10 Vegetables to Use to Make Burgers That Meat Lovers Will Enjoy

Nov 20, 2017

Vegan burgers are all the rage now, but meat lovers make our vegan-friendly parties more complicated. Why it is hard to explain that beef is not the only food for burgers, you can simply make mouthwatering veggie burgers that will be as awesome as those fatty ones people tend to eat. If you are tight on budget or you forget to buy seitan, tofu, or tempeh, here are ten vegetables you can use to make burgers that will wow even the meat lovers.

1 Kale

Looking to increase your vitamin A intake without switching to a raw diet? Try making kale burgers to get in a variety of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, B6, potassium, iron, and protein. Whether you are a meat lover or a vegetarian, you can make a big and juicy burger without spending your hard-earned cash on meat. Kale burger tastes incredibly delicious when served with bell peppers, tomatoes and a bit of cheese sauce.

2 Beet

Beets are not just for salads, they make a perfect burger ingredient too.

Beets are high in many vitamins and minerals, including fiber, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamins A, B, and C, as well as folic acid, beta-carotene and beta-cyanine among the others.

If you do not like the taste of beets, you can mix them with quinoa, lentils or beans for your veggie burger.

3 Lentils

Lentils are known for their thick texture, making them an ideal meat substitute in pasta, soups, salads and veggie burgers. Whether you choose brown, green, black or red lentils, you can end up making a mouthwatering burger that a meat lover will not resist trying. Lentils are healthy, cheap and nutrient dense, so give them a try.

4 Mushrooms

For those of you craving meat, mushrooms can be a lifesaver. Mushrooms have mild meaty taste and can trick everyone into thinking they are eating real burgers. Portobello mushrooms resemble meat the most. They make an excellent substitute for beef steaks too – just in case you will decide to go vegan this summer.

5 Pumpkin

Pumpkin is probably the last vegetable you may think about when making veggie burgers, but it actually is a great meat substitute. If you do not have a pumpkin, you can opt for summer squash. Pumpkin is packed with beta-carotene, vitamin C, protein, and potassium. Its savory and sweet taste will add incredible juiciness to your summer burger.

Read also – 10 Deliciously Healthy High-Protein Foods

6 Chickpeas

Chickpeas are a great source of protein, fiber, potassium, healthy fat, iron, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins B6 and C. They help to increase satiety, speed up digestion, and keep blood sugar levels in check. You can use chickpeas in your summer burgers in place of meat as well. You can combine them with beans or quinoa to improve the taste.

7 Eggplants

One nutrient-rich eggplant can turn a boring vegan burger into something incredible. Unlike pumpkins and chickpeas, eggplants resemble meat, just like mushrooms do. Plus, eggplants are excellent for your health and weight. A cup of chopped eggplants contains only 20 calories. Serve your eggplant burger with some mustard or chili sauce to add a spicy touch to it.

8 Beans

Beans are hearty, cheap and filling, and they contain many essential nutrients that meat has. Depending on what type of beans you choose – white, black, red or multicolored – you can add a totally new flavor to your vegetable burger. Make sure you serve it with loads of vegetables to get in a great variety of nutrients into one burger.

9 Zucchini

Who doesn’t love the idea of using zucchini in burgers instead of beef? Zucchini is a popular summer vegetable so no one will tell you that you are using cheap ingredients in your BBQ meals. Zucchini burgers is an award-winning idea to choose when you are going to throw a budget-friendly summer party.

10 Cauliflower

It is not just a boring white version of broccoli, albeit you can use broccoli as well. Cauliflower is chock full of potassium, vitamin C, iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6, protein and fiber among the others. This is one of the best vegetables that you can use to make summer burgers without meat. No meat lover will resist trying a cauliflower burger. Yum!

Read also – 11 Delicious Foods to Make in a Blender

By making vegan burgers, you will not only cut down on the fat and calories but most importantly, you will save an animal’s life. Give these burger ideas a try and inspire others to give up eating meat these days. Make this summer season a bit different. If you are a vegan while your friends are meat lovers, do not be afraid to serve veggie burgers. Chances are, they will love them too.

FAQ About Burgers

How many calories are in a burger?

The number of calories in a burger varies depending on the size and type of patty, toppings, and bun. A basic beef burger with cheese and a bun can range from 350 to 800 calories, while larger specialty burgers with bacon, fried onion rings, and other toppings can contain well over 1,000 calories.

Is it safe to eat burgers that are pink in the middle?

It is generally safe to eat burgers that are pink in the middle as long as they have been cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to kill any harmful bacteria. However, people with weakened immune systems or who are pregnant should avoid eating undercooked meat.

What vegetables can I use to make burgers?

There are several vegetables you can use to make burgers that meat lovers will enjoy. Some popular options include portobello mushrooms, eggplant, zucchini, sweet potato, and cauliflower.

What is a cauliflower burger?

A cauliflower burger is a vegetarian or vegan burger patty made from cauliflower and other vegetables. It is a popular alternative to meat burgers and is often seasoned with spices and herbs to add flavor.

How do you make burgers more interesting?

You can make burgers more interesting by experimenting with different toppings, such as bacon, cheese, avocado, fried eggs, or caramelized onions. You can also try using different types of buns or bread, seasoning the meat with different spices, or adding unique ingredients like diced jalapenos or chopped herbs.

What are good sides for burgers?

Good sides for burgers include classic options like french fries, onion rings, and coleslaw, as well as healthier options like sweet potato fries, grilled vegetables, and side salads. Other tasty options include macaroni and cheese, baked beans, or a side of fruit like watermelon or berries.