When a reader named Quinn suggested a recipe that used both lentils and meat, I started thinking about how veggie burgers and beef burgers each have their own strengths. Why not combine the two ideas to create a burger with meaty flavor but the lean protein and low cost of lentils? And so I offer you the half veggie burger. May it rest a little lighter in your belly.

Since Good and Cheap was published this recipe has become one I often see people make and share on social media and elsewhere. One of my favorite stories is of an 8 year old boy who learned how to make it at school, then came home and taught his sisters how to make them and then made dinner for his family in the process. Kids are so capable!

Half Veggie Burgers

Half veggie burgers are half lentils or beans and half ground meat with the addition of veggies. They are flavorful and filling, but leaner and cheaper than the usual burger patty.

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Course Main Course

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 3 cups lentils or beans cooked
• 1 cup bell pepper (or other vegetable that can stand up to cooking) finely chopped
• 1 lb ground beef or other ground meat
• 1 large egg (optional)
• Salt and pepper
• 8 hamburger buns

To Serve

• cheese
• lettuce
• tomato
• onion
• your favorite condiments

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!