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This Veggie Burger recipe is one of the best you’ll ever make. These burgers are loaded with vegetables, gluten-free, and made without eggs!

veggie burgers on white plates

This particular veggie burger recipe comes from my friend Erin’s book, The Well Plated Cookbook. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s gorgeous! (And thank you to Erin, for sending me an early copy.)

Erin’s recipes are always well-tested, and this book includes a huge variety ranging from whole wheat pancakes, to easy sheet pan chicken dinners, to decadent desserts– including a fudgy cookie recipe made with avocado.

As soon as I saw Erin’s veggie burgers, I knew this was a perfect recipe to share with you. The ingredient list is surprisingly simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These veggie burgers contain plenty of veggies, including mushrooms, shallots, and roasted red bell peppers. They are seasoned with smoked paprika and cumin, but you can add more flavor with chili powder, garlic powder, or other spices you love.

Paired with rolled oats and walnuts, these burgers stick together without using eggs or bread crumbs.

mushrooms, roasted red peppers, black beans, walnuts, oats, and spices labeled on a marble surface.

How to Make Veggie Burgers

Add a drizzle of olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté 8 ounces of chopped mushrooms, 3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper, 1 medium shallot (or a 1/4 cup red onion), and 2 minced garlic cloves.

Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and stir often. Cook until the veggies have finished releasing liquid, about 8 to 10 minutes. 

sauteed veggies in a skillet.

While you wait on the veggies to cook, add the remaining ingredients to a 12-cup food processor fitted with an S-blade. You’ll need to add:

  • A (15 ounce) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon vegan worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

When the sauteed veggies are done cooking, let them cool briefly. Then add them to the food processor as well. 

Secure the lid and pulse the mixture 6 to 8 times, until the mixture will stick together when pressed between your fingers. It should not be totally pureed for the best texture.

veggie burger ingredients mixed in a food processor until it sticks together.

Detoxinista Tip

If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a tablespoon of ground flax seeds and pulse again. They will help absorb any additional moisture and add extra fiber to your veggie burgers. You can also place the patties in the fridge to chill for 1 hour before cooking to help them firm up. (The oats will absorb more moisture that way.)

Use a 1/3 cup measure to scoop the burger mixture, then flatten it into a patty between your hands. Repeat with the remaining mixture, transfering the patties to a parchment lined plate as you go.

You should get roughly 8 burgers from this mixture. 

To cook the burgers, heat a 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Arrange 3 of the patties in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Slide a sturdy spatula under each burger patty and flip them over to cook the other side, about 3 more minutes. 

veggie burgers shaped on a plate and cooked in a skillet.

Transfer the cooked patties to a plate to cool and repeat with the remaining burgers until they are all cooked. Serve these veggie burgers warm with your favorite toppings, like lettuce, tomato, and mustard.

Leftover patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

veggie burger topped with sliced avocado

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have a food processor?

You can use a potato masher to mix the ingredients in a large bowl. 

Can you grill these veggies burgers?

I haven’t tried these on a grill yet. I imagine they might hold up better if you chill them in the fridge for 1 hour before cooking.

What makes a good binder for veggie burgers?

This recipe uses rolled oats and black beans for binding. You could also swap these for chickpeas, kidney beans, sweet potatoes, cooked brown rice, or quinoa. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand! 

Can you freeze veggie burgers?

Yes, you can wrap cooked veggie burgers in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Cook them in a hot skillet directly from frozen until they are heated through again.

Can I bake these burgers instead of pan-frying?

Yes! Preheat the oven to 400ºF, then arrange the burgers on a large baking sheet. Brush the veggie burgers lightly with olive oil on both sides so they won’t dry out as they bake. This also gives them a lightly crunchy exterior and better mouthfeel. Bake the burgers for 15 minutes, flip them over and bake for 5 more minutes. The patties should be lightly golden on both sides.

Looking for more vegetarian recipes? Try Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers, Vegan Meatloaf, and Vegan Quesadilla for more options.

veggie burgers on white plates

Best Veggie Burger Recipe

4.93 from 26 votes
Here's how to make veggie burgers, without using eggs or flour! This recipe has a great texture and flavor, so you won't miss the meat at all.
prep20 mins cook10 mins total30 mins
Servings:8

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil , divided
  • 8 ounces cremini (baby bella) mushrooms , roughly chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 1 medium shallot , minced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 4 roasted red bell peppers (about 3/4 cup, diced)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt , divided
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans , rinsed and drained
  • ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats , plus more as needed
  • ½ cup raw walnut halves
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add the mushrooms, garlic, shallot, red peppers, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Sauté until the vegetables soften and most of the liquid has cooked away, about 8 minutes.
  • While the vegetables are cooking, add the black beans, oats, walnuts, paprika, cumin, Worcestershire, black pepper, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt to the bowl of a large food processor fitted with an "S" blade.
  • When the vegetables are tender, transfer them to the food processor, too. Pulse the mixture in 5-second bursts until it's combined, but still slightly chunky. (about 15 to 20 seconds total) The burger mixture should stick together easily when you press it between your fingers, without being totally pureed.
  • Scoop the mixture using a ⅓ cup measure, then press it between your hands to shape the patties. You should get 8 patties from this recipe, that are 3/4-inch thick.
  • To cook the burgers, use the same skillet you used for sauteing the veggies. (See the notes for an oven-baked method.) Add 1/2 tablespoon of oil to the pan and heat it over medium-high heat.
  • When the pan is hot and the oil is easy swirl around (but not smoking), add 3 patties to the pan and cook until the first side is crispy, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook until the other side is crisp, and the burgers are heated through, about 3 additional minutes.
  • Remove the burgers to a plate lined with towel, then repeat with the remaining burger patties, using the remaining oil to grease the pan again. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Make Ahead & Storage Tips:

    Video

    Notes

    Nutrition information is for 1 of 8 patties. This information is automatically calculated and is just an estimate, not a guarantee.
    This recipe is shared with permission from Erin Clarke’s The Well Plated Cookbook.
    Bake the Burgers: Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and arrange the patties into a single layer on the pan. Generously brush both sides of the patties with olive oil, then bake for 15 minutes. Flip and bake for another 5 minutes until heated through.
    Make Ahead & Storage Tips:
    • Shaped, uncooked burger patties can be individually wrapped (or separated by parchment paper in an airtight container) and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Cook as directed.
    • Leftover cooked burgers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a lightly oiled skillet.
    • You can freeze fully cooked patties for up to 3 months. Store them in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper to prevent the patties from sticking together. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a 350ºF oven for 12 to 15 minutes until warmed through.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 780mg | Potassium: 395mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 168IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 2mg
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: vegan
    Keyword: veggie burger
    Nutrition information is for 1 veggie burger. This information is automatically calculated, and is just an estimate, not a guarantee.

    If you try this veggie burger recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And if you make any modifications, I’d love to hear about those, too. We can all benefit from each other’s experiences!

    Reader Feedback: What’s your favorite meatless meal? My Lentil Bolognese and Vegan Meatloaf are also family favorites, if you need some fresh ideas!

    Megan Gilmore leaning on her white countertop.

    Megan Gilmore

    Hi, I’m Megan. A former fast food junkie turned best-selling cookbook author. I create healthy recipes made with simple ingredients to make your life easier.

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    Comments

    1. I’m trying to cook from scratch to reduce the amount of additives and preservatives etc in my diet.
      I really enjoyed these burgers and will be making again. I baked them in the oven then froze them. I found that reheating after freezing helped to keep the burger from falling apart in the frying pan.

    2. “Best Veggie Burger” is right! They’re so nutritious and tasty, and I love how they hold their shape – just the right consistency. I’m so happy to have found a go-to recipe when the store bought veggie burgers are expensive, not nearly as good, and gluten/dairy free versions are hard to find. Many thanks!

    3. Love all of your recipes and would love to try this one, but allergic to legumes and walnuts….is there something you’d suggest that I can substitute for the beans and walnuts?

    4. I never bother commenting on recipes but I am obsessed with these. I have never tried to make veggie burgers before and wow, they were so yummy and I can’t wait to make them again. I didn’t have smoked paprika so I know they’ll be even better next time!

    5. These burgers are delicious! I had no trouble with them falling apart or cooking perfectly when following the instructions.