Looking for a delicious, guilt-free, and budget-friendly vegan burger that won’t sabotage your calorie goals? You’re in the right place!
This cheap vegan burger recipe under 200 calories is everything you want in a plant-based patty: satisfying, flavorful, and so easy on your wallet. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, cooking on a student budget, or just craving a lighter comfort food fix, these burgers are sure to become one of your go-to recipes.
Made with pantry staples like lentils and oats, this burger comes together in less than 30 minutes and is perfect for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste or texture.
Plus, these vegan burgers are perfect for customizing—load them up with fresh veggies, tuck them into lettuce wraps, or pair them with your favorite low-calorie sauces. Read on for the full recipe, tips, nutrition info, and creative ways to serve your new favorite plant-based burger!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low Calorie: Each patty clocks in under 200 calories, making it perfect for light meals or portion-conscious eaters.
- Super Affordable: Uses basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry—no fancy vegan products required.
- Quick & Easy: Comes together in about 30 minutes, including prep and cook time.
- Customizable: Add spices, herbs, or your favorite toppings to make it your own.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Make a batch and enjoy healthy burgers all week long.
- Allergy-Friendly: Naturally dairy-free, egg-free, and can be made gluten-free with certified GF oats.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canned lentils | 1 cup (drained & rinsed) | Or cooked green/brown lentils |
| Rolled oats | 1/2 cup | Quick oats work too |
| Grated carrot | 1/2 cup | About 1 small carrot |
| Finely chopped onion | 1/4 cup | Red or yellow |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp | |
| Smoked paprika | 1/2 tsp | Regular paprika is fine |
| Soy sauce | 2 tsp | Use tamari for gluten-free |
| Olive oil (optional) | 1 tsp | For added moisture |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Box grater (for carrot)
- Non-stick skillet or baking sheet
- Spatula
- Optional: Food processor
Instructions
-
Prepare your ingredients:
Drain and rinse the lentils. Grate the carrot and finely chop the onion.
If using a food processor, you can roughly chop the veggies for easier blending.
-
Mash the lentils:
In a medium bowl, use a fork or potato masher to mash the lentils until mostly smooth, leaving some texture for bite.
-
Add the veggies and oats:
Stir in the grated carrot, chopped onion, and rolled oats. Mix well to combine.
-
Season the mixture:
Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, soy sauce, olive oil (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
-
Form the patties:
With clean hands, divide the mixture into 3 equal portions (for larger patties) or 4 smaller patties. Shape into flat rounds about 1/2-inch thick.
-
Cook the burgers:
Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a light spray of oil if needed.
Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and firm. Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place patties on a lined baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
-
Serve and enjoy:
Let the burgers cool for 2-3 minutes to firm up, then serve with your favorite vegan toppings and buns or lettuce wraps.
Tips & Variations
-
Pro-tip: For even more flavor, add a teaspoon of your favorite spice blend or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the mixture.
- Switch up the beans: Try black beans or chickpeas for a different texture and flavor.
- Add crunch: Stir in a tablespoon of sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts for added texture (just note this will slightly increase calories).
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free oats and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Meal prep: Double the recipe and freeze cooked patties between layers of parchment for up to 2 months.
- Looking for more creative vegan recipes? Check out our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for another protein-packed plant-based meal!
Nutrition Facts
| Per Patty (1 of 4) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~165 |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
Note: Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion size.
Serving Suggestions
- Lettuce wrap: For a super low-calorie meal, skip the bun and use large romaine or iceberg lettuce leaves.
- Low-calorie buns: Opt for thin sandwich buns or whole wheat English muffins. Toast for extra crunch.
- Fresh toppings: Load up with tomato slices, cucumber, pickles, sprouts, or microgreens.
- Flavorful sauces: Try sriracha, mustard, or a vegan yogurt-based dressing for tang without excess calories.
- Side ideas: Pair with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or try these Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes for a complete meal.
- Want a little something sweet to finish? Try our Lemon Straws Recipe for a light, zesty vegan dessert!
Conclusion
Eating healthy and plant-based doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, fullness, or your grocery budget. This cheap vegan burger recipe under 200 calories proves that simple pantry staples can transform into something hearty, wholesome, and deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned plant-based chef, these burgers are a fantastic addition to your weekly rotation—easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for meal prepping.
Remember, great vegan cooking is all about creativity and balance—so don’t be afraid to experiment with spices, sauces, and toppings. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love exploring more plant-based comfort foods like our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or browsing our archives for tips and inspiration.
Eating well should always be this easy—and delicious!
📖 Recipe Card: Cheap Vegan Burger Under 200 Calories
Description: A simple, budget-friendly vegan burger that's satisfying yet light. Perfect for a healthy meal under 200 calories per serving.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 burgers
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 small lettuce leaves
- 4 thin tomato slices
- 4 whole wheat sandwich thins or light buns
Instructions
- Mash black beans in a bowl until mostly smooth.
- Add oats, grated carrot, onion, garlic, soy sauce, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt.
- Mix well and shape into 4 patties.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Cook patties 3-4 minutes per side until browned and firm.
- Serve each patty on a sandwich thin with lettuce and tomato.
Nutrition: Calories: 195 | Protein: 8g | Fat: 2g | Carbs: 37g
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