Looking for a hearty, flavor-packed meal that’s entirely plant-based and perfect for busy weeknights? This Homemade Vegan Burger delivers on every level. It’s juicy, savory, and incredibly satisfying—no need for fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. The best part? These burgers hold together beautifully, cook up in a skillet or oven, and are totally customizable. Whether you’re already vegan or just dabbling in meatless meals, this recipe is bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Fuss-Free: These burgers come together quickly with simple pantry ingredients—no food processor required.
Wholesome and Nourishing: Packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and veggies, they’re filling and good for you without tasting like “health food.”
Incredibly Flavorful: Thanks to spices, garlic, and a punch of umami from soy sauce or tamari, these burgers are anything but bland.
Great Texture: No crumbly or mushy patties here! These hold up well and have that satisfying bite you expect from a great burger.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make these burgers sing—no hard-to-find items, just everyday goodness with big flavor.

Black beans: The base of the burger. They provide protein, texture, and that hearty bite. Make sure to drain and mash them slightly for binding.
Rolled oats: Helps hold the mixture together. Also adds a pleasant chewiness.
Grated carrots: Adds moisture and a hint of natural sweetness. Plus, veggies in a burger? Always a win.
Garlic and onion: For bold flavor. You can sauté them first for extra depth or use them raw for a sharper kick.
Ground cumin and smoked paprika: These spices bring warmth and smokiness—key to making the burgers taste savory and satisfying.
Soy sauce or tamari: Adds saltiness and that deep umami flavor that makes plant-based burgers crave-worthy.
Olive oil: A touch for cooking and binding. Optional, but it enhances richness and helps with that golden crust.
Breadcrumbs: For texture and structure. Helps the patties stay together without being dense.

Variations

These burgers are super adaptable. Here are some ways to tweak the recipe to your taste or pantry:

Swap the beans: Use lentils, chickpeas, or kidney beans instead of black beans.
Add mushrooms: Finely chop and sauté for extra umami and moisture.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free oats and breadcrumbs, and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Spice it up: Mix in chili flakes, hot sauce, or a spoonful of chipotle in adobo for heat.
Cheesy version: Fold in a bit of shredded vegan cheese into the mix before forming the patties.

How to Make a Homemade Vegan Burger

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by draining and rinsing the black beans, then mash them in a large bowl with a fork or potato masher—leave some texture for bite. Grate the carrots and finely chop the onion and garlic.

Step 2: Mix the Base

Add the oats, carrots, garlic, onion, soy sauce, olive oil, spices, and breadcrumbs to the beans. Stir everything together until well combined. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs or oats.

Step 3: Shape the Patties

Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape into patties using your hands. Aim for medium thickness—not too thick, not too thin—for even cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Burgers

You can either pan-fry or bake these.

For pan-frying: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
For baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Once they’re cooked through and crispy on the outside, they’re ready to load onto buns and dress up however you like.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Let the mixture rest: Give it 10 minutes before forming patties. This helps the oats soak in moisture and firms everything up.
Use a non-stick skillet: Especially helpful if you’re frying without a lot of oil.
Don’t over-mash the beans: A little texture goes a long way in making these burgers feel substantial and meaty.
Make a double batch: Freeze the extras for an even easier weeknight dinner down the line.

How to Serve

The beauty of a great vegan burger is how you build it. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:

On a Bun:

Serve on toasted burger buns with lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado, and your favorite vegan mayo or sauce.

In a Bowl:

Skip the bun and serve over greens with grains, veggies, and a drizzle of tahini dressing for a burger bowl vibe.

Wrap Style:

Wrap it in a tortilla or lettuce leaf with hummus, shredded carrots, and cucumbers for a lighter option.

With Sides:

Pair with crispy baked sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a simple corn salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Uncooked or cooked patties freeze well. Stack with parchment between and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet for best texture, or pop in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. From frozen, thaw overnight or warm directly in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these burgers without a food processor?
Yes! That’s one of the best parts of this recipe. Just mash the beans with a fork and stir everything by hand—no fancy equipment needed.

How do I keep vegan burgers from falling apart?
Make sure your mixture isn’t too wet. Oats and breadcrumbs help bind everything, and letting the mix sit before shaping gives the best results.

Can I grill these burgers?
They can be grilled, but use a grill pan or foil to keep them from sticking or crumbling. A bit of oil on the grill helps too.

Are these burgers healthy?
Definitely! They’re full of plant-based protein, fiber, and veggies. Skip the deep frying and you’ve got a wholesome meal that feels indulgent.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Vegan Burger recipe proves that plant-based meals can be exciting, easy, and downright delicious. Whether you’re making them for a casual weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week ahead, these burgers offer bold flavor, great texture, and total versatility. Give them a try—you just might skip the store-bought versions for good.

A Homemade Vegan Burger Recipe