Homemade Bean Burgers
A simple and easy recipe for Vegan Bean Burgers – perfect for Meatless Mondays or serving to meat-free guests while entertaining. These juicy bean burgers are super versatile – you can swap out the seasonings and sauces to really make this recipe your own!
Bean Burgers Recipe
My friend Sara shared this bean burger recipe with me and I was eager to try it because it wasn’t your typical black bean burger recipe – in fact, it only uses kidney and pinto beans, no black beans in sight! As a result, these burgers don’t have an overt “bean” flavor and really take on the flavor of whatever seasonings or sauces you add to it.
These bean burgers have that perfect crunchy exterior that gives way to a tender, soft interior. They are well-seasoned and hearty – just like regular burgers – but with a bevy of health benefits from the beans, oatmeal and brown rice used to make the patties.
While this recipe is pretty good on it’s own, I highly recommend adding your own favorite burger seasonings or sauces to make it your own. I’ve added a few suggestions below.
I served these burgers when my health-conscious mom and step-dad were over. I enjoyed the texture and they said they were some of the best bean burgers they had ever had. If I needed to add more meatless meals or fibre from beans into my week, I would be happy to add these to my regular rotation.
Bean Burger Variations:
1. Mediterranean Bean Burger
- Mix in: 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Top with: Feta cheese and tzatziki sauce
2. Southwestern Bean Burger
- Add: 1/2 cup corn kernels
- Mix in: 1 teaspoon chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Top with: Salsa and avocado slices
3. Spicy Bean Burger
- Add: 1/4 cup finely chopped jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat)
- Mix in: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Top with: Sriracha mayo and lettuce
4. BBQ Bean Burger
- Add: 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- Mix in: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Top with: Coleslaw and pickles
5. Cheesy Bean Burger
- Add: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Mix in: 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Top with: Sautéed onions and a slice of tomato
How to store bean burgers: these bean burgers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
How to freeze bean burgers: Bean burgers can be frozen either prior to cooking or after.
To freeze, flash freeze by placing burgers on a cookie sheet in freezer for one hour. (This prevents them from sticking together so you can pull out one at a time.) Remove from freezer and place into a storage container or zipper bag for up to 3 months. (This set of freezer containers is a crazy bargain.)
More Bean-Based Recipes:
- Boston Baked Beans
- Sugar-free Black Bean Brownies
- Crockpot Caribbean Beans and Rice
- Crockpot Frito Pie Casserole
- Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone
- Taco-Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Instant Pot Calico Beans from Sizzle and Salt
- Healthy Taco Salad from In the Kids’ Kitchen
Ingredients for Homemade Bean Burgers
- Kidney beans, rinsed and drained well
- Pinto beans, rinsed and drained well
- Old-fashioned oatmeal
- Cooked brown rice
- Tomato paste
- Water
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Mrs. Dash, optional <– grab our homemade Mrs Dash seasoning recipe here
Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.
Tip: swap out the recommended beans for your favorites – like black beans, butter beans, etc.
Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- Large Fork or Potato Masher
- Plate
- Skillet or Grill
How to Make Homemade Bean Burgers
Mash beans with a fork or potato masher until they are mostly a paste with just a few chunks. (They should look similar to refried beans.)
Add oatmeal, rice, paste, water, and spices.
Using wet hands, form into 6 burger patties.
Put patties on a clean plate and cover with foil or plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This allows them to set and become firm.
To cook on grill: Grill 5 minutes on each side. (Do not overcook or they will be dry.)
To cook in a skillet: Cook in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes. Carefully turn over. Cook 2-3 minutes more.
To cook in the Air Fryer: Cook at 350 for 10-15 minutes or until hot and a bit crispy.
To cook in oven: Preheat oven to 350. Place burgers on a cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Turn over and bake 10 minutes more. Allow to rest 5 minutes.
Serve with your favorite burger condiments.
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Bean Burgers
Homemade bean burgers have that perfect crunchy exterior that gives way to a tender, soft interior. They are well-seasoned and hearty - just like regular burgers - but with a bevy of health benefits from the beans, oatmeal and brown rice used to make the patties.
Ingredients
- 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained well
- 1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained well
- 1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- ¼ cup tomato paste (½ of 6 oz can)
- ¼ cup water
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ tsp Mrs. Dash, optional
Instructions
- Mash beans with a fork or potato masher until they are mostly a paste with just a few chunks. (They should look similar to refried beans.)
- Add oatmeal, rice, paste, water, and spices.
- Using wet hands, form into 6 burger patties.
- Put patties on a clean plate and cover with foil or plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This allows them to set and become firm.
- To cook on grill: Grill 5 minutes on each side. (Do not overcook or they will be dry.)
- To cook in a skillet: Cook in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes. Carefully turn over. Cook 2-3 minutes more.
- To cook in the Air Fryer: Cook at 350 for 10-15 minutes or until hot and a bit crispy.
- To cook in oven: Preheat oven to 350. Place burgers on a cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Turn over and bake 10 minutes more. Allow to rest 5 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite burger condiments.
Notes
To freeze: Flash freeze by placing burgers on a cookie sheet in freezer for one hour. (This prevents them from sticking together so you can pull out one at a time.) Remove from freezer and place into a storage container or zipper bag for up to 3 months.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 145Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 232mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 6gSugar: 3gProtein: 7g
Sugar, Spice and Glitter uses an auto-generate nutrition calculator. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate unless analyzed in a scientific lab, so these should be considered more of a guideline than medical information.
I hope your family likes this easy bean burgers recipe as much as mine did!
For more ways to make veggies delicious, check out our full vegetable recipe collection here:
For more scrumptious sandwiches, check out our full sandwich recipe collection here: