Best Veggie Burger Recipe Food Network Fans Love

Updated On: September 30, 2025

If you’re searching for the ultimate homemade veggie burger, you’re in the right place. Inspired by the legendary recipes featured on Food Network, this veggie burger delivers the hearty, savory satisfaction you crave—without relying on processed ingredients or bland flavors.

Whether you’re a long-time vegetarian, trying to eat more plant-based meals, or simply looking for a healthier burger alternative, this recipe offers a crispy outside, tender inside, and the kind of robust taste that will have even meat-lovers coming back for seconds.

What makes this the best veggie burger recipe? It’s all about the blend: earthy black beans, sweet roasted vegetables, smoky spices, and a touch of umami from mushrooms and walnuts.

This burger grills beautifully, holds together on a bun, and tastes phenomenal with your favorite toppings. Get ready to revolutionize your next cookout—or weeknight dinner—with this crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed veggie burger!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavorful & Satisfying: Roasted veggies, beans, and mushrooms create a deep, savory taste that rivals any beef burger.
  • Grillable: No more falling apart—this patty holds up on the grill, stovetop, or even in the oven.
  • Wholesome Ingredients: No weird fillers—just real vegetables, legumes, grains, and nuts.
  • Customizable: Make it gluten-free, vegan, or spicy with easy tweaks.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Patties freeze beautifully for quick lunches and dinners.
  • Family Approved: Even picky eaters love the taste and texture!

Ingredients

Ingredient Amount Notes
Black beans (canned, drained and rinsed) 2 cups (about 1.5 cans) Can substitute with kidney beans
Cremini mushrooms (finely chopped) 1 cup Button mushrooms work too
Red bell pepper (diced) 1/2 cup Or yellow/orange bell pepper
Carrot (grated) 1 medium About 1/2 cup
Red onion (finely chopped) 1/2 cup Shallots also work
Garlic (minced) 3 cloves More if you love garlic
Walnuts (toasted, chopped) 1/2 cup Or pecans
Rolled oats 3/4 cup For binding
Bread crumbs (panko or regular) 1/2 cup Use gluten-free if needed
Fresh parsley (chopped) 1/4 cup Or cilantro
Smoked paprika 1 tsp
Cumin (ground) 1 tsp
Chili powder 1/2 tsp
Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) 2 tbsp
Olive oil 2 tbsp, plus extra for sautéing
Salt & pepper To taste

Equipment

  • Food processor (or high-powered blender)
  • Large skillet
  • Baking sheet (for roasting or baking burgers)
  • Parchment paper or nonstick spray
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Grill or stovetop pan (optional for grilling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables:

    Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, carrot, and mushrooms.

    Sauté for 7-8 minutes until the vegetables are soft and most of the mushroom liquid has evaporated. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

  2. Toast the walnuts:

    While the veggies cook, toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.

  3. Mash the beans:

    In a large mixing bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving a few chunks for texture.

  4. Pulse oats and walnuts:

    In a food processor, pulse oats and toasted walnuts until coarsely ground—not powdery, but with some texture. Add to the mashed beans.

  5. Mix everything together:

    Add the sautéed vegetables to the bowl with beans, oats, and walnuts. Stir in bread crumbs, parsley, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, soy sauce, olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt & pepper.

    Mix thoroughly until well combined.

  6. Adjust consistency:

    If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs or oats, a tablespoon at a time. If too dry, add a splash of olive oil or water.

  7. Shape the patties:

    With damp hands, form the mixture into 6 burger-sized patties (about 3/4-inch thick). Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

    Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

  8. Cook the burgers:

    • To pan-fry: Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
    • To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake patties for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until browned and firm.
    • To grill: Brush patties with oil and grill over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
  9. Serve:

    Enjoy veggie burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings. See below for ideas!

Tips & Variations

  • Make Ahead: Uncooked patties can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
  • Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats, breadcrumbs, and tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan. Double-check your bread crumbs and buns for hidden dairy or eggs.
  • Switch Up the Beans: Try kidney beans, chickpeas, or lentils for a different flavor profile.
  • Add Cheese: For a vegetarian (not vegan) version, fold in 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar or pepper jack.
  • Spicy Kick: Add 1 minced chipotle pepper in adobo or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne for heat.
  • Umami Boost: Stir in a teaspoon of miso paste or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
  • Perfect Texture:

    “Chilling the patties before cooking is key to helping them hold together and develop a great crust.”

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Patty (no bun or toppings)
Calories 210
Protein 8g
Carbohydrates 27g
Fiber 7g
Total Fat 8g
Saturated Fat 1g
Sodium 390mg
Sugar 3g

Nutrition estimates are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients and serving size.

Serving Suggestions

Conclusion

This Food Network-inspired veggie burger recipe proves that plant-based eating can be both comforting and craveable. With a hearty texture, bold flavors, and wholesome ingredients, it satisfies even the most devoted burger fans.

Whether you’re prepping for a summer barbecue, a family dinner, or simply want to make your weeknight meals more exciting, these burgers will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Customize your patties, prep ahead for convenience, and pair with your favorite sides and sauces. Don’t forget to explore other delicious plant-based ideas like Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert, or bake a loaf of Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to enjoy with your burgers.

Here’s to flavorful, healthy, and utterly satisfying veggie burgers—enjoy every bite!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Veggie Burger

Description: This hearty veggie burger is packed with flavor and satisfying texture. Perfect for grilling or pan-frying, it's a delicious meatless option everyone will love.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated carrot
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Mash black beans in a large bowl until mostly smooth.
  2. Add breadcrumbs, bell pepper, carrot, onion, and garlic; mix well.
  3. Stir in egg, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper until combined.
  4. Form mixture into 4 patties.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  6. Cook patties for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and heated through.
  7. Serve on buns with desired toppings.

Nutrition: Calories: 260 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 38 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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