Cheesy Garlic Burgers with Lemon Butter Zucchini Noodles

Cheesy Garlic Burgers with Lemon Butter Zucchini Noodles

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Garlic Burgers:

• 1 ½ pounds (680 g) ground beef (80–85% lean)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 4 slices cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for cooking)

For the Lemon Butter Zucchini Noodles:

• 4 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Zest of ½ lemon (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Burger Patties:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

2. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

3. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into burger patties about ¾-inch thick. Press a slight indent in the center of each to help maintain shape during cooking.

2. Cook the Burgers:

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add burger patties and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked to desired doneness.

3. In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheese and cover to melt.

4. Remove burgers from heat and let rest briefly.

3. Make the Lemon Butter Zucchini Noodles:

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).

3. Add the spiralized zucchini noodles and toss gently for 2–3 minutes, just until slightly tender.

4. Stir in lemon juice, zest (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.

5. Cook 1 more minute, then remove from heat. Drain excess moisture if necessary.

4. Assemble and Serve:

• Plate the zucchini noodles and top each portion with a cheesy garlic burger.

• Sprinkle with chopped parsley or extra lemon zest if desired.

• Serve hot.

Tips:

• Do not overcook the zucchini noodles; they should be tender-crisp.

• For added richness, stir a tablespoon of grated Parmesan into the zucchini noodles before serving.

• Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef.

Would you like a keto variation, a bun-included option, or a vegetarian version with plant-based patties?