Hearty Veggie Burgers (Printable)
Flavorful bean-based patties with vegetables and spices, ready in 35 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
02 - 1 medium carrot, grated
03 - 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
→ Beans and Grains
06 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1/2 cup rolled oats
08 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
→ Binders and Seasonings
09 - 2 tbsp ground flaxseed (or 1 egg for non-vegan option)
10 - 3 tbsp water (only if using flaxseed)
11 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
14 - 1/2 tsp salt
15 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ For Cooking
16 - 2 tbsp olive oil
# How To Make It:
01 - In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed with water and let it rest for 5 minutes until a gel-like consistency forms.
02 - Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, use a fork or potato masher to mash the black beans, leaving some texture for a hearty bite.
04 - Add the sautéed vegetables, oats, breadcrumbs, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and the prepared flax egg (or regular egg) to the mashed beans. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
05 - Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a firm patty.
06 - Heat the remaining olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
07 - Serve the patties on toasted buns with your choice of toppings such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, or pickles.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The smoked paprika and cumin give these patties a depth that makes even devoted carnivores reach for seconds.
- They hold together beautifully when pan fried, so you get that satisfying golden crust without the heartbreak of falling apart.
02 -
- Let the mixture rest in the fridge for fifteen minutes before shaping if your patties feel too soft, because cold firms everything up and makes them cooperative.
- Do not rush the flip, wait until the bottom is truly golden and releases easily from the pan or you risk breaking the patty apart.
03 -
- Wet your hands slightly before shaping the patties because the mixture will stick to dry hands and drive you completely crazy.
- Press a small dimple into the center of each patty with your thumb so it cooks evenly and does not puff up into a dome in the pan.