Mini Zucchini-Carrot Beef Sliders

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

★ 3.8 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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).
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. Step 4: Lightly toast hamburger buns in the same skillet for 1 minute per side until golden.
  5. Step 5: Assemble sliders by placing a patty on each bun, drizzling with 1 tablespoon ketchup, and serving immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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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.

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