Hearty Flavor-Packed Veggie Burgers (Printable)
Hearty plant-based patties loaded with beans, vegetables, and smoked spices for a satisfying homemade meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
02 - 1 medium carrot, grated
03 - 1 clove garlic, minced
04 - 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
→ Legumes and Bindings
05 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
06 - 1/2 cup rolled oats
07 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
08 - 1 large egg (or 1 flax egg for vegan option)
→ Herbs and Spices
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
→ Assembly and Cooking
14 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
15 - 4 whole wheat burger buns
16 - Toppings: lettuce leaves, tomato slices, pickles, onion rings, cheese slices (optional), ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, grated carrot, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
02 - Place the drained and rinsed black beans in a large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher or fork, mash the beans leaving some chunks intact for a hearty texture.
03 - Add the sautéed vegetables, rolled oats, breadcrumbs, egg, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley to the mashed beans. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. If the mixture is too wet, add additional breadcrumbs one tablespoon at a time. If too dry, add a splash of water.
04 - Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a firm burger patty approximately 3/4 inch thick, pressing the edges together to prevent crumbling.
05 - Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through. Alternatively, grill the patties over medium heat on an outdoor grill.
06 - Toast the burger buns if desired. Layer each bun with a cooked patty and your choice of toppings including lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, onion, cheese, and condiments. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The smoky paprika and cumin combination tricks even stubborn meat lovers into going back for seconds.
- Black beans create a hearty, protein rich patty that actually holds together without falling apart on the first bite.
02 -
- Do not skip draining and rinsing the black beans thoroughly because excess liquid is the number one cause of crumbly patties.
- Letting the shaped patties rest in the refrigerator for fifteen minutes before cooking makes them significantly sturdier in the pan.
03 -
- Wet your hands slightly before shaping the patties because it prevents sticking and gives you smoother, more even edges.
- A pinch of chili powder added to the mix creates a gentle heat that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is.