The Best Veggie Burger

These veggie burgers are hearty, savory, and rich in meaty flavor, thanks to cremini mushrooms, rice, black beans, and walnuts. Your family may think you made them with real meat! The texture is a little softer than a beef patty, but a wonderful contrast to the beautiful, pan-fried crust that really stands up to the bun and toppings.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 400 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup walnuts
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• ¾ cup dry bread crumbs
• ½ small onion, chopped
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, or more to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
• 1 (16 ounce) package cremini mushrooms, cut in half
• 1 (8.8 ounce) pouch cooked brown rice, cooled
• 8 slices Muenster cheese (Optional)
• 8 (2 ounce) hamburger buns, split and toasted

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.

Step 2

Place mushrooms and onion on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil and toss to coat. 

Step 3

Roast in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) and add black beans to the pan. Cook until mushrooms and onions are browned and beans are dried on the surface, about 5 more minutes. 

Step 4

Remove from the oven and let mixture cool for 10 minutes. 

Step 5

Transfer mixture to a food processor. Add rice and walnuts and pulse until roughly chopped. Add Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and pulse until just combined. Add egg and pulse until just combined.

Step 6

Transfer mixture to a medium bowl and fold in bread crumbs until well mixed. Chill for 10 minutes.

Step 7

Form mixture into 8 patties and season each with salt and pepper. 

Step 8

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet. Add 4 patties and cook, undisturbed, until browned and a nice crust has formed, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook until done, 4 to 5 more minutes. Top with Muenster cheese and place on toasted buns.

Step 9

Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet and repeat to cook remaining patties.