Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Burgers with Zucchini
These lean ground sirloin burgers get incredible flavor from an entire bulb of roasted garlic mixed right into the meat, along with fresh rosemary and grated zucchini for moisture. The roasted garlic becomes sweet and mellow after 45 minutes in the oven, creating a rich, savory base that transforms ordinary burgers into something special. Perfect for summer grilling or year-round broiling, these burgers offer a gourmet twist on the classic with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 whole garlic bulb
- 1 lb 95% lean ground sirloinground turkey1:1lean
milder flavor
- 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated
- 6 fresh rosemary sprigs, leaves removed and finely chopped, stems discarded
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- 4 whole-grain hamburger buns
- 4 slices medium tomato
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 4 red onion slices
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F
- 2
Remove outer papery layer from garlic bulb, keeping cloves attached, and cut off top half-inch
- 3
Wrap garlic bulb in aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes until tender
- 4
Preheat grill or broiler to high
- 5
Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into a large bowl
- 6
Add ground sirloin, grated zucchini, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper and mix well
- 7
Shape mixture into four patties
- 8
Grill or broil patties for 4 to 6 minutes on each side until desired doneness
- 9
Assemble burgers with patty, tomato, lettuce, onion on whole-grain buns
Tips
Let roasted garlic cool completely before handling to avoid burns and make squeezing easier
Don't overmix the burger mixture to keep patties tender and juicy
Make a small indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking
Good to Know
Cooked patties keep 3-4 days refrigerated or freeze up to 3 months
Shape patties up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate covered
Serve immediately while hot with classic burger sides
Common Mistakes
Don't skip cooling the garlic to avoid burns when squeezing
Avoid overworking the meat mixture to prevent tough burgers
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
fresher crunch
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make these without a grill?
Yes, use the broiler setting in your oven or cook in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for similar results.
How do I know when the garlic is done roasting?
The garlic is ready when the cloves feel soft when gently pressed and have a golden color after 45 minutes.
Can I freeze the uncooked patties?
Yes, freeze shaped patties on a tray first, then store in bags for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.