If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal that checks all the boxes—vegan, gluten free, and packed with plant-based protein—look no further than this bean burger recipe. Imagine biting into a burger that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with savory spices and wholesome ingredients.
Whether you follow a vegan lifestyle, have a gluten sensitivity, or simply want to add more plant-based meals to your routine, these bean burgers are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility. You can use your favorite beans, add any veggies you have on hand, and spice it up to suit your taste.
Even picky eaters will be impressed, and you won’t miss the meat (or the gluten!) one bit. Serve these burgers at your next cookout or weeknight dinner and watch everyone come back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 100% Vegan & Gluten Free: Perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions, but so delicious everyone will love them.
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the items are pantry staples, making these burgers budget-friendly and easy to whip up.
- Protein-Packed: Beans are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, keeping you full and energized.
- Customizable: Add your favorite spices, herbs, or veggies to make them your own.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze for quick meals later.
- Family Friendly: Even kids will love these burgers, especially with their favorite toppings and sauces.
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Here’s what you’ll need for about 4 large burgers (or 6 smaller ones):
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canned black beans (or kidney, pinto, cannellini) | 2 cups (about 1.5 cans, drained & rinsed) | Any cooked bean works well |
| Rolled oats (certified gluten free) | 3/4 cup | Acts as binder |
| Red onion | 1/2 cup, finely chopped | Or yellow onion |
| Carrot | 1 small, grated (about 1/2 cup) | Adds moisture and nutrients |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced | Or 1 tsp garlic powder |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp | For smokiness |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp | Regular paprika is fine |
| Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro | 2 tbsp | Optional, for freshness |
| Salt | 3/4 tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp | |
| Gluten free tamari or soy sauce | 1 tbsp | For umami depth |
| Olive oil | 1-2 tbsp | For sautéing and pan-frying |
| Optional spices | 1/2 tsp chili powder, pinch cayenne | For extra kick |
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Food processor (optional, but recommended)
- Nonstick skillet or grill pan
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Box grater (for carrot)
- Baking sheet (if oven-baking)
- Parchment paper (optional for baking)
Instructions
- Prep the Beans: Drain and rinse your beans well. Pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towels. Excess moisture can make the burgers mushy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and grated carrot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the Burger Base: In a food processor, combine the beans, sautéed veggies, oats, cumin, smoked paprika, tamari, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is mostly smooth but still has some texture. If you don’t have a food processor, mash the beans with a fork or potato masher and stir in the rest by hand.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped parsley or cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (more salt, pepper, or spices).
- Form the Patties: With damp hands, divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions. Shape each into a patty about 3/4-inch thick.
-
Cook the Burgers:
- Stovetop: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil. Cook patties for 4-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until firm and lightly browned.
- Serve: Let burgers cool for a couple of minutes to firm up further. Serve on gluten free buns with your favorite toppings!
Pro Tip: If your mixture feels too wet, add 1-2 tablespoons more oats. If it’s too dry, add a splash of water or a little olive oil.
Tips & Variations
- Change Up the Beans: Try half runner beans, pinto, or chickpeas for different flavors and textures.
- Add Veggies: Finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be sautéed and added to the mix.
- Spice It Up: Add chipotle powder, chili flakes, or jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Make it Nutty: Stir in a few tablespoons of ground sunflower or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Cheesy Option: Add vegan cheese shreds directly into the mixture or melt it on top while cooking.
- Grill Option: Chill patties for 1 hour before grilling. Brush with oil and grill over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Batch and Freeze: Freeze uncooked patties between parchment squares in an airtight container. Cook from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to cooking time.
- Buns: Make your own gluten free buns for the ultimate homemade meal! Try this Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe.
“Don’t be afraid to get creative! Bean burgers are a canvas for your favorite spices, herbs, and veggies.”
Nutrition Facts
The following nutrition estimate is for one patty (assuming 4 patties total), not including buns or toppings:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 530mg |
Nutrition will vary based on beans and additional ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Burger: Serve on a toasted gluten free bun with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and vegan mayo or ketchup.
- Mediterranean Style: Top with hummus, cucumber, olives, and arugula.
- Tex-Mex: Add guacamole, salsa, and pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Buddha Bowl: Slice the burger and serve on a bed of quinoa, roasted veggies, and tahini sauce.
- With Sides: Pair with sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or a tangy slaw. For a unique twist, try this Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe (use a gluten free version!).
- Brunch Option: Top the patty with sautéed mushrooms, avocado, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
“Bean burgers are endlessly versatile—let your imagination be your guide and enjoy the rainbow of plant-based toppings!”
Conclusion
There’s something deeply satisfying about making your own bean burgers from scratch. Not only do you get to control the quality of your ingredients, but you also get to experiment with flavors and textures that suit your preferences.
These vegan, gluten free bean burgers are proof that healthy eating can be delicious, convenient, and comforting all at once.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities, or just looking to mix up your burger routine, this recipe is guaranteed to please. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings, buns, and spices to make this recipe truly your own.
And if you want a sweet treat after your savory meal, why not check out this Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe (for your gluten free friends, use GF bread!), or try a refreshing Green Goodness Juice Recipe to round out your meal?
Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite of your homemade bean burger adventure!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Gluten-Free Bean Burger
Description: A hearty and flavorful bean burger that's both vegan and gluten-free. Perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
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 gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix flaxseed and water. Set aside for 5 minutes.
- Mash black beans in a large bowl until mostly smooth.
- Add oats, onion, carrot, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to the beans.
- Stir in the flaxseed mixture until well combined.
- Form mixture into 4 equal patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through.
- Serve on gluten-free buns with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 8g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 33g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Gluten-Free Bean Burger”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and flavorful bean burger that’s both vegan and gluten-free. Perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed”, “1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats”, “1/2 cup finely chopped red onion”, “1/2 cup grated carrot”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 tablespoons ground flaxseed”, “3 tablespoons water”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon ground cumin”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a small bowl, mix flaxseed and water. Set aside for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mash black beans in a large bowl until mostly smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add oats, onion, carrot, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to the beans.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in the flaxseed mixture until well combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Form mixture into 4 equal patties.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve on gluten-free buns with your favorite toppings.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220”, “proteinContent”: “8g”, “fatContent”: “7g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “33g”}}
