This is one of our base recipes. Plant-forward diets should not be restrictive or boring, which is why we created this delicious bean burger recipe! These easy bean burgers provide plenty of flavor, moisture, and quality protein to satisfy your plant-based burger cravings!
Three Must-Know Cooking Skills
For recipe success, learn how to:
Culinary Tips for the Best Bean Burgers
Drain and rinse the beans to remove excess sodium. Mash to the texture you like. You can leave them slightly chunky or keep mashing to resemble refried beans.
If you have picky eaters, dice the onion or shallot finely so that they don’t notice them. You can also substitute 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
Match the patty size to your bun, noting that they will slightly shrink as they cook. No one likes a tiny patty on a big bun!
Do not overcook the patties or they will dry out! Once the edges are brown, remove them from the oven.
You can cook these burgers on the stovetop instead of the oven, but note they don’t stay together quite as well. Heat a skillet over medium. Add oil to the pan. Once the oil is shimmering, add the patties. Cook 3-4 minutes per side.
If cooking bean burgers on the stovetop, remember the 3 F’s of flavor: fire, fat, and food! Heat your pan, heat your oil, then add the burgers. Once the burgers are on the skillet, don’t move them around. Keeping them in place helps ensure maximum flavor development and browning.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Beans: use any low-sodium beans of your choice. Black, pinto, chickpeas, cannellini, kidney, etc. You can also use 3 cups of leftover beans from our stovetop or Instant Pot dried beans base recipes.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: substitute plain, whole wheat, or seasoned bread crumbs, but cut back on the added salt if you do. Panko is typically very low in sodium.
- Fresh Herbs: use any herb or combination of herbs, keeping in mind the final flavor or cuisine that you want. Basil, chives, cilantro, dill, Italian parsley, and rosemary are all great choices. Don’t have fresh herbs on hand? Substitute 1 Tablespoon dried herbs. Note that some herbs, like sage and dill, have stronger flavors, so start with ½ Tablespoon. You can also substitute pesto, but if you do, omit the extra virgin olive oil.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: substitute canola or avocado oil.
- Shallot or Onion: use white, yellow, red, or green onions. You can also substitute 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
- Oil for the Pan: substitute cooking spray.
Bean Burgers Recipe Variations
Remember that this is a base recipe, so the goal is for you to customize it to your taste!
Change up these burgers by changing the beans. Black bean burgers, kidney bean burgers, or white bean burgers all are great! You can even go crazy and use two kinds of beans!
Choose optional mix-ins that pair well together. It is helpful to have a cuisine or flavor profile in mind when choosing ingredients. Mexican, Italian, Moroccan, Indian, or Mediterranean ingredients are just some options that would be delicious with this recipe.
We love buying our spices from The Spice House. Click on the picture below to view & try out hundreds of flavorful spices and herbs!
Turn these quick bean burgers into sliders by reducing the patty size to ~2 inches in diameter.
Use these other burger recipes for inspiration, then have fun exploring other flavors and ingredients!
Equipment Recommendations
Use these kitchen tools for recipe success:
- Colander or strainer
- Mixing Bowl
- Masher
- Measuring Spoons & Cups
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Pastry Brush
- Baking sheet or griddle
Is this bean burger recipe healthy?
These easy bean burgers are a much healthier choice than their greasy counterparts. Unlike beef, beans provide fiber and no saturated fat. The featured ingredients in this recipe are beans, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh herbs.
Beans
Beans of all varieties contain plant-based protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients promote gut health, decrease risk of developing heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, and promote a healthy weight. Beans are a key component of longevity diets around the world.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is a key component of the Mediterranean Diet. It contains high amounts of heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols which may reduce inflammation. (1, 2) In this recipe, it replaces the saturated fat typically found in 100% beef burgers.
Fresh Herbs
Not only do fresh herbs add a pop of freshness and flavor to a dish, but they add nutrition too! Herbs are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that promote health and help fight diseases.
For more information about the best ingredients to use, check out our ingredient guide!
Serving Suggestions
Depending on the flavor combinations you choose, serve these bean veggie burgers with traditional ketchup and mustard, lettuce and tomato, a tasty pesto spread, or pickled veggies and avocado. Pair with roasted vegetables and a salad for a balanced meal that the whole family will love!
Serve leftover patties crumbled on baked tostadas or quesadillas, or on top of a salad drizzled with vinaigrette.
How to Store and Reheat Bean Burgers
Cool leftover burgers completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Leftover burgers can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-4 hours. Once the burgers are partially frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before heating.
To reheat, place bean burgers on a pan and place in a cold oven. Turn the oven to heat to 350ºF. Once the oven hits 350° F, your burgers should be warmed and ready!
Want more bean-based dinner recipes?
Try out these delicious recipes!
Healthy Burrito Bowl Base Recipe
Bean Burgers Base Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cans low-sodium beans, drained
- ½ cup Panko bread crumbs (whole grain suggested)
- 2 Tablespoons – ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons finely diced onion or shallot
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Dash pepper
- ½ Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for the baking sheet)
- 6 whole grain hamburger buns, lightly toasted
Optional Mix-Ins
- ¼ cup pesto (replace oil and herbs)
- ¼ cup diced fresh or sun-dried tomatoes
- ¼ cup shredded or crumbled cheese
- 2 small garlic cloves, minced (or 1 large clove)
- ¼ – 1 teaspoon spices and/or dried herbs
- 1 teaspoon citrus zest
Optional Toppings
- Sliced tomato
- Lettuce or leafy greens
- Pickled vegetables
- Sliced or mashed avocado
- Mustard
- Ketchup, barbecue sauce, or hot suace
- Greek yogurt ranch dip or aioli
- Sliced or shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425ºF.
- Place beans in a large mixing bowl and mash until almost smooth or leave slightly chunky.
- Add bread crumbs, herbs, extra virgin olive oil, onion, egg, salt, pepper, and any optional mix-ins. Mix until combined.
- Brush a baking sheet with oil or use pan spray. Create 6 patties with your hands or using the help of a portion scoop and place on the pan, spaced at least 1” apart.
- Cook 8-10 minutes or until cooked through and slightly brown on the edges. Serve on toasted buns with desired toppings. Enjoy!
