🍔 Easy Vegetarian Burger Recipes

A good vegetarian burger should be more than a pile of vegetables between two buns. You want a patty with texture, plenty of flavor, and enough structure to hold together when you pick it up.

The good news is that you don't need complicated ingredients to make delicious vegetarian burgers at home. Beans, lentils, mushrooms, vegetables, grains, oats, cheese, and a few everyday seasonings can turn into seriously satisfying burgers.

Here are several easy vegetarian burger recipes to add to your homemade burger rotation.

🫘 1. Easy Black Bean Burgers

Black beans make an excellent base for vegetarian burgers because they're hearty, affordable, and easy to season.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 1/2 cup finely diced bell pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Pat the black beans dry with a paper towel.
2. Place the beans in a bowl and mash them with a fork, leaving some texture.
3. Add the oats, onion, bell pepper, egg, ketchup, and seasonings.
4. Mix until combined.
5. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes so the oats can absorb some moisture.
6. Form into 4 patties.
7. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
8. Cook the patties for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, until browned and heated through.
9. Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.

Topping Ideas

Try avocado, lettuce, tomato, red onion, salsa, cheddar cheese, or chipotle mayo.

🍄 2. Easy Mushroom Burgers

Mushrooms bring a savory, meaty texture to vegetarian burgers without needing a complicated ingredient list.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 1 cup quick oats
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the mushrooms and onion.
3. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and the mixture becomes fairly dry.
4. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
5. Combine the mushroom mixture with the oats, cheese, egg, soy sauce, and seasonings.
6. Refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes.
7. Form into 4 patties.
8. Cook in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes per side.

The key is cooking the mushrooms long enough to remove excess moisture. This helps the burgers hold together.

🌽 3. Easy Black Bean and Corn Burgers

Sweet corn, smoky spices, and black beans make a colorful burger that's especially good with avocado or fresh salsa.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup corn, fresh, canned, or thawed frozen
• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon salsa
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Mash the black beans in a bowl.
2. Stir in the corn, oats, onion, egg, salsa, and seasonings.
3. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes.
4. Form into 4 patties.
5. Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.
6. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side.

Top with avocado, tomato, lettuce, salsa, or a spoonful of sour cream.

🥕 4. Easy Sweet Potato Burgers

These naturally sweet and savory patties are soft inside with a nicely browned exterior.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato
• 1 cup cooked black beans, drained
• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Mash the sweet potato and black beans together, leaving some texture.
2. Add the oats, onion, egg, and seasonings.
3. Mix thoroughly.
4. Refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Form into 4 patties.
6. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
7. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning carefully.

These are especially good with avocado, pepper jack cheese, spinach, or a lime yogurt sauce.

🧆 5. Easy Chickpea Burgers

If you have a can of chickpeas in the pantry, you've already got the beginning of dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 1/4 cup finely diced bell pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Pat the chickpeas dry.
2. Mash them in a bowl.
3. Add the remaining ingredients.
4. Mix until combined.
5. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes.
6. Shape into 4 patties.
7. Cook in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes per side.

Serve with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, and a lemony yogurt sauce.

🥬 6. Easy Lentil Burgers

Lentils make hearty patties with plenty of plant-based protein and fiber.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups cooked brown or green lentils
• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 1/3 cup finely diced onion
• 1/4 cup finely shredded carrot
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Mash about half of the lentils in a bowl.
2. Stir in the remaining lentils.
3. Add the oats, vegetables, egg, ketchup, mustard, and seasonings.
4. Mix well.
5. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
6. Form into 4 patties.
7. Cook in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes per side.

These are excellent with caramelized onions and a little sharp cheddar.

🧀 7. Easy Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Sometimes you don't need a patty at all. A big juicy portobello mushroom makes a fantastic burger.

Ingredients

• 4 large portobello mushroom caps
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
• 4 hamburger buns

Instructions

1. Remove the mushroom stems and gently clean the caps.
2. Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, Italian seasoning, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture over both sides of the mushrooms.
4. Let them marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Grill or cook in a skillet over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes per side.
6. Add cheese during the final minute and allow it to melt.
7. Serve on toasted buns.

Add roasted red peppers, spinach, pesto, or caramelized onions for an extra flavor boost.

🌾 8. Easy Quinoa Burgers

Quinoa gives these vegetarian burgers a slightly nutty flavor and hearty texture.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Mash the black beans in a bowl.
2. Add the quinoa, oats, onion, egg, ketchup, and seasonings.
3. Mix until the mixture holds together when pressed.
4. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
5. Form into 4 patties.
6. Cook in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes per side.

🍔 Easy Vegetarian Burger Toppings

Once you have the patties sorted, the toppings are where you can really have fun.

Fresh and Crunchy

• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Cucumber
• Red onion
• Pickles
• Shredded cabbage
• Coleslaw

Creamy

• Avocado
• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Greek yogurt sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Garlic aioli
• Chipotle mayo

Cheesy

• Cheddar
• Pepper jack
• Swiss
• Provolone
• Mozzarella
• Feta

Savory

• Caramelized onions
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Roasted peppers
• Grilled onions
• Fried egg
• Pesto

🌿 Easy Vegetarian Burger Sauces

Quick Garlic Mayo

Mix:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Simple Chipotle Mayo

Mix:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

Easy Herb Yogurt Sauce

Mix:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or dill
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

🍟 What to Serve With Vegetarian Burgers

Turn your homemade burgers into a complete meal with:

• Crispy oven fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Potato wedges
• Coleslaw
• Pasta salad
• Macaroni salad
• Garden salad
• Grilled corn
• Roasted vegetables
• Pickles
• Fresh fruit

🌙 Tips for Vegetarian Burgers That Hold Together

Don't make the mixture too wet. Excess moisture is one of the biggest reasons homemade veggie burgers fall apart.

Give the mixture time to rest. Oats, breadcrumbs, and other binders need a few minutes to absorb moisture.

Chill the patties. Fifteen to thirty minutes in the refrigerator can make them much easier to handle.

Don't flip too early. Let the first side develop a good crust before turning the burger.

Use a gentle touch. Vegetarian patties are usually more delicate than beef burgers.

Dry canned beans well. Excess water can make a soft mixture even softer.

Don't overcrowd the skillet. Give each burger enough room to brown properly.

🌱 Can You Freeze Vegetarian Burgers?

Yes. Most homemade vegetarian burger patties freeze well.

Place uncooked patties on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to an airtight freezer container or freezer bag with parchment between the patties.

For best texture, thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.

🌙 The Crunchy Moon Takeaway

Vegetarian burgers are one of those foods where a little creativity goes a long way. Start with beans, lentils, mushrooms, grains, or vegetables, add a good binder and some bold seasoning, and you've got the foundation for a seriously satisfying meal.

Make them smoky and spicy, pile them high with fresh vegetables, cover them in melted cheese, or go completely mushroomy and savory.

There is no reason vegetarian burgers have to be boring.

Technical Note

Vegetarian burger mixtures can vary in moisture depending on the beans, vegetables, grains, and binders used. If a mixture feels too wet to shape, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of oats or breadcrumbs at a time. If it seems too dry or crumbly, add a small amount of beaten egg, yogurt, or another moist ingredient until the mixture holds together when pressed.