Beefy Beet Burgers
Roasted beets, lentils, and brown rice are combined with savory seasonings to form patties with a firm, meaty texture and deep umami flavor. The beets also give each burger a distinctive color that holds up well on the grill or in a skillet. Expect about 60 minutes from start to finish, making these a solid choice for burger night.
Equipment
- Food processor
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups roasted beets, grated about 2 medium beets, peeled and roasted until tender
- 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils cooled
- ¾ cup cooked short grain brown rice preferably cooled and a day old for best texture
- 1 cup rolled oats gluten-free if needed
- 1 small red onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce low-sodium preferred
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for pan-searing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast your beets (wrapped in foil or in a covered dish) for about 35–40 minutes, until fork tender. Allow to cool, then peel and grate.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion and garlic in a splash of oil or water until soft and slightly caramelized, about 5–7 minutes. Let cool.
- In a food processor, pulse oats into a coarse flour. Add lentils, rice, tomato paste, tamari, spices, sautéed onion mixture, and grated beet. Pulse until the mixture holds together, but don't purée—it should still have some texture.
- With lightly oiled hands, shape the mixture into 4 firm patties. Place on a parchment-lined tray and chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to firm up (or up to 24 hours ahead).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear each patty for 4–5 minutes per side, until crisped and deeply browned. Alternatively, bake at 375°F (190°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, smoke the beets slightly on a grill before using.
- Substitute the rice with quinoa for a lighter version.
- Make it gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients, including tamari, are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition
Calories: 449kcalCarbohydrates: 73gProtein: 16gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 375mgPotassium: 812mgFiber: 14gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 74mgIron: 6mg
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