50/50 Burgers w/ Grilled Zucchini
September 12, 2026 • 0 comments
Directions
Equal parts ground beef and ground pork make a flavorful burger using meat raised on our family farm. Add a thick slice of summer tomato, local cheese, and grilled zucchini for a simple meal that comes together on the grill.
Farmstead Meal #005
Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: About 15–20 minutes
Rest time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 1 pound Jake’s Country Meats Ground Beef, thawed
- 1 pound Jake’s Country Meats Ground Pork, thawed
- Co-op Sauce Chicago Steak Seasoning, to taste
- Moo-ville Cheddar or Jalapeño Jack, sliced
- 1 beefsteak tomato from Piedt Acres, sliced
- 4 burger buns
- Your favorite condiments
For the Grilled Zucchini
- 2 zucchini from Piedt Acres
- Olive oil or avocado oil, enough to lightly coat
- Co-op Sauce Chicago Steak Seasoning, to taste
Instructions
1. Heat the Grill & Prepare the Toppings
Preheat the grill to medium-high. Clean and lightly oil the grates, leaving a cooler area available if the burgers brown too quickly.
Slice the tomato and cheese, and set out the buns and condiments so everything is ready when the burgers come off the grill.
2. Gently Form the Burgers
Combine the ground beef and ground pork in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix gently, just until the two meats are evenly distributed.
Divide into four generous, half-pound patties. Shape them slightly wider than the buns without packing tightly, and press a shallow indentation into the center of each to help them cook more evenly. Season both sides with Chicago Steak Seasoning.
Prefer smaller burgers? Make eight quarter-pound patties instead and use extra buns or serve two patties per sandwich. Smaller patties will cook faster.
3. Prepare the Zucchini
Trim the ends and cut the zucchini lengthwise into planks about ½ inch thick. Lightly coat with oil and season on both sides. Keep the slices thick enough to turn easily without falling through the grates.
4. Grill the Burgers & Zucchini
Place the burgers on the grill and close the lid. Let the first side brown before turning, aiming to flip once. Avoid pressing down with the spatula, which squeezes out the juices.
Add the zucchini alongside the burgers when you flip them. Grill the zucchini for about 3–4 minutes per side, until lightly charred and tender but still holding its shape. Move finished pieces to a serving plate.
Cook the burgers until a thermometer inserted from the side into the center reads 160°F. Because these patties contain ground beef and pork, use temperature to check doneness rather than color. Move them to the cooler area if the outside browns before the center is ready.
5. Add Cheese & Rest
During the last minute or two of cooking, top each burger with Cheddar for a classic flavor or Jalapeño Jack for a little kick. Close the lid to help the cheese melt.
Once the burgers reach 160°F, transfer them to a clean plate and rest for 5 minutes. Finish any remaining zucchini and lightly toast the buns on the grill during this time.
6. Build & Serve
Place the burgers on the toasted buns and add tomato slices and your favorite condiments. Serve with the grilled zucchini.
Farmstead Tip
Don’t overwork the meat. Mix the beef and pork only until they come together, then gently shape the patties. A loosely formed burger stays more tender on the grill. Keep the meat cold until you’re ready to cook.
Why 50/50?
Ground beef brings familiar burger flavor, while ground pork adds richness and a slightly sweeter taste. Equal amounts make the blend easy to remember and give you another way to use two freezer staples.
Make It Work with What You Have
Use your favorite burger seasoning or a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper. Yellow summer squash can replace the zucchini, and any good melting cheese works on top. For a bun-free plate, serve the burger over lettuce with the tomato and grilled vegetables alongside.
Made Possible by Local Producers
- Piedt Acres: Beefsteak tomatoes and zucchini
- Moo-ville: Cheddar and Jalapeño Jack
- Co-op Sauce: Chicago Steak Seasoning
These are the producers featured in our original Farmstead Meal. Availability changes with the season, so use what’s fresh near you.
About The Farmstead
The Farmstead by Jake’s Country Meats brings together meat from our family farm and food from neighboring farms, fisheries, and local makers. It’s a place to know where your food comes from, meet the people behind it, and find simple ways to enjoy what’s in season. Through good food and shared recipes, we’re building a stronger local food system, one meal at a time.
Visit us at 57470 M-51 S, Dowagiac, MI, just south of town.
