Vegetarian Bean Patties Recipe for Easy Healthy Meals

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Looking for a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make vegetarian option for your meals? Vegetarian bean patties are a fantastic choice!

They’re packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors that satisfy both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. These patties are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a hearty snack.

Plus, they’re versatile—you can customize them with your favorite spices and veggies to suit your taste.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe will guide you through making crispy, flavorful bean patties from scratch. They’re great on their own, in a sandwich, or served over a fresh salad.

Best of all, they’re budget-friendly and use simple pantry staples. Dive into this tasty recipe and discover how easy it is to whip up a wholesome meal that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetarian bean patties are incredibly satisfying and offer a hearty texture that is perfect for anyone craving a substantial plant-based meal. Made with wholesome beans, fresh herbs, and just the right amount of seasoning, these patties provide a great source of protein and fiber without any meat.

They’re also super versatile. You can pan-fry, bake, or even air fry them for a healthier twist.

The recipe is flexible enough to allow you to experiment with different beans like black beans, chickpeas, or kidney beans, depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

Additionally, these patties are a fantastic way to introduce more legumes into your diet, supporting heart health and digestion. And if you love exploring more vegetarian recipes, don’t miss our Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners or Slow Cooker Vegetarian Recipes Easy and Delicious Ideas for even more inspiration.

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated carrot
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (flax egg)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Non-stick skillet or frying pan
  • Spatula
  • Plate lined with paper towels
  • Optional: food processor for easier bean mashing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons water. Stir well and set aside for 10 minutes to thicken.
  2. Mash the beans: In a large mixing bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky for texture.
  3. Add the wet ingredients: Mix in the flax egg, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Stir well to combine.
  4. Incorporate the veggies and grains: Add the grated carrot, cooked quinoa (or brown rice), and chopped cilantro. Mix thoroughly.
  5. Season and bind: Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs. The mixture should be firm enough to form patties. If it’s too wet, add more breadcrumbs.
  6. Form patties: Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty about 1/2 inch thick.
  7. Cook the patties: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
  8. Drain excess oil: Transfer the cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil.
  9. Serve warm: Enjoy your bean patties immediately or keep warm in a low oven until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats.

Want to switch up the flavor? Try adding a teaspoon of chili powder or a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick.

You can also swap the black beans for chickpeas or kidney beans to change the texture and taste.

If you prefer baking over frying, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

To make these patties extra hearty, add 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts like walnuts or sunflower seeds. This adds a lovely crunch and nutritional boost.

For more ideas on vegetarian dishes that pack flavor and nutrition, check out our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount (per patty)
Calories 140
Protein 7g
Carbohydrates 20g
Dietary Fiber 6g
Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 0.5g
Sodium 320mg

Serving Suggestions

Vegetarian bean patties are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Serve them on a toasted bun with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, and your favorite sauce for a delicious veggie burger.

For a lighter meal, place the patties on a bed of mixed greens or a quinoa salad. A dollop of our homemade Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe: Easy Party Favorite also complements these patties wonderfully.

Looking for a heartier meal? Serve alongside roasted vegetables or sweet potato fries.

You can also crumble the patties over rice or pasta dishes to add protein and texture.

Conclusion

These vegetarian bean patties are a perfect blend of flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. They offer a delicious way to enjoy plant-based protein and can be tailored to suit your taste preferences with a variety of spices and add-ins.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a tasty vegetarian meal, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

Beyond the great taste, these patties are a sustainable and healthy choice that supports a balanced diet. Don’t hesitate to experiment with this recipe and create your own variations.

For more wholesome and creative vegetarian ideas, explore our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes. Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Bean Patties

Description: These vegetarian bean patties are flavorful and easy to make, perfect as a main dish or snack. Packed with protein and fiber, they are a healthy and satisfying option.

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

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated carrot
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Mash black beans in a bowl until mostly smooth.
  2. Add breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, carrot, cilantro, soy sauce, cumin, paprika, pepper, and egg.
  3. Mix until well combined and form into 8 patties.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  5. Cook patties 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through.
  6. Serve warm with your favorite sauce or salad.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 25 g

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Marta K

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