I'm not going to mention any brand names, but store-bought veggie burgers have become pretty darn good! For us, they're a treat that we enjoy every few weeks. But they are a processed food, so it's good to know how you can make a yummy burger at home!

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burger

I find these burgers are better than the frozen packaged black bean or veggie burgers. And you can spice them up to whatever heat you want! I tend to make these when I have leftover quinoa or rice to use up.

Since the mixture doesn’t fall apart, this is the recipe I like to use for homemade meatballs!

Servings: 8 burgers

  • 1 -1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled (2 fairly large potatoes)
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
  • 1 cup oats
  • 1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained (or 2 cups cooked)
  • 1/2 small onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tsp cumin powder
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp chipotle power OR smoked hot paprika OR smoked paprika
  • cayenne powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt

  1. Steam the sweet potatoes until tender. Let cool.
  2. Grind the oats until the flakes are broken up, but not as fine as flour.
  3. In a large flat-bottom mixing bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, quinoa/rice, black beans, onion, cilantro and spices. Use a potato masher to mash everything together; it’s ok if the beans get smashed!
  4. Sprinkle the ground oats over the mixture. Mix until everything holds together and you can make balls. If possible, cover and refrigerate.
  5. Shape the burgers, about ½ cup for each to make 8 burgers. Optionally, make meatballs.
  6. Fry the patties in a large skillet, adding a little oil. Cook until browned, about 3 – 4 minutes per side.

Three-Ingredient Burgers

Sometimes it’s best to keep it simple. These burgers are made with only three ingredients that you probably have on-hand. I probably wouldn’t use this recipe to impress guests, but it’s a delicious family meal to whip up midweek. And instead of burgers, you can always make meatballs!

Servings: 4

Patties:

  • 3/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1 15-ounce can low sodium beans, rinsed, drained (or freshly made!!)
  • 1/3 cup barbecue sauce

Suggested accompaniments:

  • 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
  • Lettuce
  • Avocado, tomato, hummus, more bbq sauce, sliced red onions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°. Grease or spray a small sheet pan with cooking spray or oil.
  2. In a large food processor process the oats until chopped, but not a fine flour.
  3. Add the drained beans. Pulse until blended but beans are still slightly chunky. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl and stir in the sauce. Using moistened hands, shape bean mixture into four 1/2-inch thick patties (or roll into meatballs). Place on prepared sheet.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 7 minutes. Open oven and, using a spatula, turn over patties. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes longer until browned and crispy at the edges.