The Best Veggie Burger

5.0
(1)

These veggie burgers are hearty, savory, and rich in meaty flavor, thanks to cremini mushrooms, rice, black beans, and walnuts. Your family may think you made them with real meat! The texture is a little softer than a beef patty, but a wonderful contrast to the beautiful, pan-fried crust that really stands up to the bun and toppings.

Veggie burger with cheese, lettuce, and tomato on a bun with sweet potato fries on a white plate
Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
35 mins
Additional Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 20 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
8 burgers

Ingredients

  • 1 (16 ounce) package cremini mushrooms, cut in half

  • ½ small onion, chopped

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

  • 1 (8.8 ounce) pouch cooked brown rice, cooled

  • ½ cup walnuts

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tablespoon ketchup

  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, or more to taste

  • 1 large egg

  • ¾ cup dry bread crumbs

  • 8 slices Muenster cheese (Optional)

  • 8 (2 ounce) hamburger buns, split and toasted

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.

  2. Place mushrooms and onion on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil and toss to coat.

  3. Roast in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) and add black beans to the pan. Cook until mushrooms and onions are browned and beans are dried on the surface, about 5 more minutes.

  4. Remove from the oven and let mixture cool for 10 minutes.

  5. Transfer mixture to a food processor. Add rice and walnuts and pulse until roughly chopped. Add Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and pulse until just combined. Add egg and pulse until just combined.

  6. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl and fold in bread crumbs until well mixed. Chill for 10 minutes.

  7. Form mixture into 8 patties and season each with salt and pepper.

  8. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet. Add 4 patties and cook, undisturbed, until browned and a nice crust has formed, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook until done, 4 to 5 more minutes. Top with Muenster cheese and place on toasted buns.

  9. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet and repeat to cook remaining patties.

Cook's Notes:

Try wetting your hands a bit before forming each patty so the mixture doesn't stick to your hands.

Try portobello mushrooms (or any type) in place of creminis, and white Cheddar instead of Muenster.

Alternatively, the patties can be seared for 2 minutes on each side and baked in a 375 degree F (190 degree C) oven for 10 minutes.

Make-Ahead Tip: Follow recipe through Step 7. Layer shaped patties between pieces of parchment or waxed paper and freeze inside a zip-top freezer bag. When ready to cook, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear burgers for 2 minutes per side, then transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 375 degree F (190 degree C) oven until heated throughout, about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

400 Calories
14g Fat
54g Carbs
14g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 400
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 2g 11%
Cholesterol 23mg 8%
Sodium 835mg 36%
Total Carbohydrate 54g 20%
Dietary Fiber 8g 29%
Protein 14g 29%
Potassium 373mg 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.