zucchini master mix for- meatballs, burgers, meatloaf !

La Crosse, WI
Updated on Jul 25, 2011

I made up this recipe to save money and time... and make a healthier version of our family favorites! We sometimes make the burgers on the outdoor grill or in a skillet in the kitchen... either way is good. I saved money by using zucchini to "pump up the volume" I saved time by making a few different things from one recipe. I made it healthier by adding the veggies! *** Sometimes we add additions things like peppers and minced mushrooms. It is moist and tasty for all of the recipes made from this Master Recipe!

prep time 30 Min
cook time 55 Min
method Pan Fry
yield 70 Meatballs, 14 Burgers, 1 large Meatloaf

Ingredients

  • MASTER RECIPE:
  • 1 large zucchini (about 4 cups) finely grated after seeds are removed and skin is left on
  • 3 large onions (minced) (3 cups)
  • 10 slices bread (crumbled)
  • 4 large eggs (beaten with liquid from zucchini)
  • 5 large cloves garlick (minced fine)
  • 2 tablespoons dry basil
  • 1 teaspoon each: salt, pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper
  • 2 teaspoons each: garlic powder, dry oregano
  • 5 pounds ground beef
  • 3 pounds ground pork
  • MEATBALLS
  • BURGERS
  • MEATLOAF

How To Make zucchini master mix for- meatballs, burgers, meatloaf !

  • Step 1
    In a very large bowl (a roast pan will work too), put in onions and zucchini you prepared. Tilt the bowl by placing a folded towel under the end where the veggies are at. Add the eggs to the zucchini liquid. Beat together well. Add the spices and garlic, beat together and stir in the bread crumbs (the bread crumbs will soak up the liquid and be thick) Mix the veggies in well. (Depending on size and thickness of bread slices, you may need to add more bread). This should be about the same thickness as the meats.
  • Adding the meats to the zucchini mixture.
    Step 2
    Add the two meats in and knead with your hands to blend all together well. Let this sit for five minutes.
  • Step 3
    BURGERS: Form 14 of the size patties you like. Either cook on the outdoor grill or in a skillet. Make them into burgers on a bun the way you like them, or make Salisbury Steaks of them by making a thick gravy to go over them and serve with mashed potatoes and veggies.
  • Step 4
    Place patties on metal baking sheet. Freeze.
  • Step 5
    When totally frozen, place the patties into zipper bags with wax paper between the patties. Place back into the freezer until ready to use them.
  • The Meatloaf without sauce or soup on top.
    Step 6
    MEATLOAF: Form into a loaf shape and bake in a 8x8 or 9x9 inch pan (be sure to leave room all the way around the "loaf" for fat drippings). Place in a 350 degree oven and bake for 45 minutes or until done to your liking. Cool and Freeze until needed. Or if serving right away, During the last 15 minutes of baking, drain the oil from the pan and pour either a large can of tomato soup or a large can of spaghetti sauce over the top of the meatloaf and return it to oven to finish baking. Serve with mashed potatoes and corn.
  • Pan of Meatballs cooling.
    Step 7
    *** You can make many recipes using this meat mixture. *** Sometimes when I am in a hurry, I just freeze the raw mixture in zipper bags for future use.

Discover More

Category: Beef
Category: Pork
Category: Burgers
Category: Meatloafs
Ingredient: Vegetable
Method: Pan Fry
Culture: American

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