The Only Plant-Based Burgers My Meat-Loving Husband Will Eat

Like many other people who are focused on their health, eating more plant-based foods is something that I have been trying to do more of. But my husband — that’s another story. As a full-on meat-and-potatoes kind of guy, he tends to stick his nose up in the air whenever I try to serve a meat-free stir-fry or lentil soup. So accomplishing my plant-based eating goal has been a bit challenging.

Which is why I did a little dance when I found my husband happily eating a Planta burger that I cooked for myself one evening. I finally found a meat-free burger that both of us are glad to include in our dinnertime rotation. 

Hearing that a burger leans on cremini mushrooms, brown rice, and lentils as main ingredients instead of juicy beef doesn’t typically make meat-lovers’ (like my husband) mouths water. But Planta somehow nails the flavor (it’s seasoned with nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, onion and garlic powders, and liquid smoke) in this patty that has a texture surprisingly similar to a classic beef burger. 

Aesthetically, it’s as close to the meaty version as the best plant-based burgers out there. And for those who follow a Paleo diet, the Whole 30 diet, or any other diet that requires you to steer clear of ingredients like eggs, soy, or dairy, these burgers fit the bill in a delicious way. 

Planta Burger Patties are available online in eight- or twelve-packs, and arrive frozen accompanied by dry ice. There’s no defrosting required, and they take approximately 10  minutes when pan-fried with a touch of hot olive or avocado oil. While they don’t taste exactly like a beef burger (aka they don’t have that distinct juicy bite), the meat-like flavor and the hearty consistency is a welcome surprise. Even my husband said that this burger “does the trick” when he wants a (beef) burger. 

Burger night is an obvious choice; we love these in between Dave’s Killer Bread organic burger buns and classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and mustard. Pair it with a side salad and we have a filling meal that is simple to whip up and is incredibly tasty. If there are any leftover cooked patties, I will crumble them on top of a grain bowl in place of my usual beans, and, on occasion, we’ll eat them over a salad made of whatever veggies I have on-hand. 

Essentially, though, you can swap Planta in any way you’d serve beef patties. If my husband is happy eating them every which way, then I’m convinced that anybody will be. 

Buy: Planta Burger Patties, $40 for 8 burgers at Planta

What’s your favorite plant-based burger? Tell us about it in the comments below.