Best Veggie Burger Recipe

This is the best no-bean veggie burger recipe! They're crispy, moist, packed with flavor, and made with brown rice, peas, carrots, and mushrooms. A healthier and tastier option to store-bought patties—perfect for a BBQ, family dinner, or meal prep!

I originally published this no-bean veggie burger recipe in June 2021. I'm now updating the photos, adding more step-by-step shots, and sharing new tips to make it even easier for you to make!

I started making these veggie burgers back in 2020, and they've quickly become my go-to. They're the perfect balance of crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These burgers are fresh, hearty, and so much better than anything pre-made—no seed oils, no gums, and no random ingredients.

What I love most about this recipe—and what makes it the best ever—is that there are no beans! Instead, they're made with rolled oats, brown rice, peas, carrots, walnuts, and mushrooms. And trust me, they are SO GOOD.

Whether it's for a summer BBQ or meal prep, these veggie burgers are always a hit. If you're looking for a simple, delicious, vegan, veggie, and filling veggie burger, I can't recommend them enough! I love serving mine with this Greek Pasta Salad.

Why you'll love this recipe:

No beans: Most recipes on the internet have beans, but this one does not!
Best texture: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
Simple ingredients: Made with brown rice, oats, peas, carrots, walnuts, and mushrooms.
Healthier: This veggie burger recipe is healthier than store-bought patties and loaded with all types of vegetables.

The ingredients needed

all ingredients in veggie burgers in bowls including brown rice, pean, carrots, mushrooms, onion, garlic, seasonings, salt, walnuts, and rolled oats

Brown rice – We'll use brown rice to bind the burgers together instead of beans.
Rolled oats – They give the burgers texture and help hold everything together without beans.
Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the burger's flavor.
Frozen Peas – This helps bind the burgers together and adds lots of yummy vegetables.
Carrots – Bring natural sweetness and crunch to each bite.
Walnuts – They give a nice crunch and healthy fats to make the burgers more filling.
Mushrooms – I recommend baby bella or white mushrooms. They add a "meaty" flavor without any meat!
Olive oil or avocado oil – Used for cooking and adds a light, healthy fat.
Garlic – Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
Seasonings (cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper) – These spices create a flavorful kick and elevate the burger taste.

Step-by-step instructions on how to make homemade veggie burgers

Sautéing mushrooms, onions, carrots and garlic in a pan

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add carrots, mushrooms, and onion. Cook for 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook for one more minute.

carrots, mushrooms, onion, spinach, and peas with all the seasonings in a sauté pan

Stir in peas, spinach, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until peas defrost and spinach wilts. Use a paper towel to remove any extra moisture.

adding sautéed veggies, rolled oars, and the cooked brown rice to a food processor

Add cooked rice, walnuts, oats, and veggies to a food processor.

veggie burger mixture in a food processor

Pulse 15-25 times until combined but still chunky. Scrape the sides as needed. DO NOT OVER-BLEND UNIT SMOOTH.

Remove the mixture and shape it into eight patties, pressing firmly to hold them together.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in the pan over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 5-6 minutes per side, flipping carefully. If they brown too quickly, lower the heat. The outside should be crispy and the inside warm.

Equipment Needed

Large pan
Food processor
Spatula
Measuring Cups

crispy veggie burger on a bun before adding toppings

Top Tips

Pulse, don't blend – Pulse the mixture in the food processor to keep it chunky, not smooth!
Don't overcrowd the pan – Cook the patties in batches to ensure they cook evenly and stay crispy.
Use short-grain brown rice – It's stickier and helps the patties hold together without beans.
Add a fried egg on top – I love my veggie burgers with a fried egg, so if you want to try something new, I highly recommend it!

Veggie Burger Serving Suggestions

Classic Burger Style – Serve on your favorite bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.
Veggie Burger Salad – Serve the patties on top of a fresh salad with avocado, cucumbers, and a drizzle of dressing.
Veggie Burger Wrap – Wrap the patty in a lettuce leaf or whole wheat wrap with your favorite toppings.
Loaded Burger – Top with guacamole, sautéed mushrooms, or a fried egg for extra flavor.
Sweet Potato Fries – Pair with crispy sweet potato fries or carrot fries for a satisfying meal.

brown rice veggie burger with onion and guacamole on a bun

Substitutions & Variations

Make it Gluten-Free: This veggie burger recipe is gluten-free; just make sure you use gluten-free oats!
Spicy Veggie Burger: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.
Brown rice: Use cooked quinoa or couscous for a different texture.
Frozen Peas: Use fresh peas, charred corn, or edamame as substitutes. Note that this will change the flavor.
Yellow Onion: You can substitute this with a white onion if needed.
Rolled Oats: Use quick oats if needed. Do NOT use steel-cut oats.
BBQ Veggie Burger: Mix in a tablespoon of BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor.

Storage

Store cooked veggie burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in a pan or oven until heated through. For frozen burgers, cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

extra crispy veggie burger made without beans

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these veggie burgers gluten-free?

Yes, these veggie burgers are gluten-free if you use gluten-free oats.

Is it vegan?

Yes, these veggie burgers are 100% vegan.

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can shape the patties in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Can I air fry them?

Yes, you can air fry these veggie burgers! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the patties in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're crispy and heated through.

What makes veggie burgers stick together?

Short-grain brown rice, rolled oats, and walnuts help bind the patties without needing beans or eggs. The rice and oats absorb moisture in this veggie burger recipe, while walnuts add structure and crunch.

How do you keep vegetable burgers from being mushy?

To prevent veggie burgers from being mushy, remove extra moisture from veggies like mushrooms and spinach. Use short-grain brown rice for better binding. Pulse the mixture in a food processor to keep it chunky. To help the patties firm up, let them chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before cooking.

More vegetarian dinner recipes!

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!