Mini Zucchini-Carrot Beef Sliders
Juicy mini beef patties with hidden grated zucchini and carrots, served on soft buns with a touch of ketchup for easy handling. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 25 minutes pairs (85% lean) ground beef, (grated) zucchini, (grated) carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (85% lean) ground beef
- 1/2 cup (grated) zucchini
- 1/4 cup (grated) carrots
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated zucchini, grated carrots, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with a fork until just combined (do not overmix).
- Step 2: Divide mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a small patty (about 1.5 inches in diameter) using lightly oiled hands.
- Step 3: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and shimmering. Add patties in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F).
- Step 4: Lightly toast hamburger buns in the same skillet for 1 minute per side until golden.
- Step 5: Assemble sliders by placing a patty on each bun, drizzling with 1 tablespoon ketchup, and serving immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mini Zucchini-Carrot Beef Sliders take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Mini Zucchini-Carrot Beef Sliders?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (85% lean) ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mini Zucchini-Carrot Beef Sliders?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Mini Zucchini-Carrot Beef Sliders for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Mini Zucchini-Carrot Beef Sliders?
American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.