginger Beef in a bowl with rice and broccoli.
    10 Minute Sticky Ginger Beef Mince
  • Baked Egg Tortilla in a round baking dish.
    Baked Egg Tortilla (Tortilla Quiche)

Footer

Help & Information

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Advertising
  • Blog

About us

  • About us
  • Newsletter Sign Up!
  • Press enquiries
  • FAQ

Follow us


Featured in

A selection of publications that Hungry Healthy Happy has been featured in

As an Amazon Associate we earn certain commissions from qualifying purchases. By using our site, you agree that we can collect and use your data. Our privacy statement has more details.

Copyright © 2011-2024 Hungry Healthy Happy • All Rights Reserved

  • 514
  • 28

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.