Healthier hamburgers

Juicy, flavourful and packed with hidden goodness, these homemade burgers will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups / 400g extra-lean minced beef

1 high-welfare egg

Four whole grain burger buns

1 cup / 50g mushrooms, finely diced

½ cup / 25g shallot, diced finely

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large tomato, sliced

6–8 whole lettuce leaves

2 tbsp low sugar ketchup

2 tbsp low fat mayonnaise

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Salt and freshly-ground pepper to taste

Optional toppings: sliced red onion, cheese, relish, or gherkins

Directions

In a deep bowl, mix together the beef, mushrooms, shallot, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and egg. Stir until thoroughly combined, season with salt and pepper, and set aside in a fridge for an hour.

When ready to serve, shape the mixture into slim patties (it helps to have wet hands).

Brush the patties with oil and cook on a hot grill or frying pan for 4–5 minutes on each side until cooked through.

Lightly toast the burger buns until golden brown.

Mix together the ketchup and mayonnaise in a small ramekin and spread onto the burger buns.

Assemble the burgers, adding lettuce, tomato and any other toppings of your choice.

Tips for picky eaters

The mushrooms disappear into the meat - kids won't notice them!
Let kids assemble their own burger - choosing toppings gives them control
Use mini slider buns for smaller hands and appetites
Serve toppings in small bowls so kids can pick what they want
If kids dislike "bits," blend the mushrooms and shallots into a paste before mixing

Healthy swaps

Instead of...	Use...	Why?
Beef mince	Turkey or chicken mince	Lower in saturated fat
White burger buns	Whole grain or lettuce wraps	More fibre, fewer refined carbs
Ketchup + mayo	Mashed avocado spread	Healthy fats, no added sugar
Frying in oil	Grilling or air frying	Less added fat
Worcestershire sauce	Low-sodium soy sauce	Reduced salt content