This really is the best veggie burger I’ve ever had and the taste is so much better than store-bought! Hearty and delicious thanks to a meaty mix of black beans, vegetables and whole grains. Budget friendly, too!

These vegan burgers won’t fall apart and are easy to pan-fry, grill, bake or air fry. If you love bean and veggie burgers as much as I do, make sure to check out my Chickpea Burgers and Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers.

a veggie burger on a wood board.

You’ll forget all about bland or crumbly vegan burgers after trying the Best Veggie Burger! Made with hearty black beans, brown rice, and vegetables, every bite tastes deliciously hearty and satisfying. Even meat eaters will love these plant based burgers!

To claim the title of “best veggie burger”, the patties needs to:

  • Be easy to make without too many (or any) complicated ingredients.
  • Have a ton of savory and meaty flavors.
  • Hold together while they cook, whether that’s in a skillet, on the grill, or in the air fryer.

This recipe checks all of the boxes – that’s why they’re the best veggie burgers!

Make your backyard BBQ complete with Kebabs, Tempeh Ribs, Baked Beans and Watermelon Feta Salad.

If you truly want a burger that tastes just like real beef, I’d go for an Impossible or Beyond burger instead. This recipe isn’t pretending to be meat, instead we’re celebrating how delicious veggies and beans can be as a burger!

a veggie burger with a bite taken out of it on a wood board.

Ingredients needed (with substitutions)

  • Ground flax – Once it’s mixed with water, ground flaxseed takes on the same consistency as real eggs. They bind the meaty mixture together and help prevent the patties from falling apart. If you don’t have ground flax at home, use chia seeds instead or replace the flax eggs with another egg substitute, like Just Egg or Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer.
  • Water
  • Black beans – Mashed black beans are responsible for the black bean burgers’ meaty texture and flavor! Canned black beans are just fine, or you can substitute them for another kind of bean, such as kidney, chickpea, or pinto beans.
  • Cashews – Ground cashews give the burgers a nice texture along with a tasty nutty flavor. Almonds work well as a substitute. For nut free, use sunflower seeds or pepitas (no need to chop these first).
  • Brown or white rice – Use day-old cooked brown or white rice if possible, it makes the recipe so much easier. Feel free to use cooked quinoa instead.
  • Parsley
  • Carrots – Shredded, then mixed in with the burgers. They give the burgers more substance, nutrients, and some color, but you can use almost any fresh or pre-cooked veggies you like.
  • Green onions – They add a ton of flavor, but you can leave them out or substitute another onion if needed.
  • Breadcrumbs – Oats are a great substitute if you don’t have breadcrumbs at home. Keep in mind that oats could make the burgers taste gummy so only use about 1/3 cup. For gluten free, use gluten free breadcrumbs or oats.
  • Smoked paprika – I like the black bean burgers with a subtle smoky flavor, which is where the smoked paprika and chili powder come in. Feel free to mix it up with even more spices or check out the Variations section for ideas!
  • Chili powder
  • Salt
ingredients for the best veggie burgers with labels in individual bowls.

How to make the best veggie burger

Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

Make the flax eggs by stirring the ground flax and water together in a bowl. Set aside while the mixture thickens.

Next, mash the black beans in a large bowl until most have turned into a paste. Leave some beans whole so the burgers end up with more texture.

Use a food processor to pulse the cashews into crumbs (not powder). Pour them into the bowl with the beans along with the flax eggs and the remaining ingredients. Mix well to combine.

the ingredients for veggie burgers mixed together in a large white bowl.

Scoop out about ½ cup of the burger mixture and use clean hands to form it into a patty. Repeat until you have 12 burger patties and have used up all the burger mixture.

Pan fried veggie burgers

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the patties and pan fry until they’re golden and crispy on both sides.

4 veggie burgers cooking in a large skillet.

Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil. Assemble the burgers on buns with your favorite toppings, then serve!

close up on a veggie burger on a spatula.

Grilling instructions

Pop the assembled burger patties in the fridge to firm up for about 30 minutes. This will keep them from falling apart on the grill grates. Afterward, grill the vegan burgers on a medium-high, oiled grill until crispy on both sides.

Baking instructions

Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then bake in a 350ºF oven for 20 minutes. Flip, then bake for another 15 minutes.

Air fryer instructions

Place 2 burger patties in the air fryer basket (cooking in batches will prevent the burgers from becoming mushy or soft). Air fry the black bean burgers at 400ºF for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes.

Veggie burger topping ideas

These hearty burgers only get better with all of the fixings on top! Consider mixing and matching any of the following sauces/toppings you like:

a gold spoon lifting up a scoop of vegan orange burger sauce from a white bowl.

Serving suggestions

There are endless side dishes to choose from but some of the best are Oven Roasted Potato Wedges, Easy Air Fryer Fries, Vegan Potato Salad, Vegan Caesar Salad, or Classic Vegan Coleslaw.

Variations

  • Nut free – You can use sunflower seeds or pepitas instead of cashews, or simply omit them altogether.
  • Gluten free – Substitute gluten free breadcrumbs, almond flour, or gluten free certified rolled oats (only ⅓ cup) for the regular breadcrumbs.
  • Play with the seasonings – Add dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, seasoning salt, nutritional yeast, or cayenne in addition or instead of the paprika and chili powder.
  • Use different vegetables – Both fresh and pre-cooked vegetables can be used in this vegan burger recipe. Try diced celery, kale, broccoli, or red onion. As for cooked veggies, try sauteed mushrooms, onions, garlic, shallots, or roasted sweet potatoes.

Make ahead and storing

The best way to make plant based burgers ahead of time is to mix up the burger mixture and form the patties, then keep them covered and in the fridge for 1 to 2 days. I don’t recommend freezing the uncooked burgers.

Once they’re cooked, store the burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. They freeze well, too! Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, either zap the burgers quickly in the microwave or warm them in a skillet on the stovetop.

a veggie burger with a bite taken out of it on a wood board.

Want more meaty recipes made with plants?

close up on the best vegan veggie burger on a bun.
4.88 stars (65 ratings)

Best Veggie Burger

This really is the best veggie burger I've ever had and the taste is so much better than store-bought! Hearty and delicious thanks to a meaty mix of black beans, vegetables and whole grains. Budget friendly, too!
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Rice cooking time: 40 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 12 burgers

Ingredients 
 

Veggie burger patties

  • 1/4 cup ground flax
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 cups cooked black beans (2 15-oz cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup cashews or almonds, sunflower seeds
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa, white rice
  • 1/2 cup chopped parsely
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
  • 1/3 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 cup bread crumbs or gluten free
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, or more to taste

Easy burger sauce

  • 1/2 cup vegan mayo
  • 4 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons white vinegar
  • few shakes black pepper

For serving

  • burger buns of choice
  • lettuce or arugula
  • tomato slices
  • red onion slices
  • mayo, mustard, ketchup, pickles
  • cheese slices I like Violife cheddar

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl, combine the ground flax and water. Give it a little stir and set aside. This is your flax egg mixture.
  • In a large bowl, add the drained and rinsed black beans. Mash with a potato masher (or fork) until most of the beans are a paste. Leave about 1/4 of the beans whole.
  • Place the cashews in a food processor, and pulse until they are breadcrumb size, NOT a powder. It's okay if a few larger pieces remain. You could instead chop them with a large knife. Add to the bowl with the beans.
  • Now add the flax/water mix to the bowl with the beans/nuts as well as all the remaining ingredients. Mix very well with a large wooden spoon. 
  • Using about 1/2 cup per burger, shape into burger patty shapes about 3/4 inch thick. 

To cook on the stovetop (my preferred method)

  • Add 2-3 tablespoons of oil on the stove over medium heat. Add 4 patties at a time and cook until gold and crispy on one side, about 4 minutes.
  • Carefully flip the burgers and cook for 3-4 more minutes. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate.

To bake

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet or two with parchment paper. Place the patties on the pan(s) and bake for 20 minutes. Flip, bake for 15 more minutes. Remove from oven.

On the grill

  • For easier grilling, refrigerate the patties for at least 30 minutes. Heat the BBQ to medium high, brush the patties with oil and cook for about 4 minutes on each side.

Serve with all the toppings

  • Make the optional burger sauce: Add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk well to combine. Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
  • Serve on hamburger buns and any burger fixings you love! Go with the classic: burger sauce or vegan mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle slices, lettuce, tomato and onion. Or get creative with barbecue sauce, Sriracha vegan mayo, avocado and arugula, etc. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. Nut allergy? Sunflower seeds, or pepitas also work in place of the cashews, as well as almonds if you can have them. Or simply omit the nuts/seeds altogether.
  2. Gluten free? Substitute gluten free breadcrumbs, almond flour or gluten free certified rolled oats for the regular breadcrumbs. 
  3. May substitute cooked quinoa or white rice for the brown rice.
  4. May use another kind of bean, such as kidney, chickpea or pinto beans.
  5. Will work with ground chia seeds in place of flax. Or another egg replacer like Bob’s Red Mill or even JUST Egg.
  6. The recipe makes 12 burgers, so feel free to cut the recipe in half if you don’t want that many. However, they do freeze well.
  7. How to store: Leftover cooked burgers keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. May also freeze cooked burgers. I like to wrap them individually, then place in a freezer friendly container.
  8. Make ahead: You can make the burger mixture a day or so before if desired before cooking. I don’t recommend freezing uncooked burgers.

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 12 burger patties | Calories: 218kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 559mg | Potassium: 466mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 3684IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 3mg
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Author: Nora Taylor
Did you make this recipe?Mention @nora_cooks_vegan_ or tag #noracooks!

*This recipe was posted September 2018 and has been updated with better writing and options. The recipe is unchanged.

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Comments

  1. I have made those burgers multiple times now, shared them with friends on different occasions and felt the need to finally leave a comment.
    They are absolutely amazing, tasty, filling, satisfying. I could come up with a few more words but you just have to try them to taste for yourself.
    Thank you so much for these lifesavers!!!!

  2. HI,
    Was wondering if the recipe could be baked in a loaf pan, instead of patties…:) Have yet to find a veggie ‘roast’ that I really like…I don’t care for lentils in a roast…like them in soups…:)
    What do you think?
    Would love to try it that way, but don’t want to waste food 🙂
    Thanks.
    Ev

    1. Fun idea! I have never tried it so I honestly just don’t know how it would work out, but I’m sure it would be edible at least.

  3. Made these last night. SO good!!! I love that this recipe makes 12 burgers. Lots of leftovers for the week and will probably freeze a few too. I subbed white rice and it worked great. These weren’t mushy and held together so well.

  4. This is the best veggie burger recipe and I have tried a lot of veggie burgers. I have tried it with pinto beans too and it was outstanding.

    1. Whatever I have on hand, most often I get it from Trader Joes but sometimes I buy it in bulk at my local discount grocery store.

  5. my house is gradually making the switch to vegan, i would love to make these burgers in advance because we are such an “on the go” family. may be a silly question.. but would it be best if i make & freeze.. or if i make, cook & freeze. thank you!

    1. I would make them and then freeze them. It would probably work if you formed the burgers, frozen them, thawed them and then cooked them but I haven’t personally tried it. They freeze very well once cooked though! Thanks, and I hear you about being “on the go”! 🙂

  6. I made these burgers tonight. The recipe is easy calling for ingredients that I already had on hand. This time I made them exactly as the recipe called for, next time I may add a little more of the spices and even maybe garlic powder. They are delicious as is, though! I am freezing most of the them but will definitely make them again. Thanks for a great recipe!!!

  7. Love these! Has anyone tried making no-meat balls out of these and cooking them right in the sauce?
    Thanks!
    Hava

  8. Hi I want to try to eat more veggie food than meat. This recipe looks good, what will be the calorie and so on for an 6 oz burger thanks

    1. The calories are estimated in the recipe card, so it’s about 280 calories per 1/12th of the recipe, if you divide it into 12 patties. Thanks!

    1. I have used both ground and rolled oats before, and both worked well. I usually use panko breadcrumbs, but have used regular as well. Again, both work well! I do prefer using breadcrumbs, the texture of the burgers is better that way, but it’s not a huge deal. Thanks!

  9. I have been searching for a non-mushy veggie burger recipe that has amazing flavour for almost two years and finally, bless you, here it is! Thank you for sharing this, I’m obsessed with it!

  10. Hi there! Just wondering whether it’s 1 cup breadcrumbs total (cashew or otherwise), or 1 cup cashew crumbs, 1 cup regular breadcrumbs? Both have asterisks and I read the comment about cashews being optional, so just wanted to check :). Thank you – can’t wait to make these!

  11. When freezing the burgers, should I cook them first or freeze them “raw” after I formed them into patties?

    1. I have only ever frozen them after cooking them. You probably could freeze them before cooking, but I find it easiest to freeze once cooked.

  12. Oh my goodness…these are amazing! My vegan teenage daughter made them and whipped up one for me! I am not vegan and don’t always love the foods she fixes! These were an exception! I have never left a comment before on anyone’s page…that is just how amazing these were and I felt compelled to let you know how much we enjoyed them! Thanks for sharing!

    1. Hi Teresa! I don’t have that exact information, but I don’t think there would be any saturated fat or cholesterol, especially if you bake them and don’t use any oil. You could enter the ingredients in to a tool like Cronometer to get exact counts. Thanks!

  13. I wonder how this would be with pinto beans? I have so many beans from Rancho Gordo that I can’t justify buying more until I use some of these up.

    1. I think they would be just fine with pinto beans. It shouldn’t make much of a difference at all, only in flavor really but I think pinto beans make great burgers! 🙂

      1. I made these with one can pinto, one can black beans and they turned out great! Costco has a really tasty hummus dressing. It tastes awesome with these burgers ? I haven’t had very many veggie burgers, but I really like these. I made them for my son’s girlfriend and mother who are both vegetarian. They were really impressed that I made them from scratch. My sister says they’re the best veggie burgers she’s had- and she’s had plenty. These don’t taste like fake meat, if that’s what your looking for. They’re hearty and filling and perfect for those dipping their foot into vegetarianism.

  14. The Black Bean Veggie burgers are great! Easy to make and tastes really good. The ingredients work really well together and I love the addition of sunflower seeds. They also smelled really good. (I did omit the onions).

    1. I’m not sure I understand what you are asking. Do you mean cane sugar? On the sticky orange tofu recipe, you can use any kind of sugar or even maple syrup or agave for the sweetness. I hope that helps!

  15. I need this burger in my life! This so looks so amazingly tasty! Plus, I love that they freeze well – perfect to make an extra batch that way you have some ready to go later 😉

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