Description
A flavorful blend of lean beef, white beans, and roasted butternut squash creates a juicy and tender burger with rich depth of flavor. The mixture brings natural moisture, caramelization, and savory spices together for a satisfying burger that cooks beautifully in a cast iron skillet and pairs well with crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, and melted cheddar.
Ingredients
Three quarter cup canned white navy beans drained and rinsed
One teaspoon smoked paprika
One and one quarter teaspoons garlic powder
One and one quarter teaspoons onion powder
Eight ounces peeled butternut squash cut into half inch dice
One tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Twelve ounces lean ground beef
Two tablespoons canola oil
Four slices Tillamook Medium Cheddar or Cabot Vermont Sharp Cheddar
Four large sesame seed hamburger buns such as Dave’s Killer Bread or Arnold lightly toasted
Four leaves green leaf lettuce
Four thick slices beefsteak tomato
Ketchup Dijon mustard and mayonnaise for serving
Instructions
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to four hundred twenty five degrees F.
Add the beans smoked paprika garlic powder and onion powder to a large bowl then stir to combine.
Combine the butternut squash olive oil a pinch of salt and pepper on a baking sheet then toss and spread in an even layer.
Roast until the squash is tender and browned in spots rotating the sheet once during cooking then allow it to cool.
Add the cooled squash to the bean mixture and mash lightly until mostly smooth with small chunks remaining.
Add the beef and salt then mix gently with your hands until combined and form into four patties about four inches wide.
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high then add canola oil and swirl to coat.
Season patties with salt and pepper on both sides then cook until a crust forms before flipping and cooking again.
Top each patty with cheddar slices cover the pan and cook briefly until the cheese melts.
Layer each patty onto toasted buns with lettuce and tomato then serve with ketchup mustard and mayonnaise.
Notes
The beans help bind the mixture and add moisture while the squash brings natural sweetness and tenderness to the burgers. Allowing the mixture to cool before adding the beef keeps the patties from becoming dense. The patties cook slightly faster than traditional all beef burgers so monitor them closely. Toasting the buns helps maintain structure and gives a better texture when assembling the finished burger.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop and Oven
- Cuisine: American