23 Veggie Burgers That'll Shine at Your Next Barbecue

These meatless patties are nutritious, filling and delicious.

August 08, 2022

By: Laura Denby

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Fill Up on Veggies

Burgers are the perfect choice for backyard barbecues and summer weeknight dinners alike. And, while you might think that meat is required for a hearty bite, we’re here to tell you that there are some really satisfying vegetarian options. In fact, veggie burgers are a breeze to make when you need a quick, healthy meal — and they’re just as good when prepped ahead of time and stored in the freezer. Looking for a few reliable recipes that back a punch of flavor in every bite? You’re in the right place. Start with these veggie patties that combine tender lentils and rich sweet potatoes. Your multicooker will make the process easy and efficient (it's our go-to appliance for lots of vegetarian recipes), although you can just as easily cook the lentils on the stovetop if you prefer. Topped with crunchy coleslaw for an extra-refreshing bite, these burgers make a wholesome meal that everyone will want to eat again and again.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil-Veggie Burgers with Slaw

Black Bean Burgers

Black bean burgers are a hearty vegetarian staple. They’re affordable, flavorful and super versatile. The best part? This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Black Bean Burgers

Cheesy, Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Portobello mushrooms make a great burger swap, because they’re big, meaty and easy to stuff. We love this recipe that gets stuffed with onions, garlic and Monterey jack cheese. The mushrooms get breaded for extra crunch, and the whole burger gets served with lettuce and pickles for a refreshing, crispy sandwich.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy, Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Veggie Burger

For a burger that’s packed with a hefty helping of fresh vegetables, try this recipe. Fresh corn gets sauteed with mushrooms, scallions and bell peppers to maximize and lock in flavor. Next, the veggies combine with spinach, breadcrumbs and potato to make a hearty patty. Sear until golden brown and serve with yogurt and mint sauce.

Get the Recipe: Veggie Burger

Vegan Lentil Burgers

Lentils are one of the most versatile ingredients available, and we love that they’re super easy to make, too. They serve as the backbone of this veggie burger recipe that gets punched up with flavor from onions, garlic and cumin. Chopped walnuts and spinach add crunchy texture, while flavorful bread crumbs hold it all together. Serve with zesty arugula or roasted red peppers.

Get the Recipe: Vegan Lentil Burgers

Double Patty Veggie Burger

Thought special sauce was reserved for your favorite fast food chains? Think again! This double patty veggie burger recipe calls on a delicious sauce to add an extra punch of flavor. Black beans, beets and brown rice come together to make hearty patties that get slathered in savory sauce for a burger that rivals the best fast food chains. To keep it strictly vegetarian, skip the worcestershire sauce — the patties will still be every bit as delicious.

Get the Recipe: Double Patty Veggie Burger

Curried Potato Veggie Burgers

Inspired by ingredients used in traditional Samosas, these burgers combine cumin, ginger, chile pepper and Madras curry for a patty that’s bursting with complex flavor. Finely chopped vegetables add texture and bite. If the patty wasn’t flavorful enough, the tamarind ketchup brings a sweet, sour flavor that’s sure to add an even more kick.

Get the Recipe: Curried Potato Veggie Burgers

Grilled Curried Pumpkin Burgers with Cucumber and Mint Raita

If you’re looking to switch up the typical veggie burger flavors, try this recipe that combines sweet pumpkin with savory curry. The hearty burgers get seasoned with flavors like garam masala and ginger and blended with chickpeas and pumpkin puree. Top it all off with a zesty and creamy mint raita before serving.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Curried Pumpkin Burgers with Cucumber and Mint Raita

Portobello Burger

Portobellos are the perfect vegetable for sandwiches. They’re big, thick and meaty, so they taste just right between two pieces of bread. This recipe uses a balsamic-based marinade to add extra flavor. Grill them right away or let sit in the marinade for up to two hours.

Get the Recipe: Portobello Burger

Healthy Chili Bean and Bulgur Burgers

Burgers are known for being hearty and fulfilling, and this recipe uses bulgur for extra texture. They might look like a fried treat from the outside — but they’re filled with nutritious kidney beans on the inside. Creamy, crunchy and savory, this veggie burger recipe is perfect for any night of the week.

Get the Recipe: Healthy Chili Bean and Bulgur Burgers

Veggie Burger Pockets

Ready in just 30 minutes, these yummy pita pockets are perfect for lunch or a quick weeknight dinner. Frozen veggie burgers are the perfect shortcut, and they get punched up with the addition of hard-boiled eggs, roasted red peppers and cucumber.

Get the Recipe: Veggie Burger Pockets

Perfect Veggie Burgers

If you’re looking for a veggie burger that’s tender and toothsome at the same time, this recipe provides just the right amount of texture. Barley and onions add bite, while beans make for a smooth center. Skip the typical ketchup, this recipe calls on barbecue sauce for just the right amount of sweetness.

Get the Recipe: Perfect Veggie Burgers

Morgan's Veggie Patties

For an elevated veggie burger recipe that packs extra flavor in every bite, try this simple recipe. Ingredients like black olive and artichoke aren’t typically found in veggie burgers, but they add complex flavor. A few minutes on each side is all you need to cook them to completion.

Get the Recipe: Morgan's Veggie Patties

Veggie Burgers with Pomegranate Ketchup

Sweet pomegranate adds richness to this veggie burger recipe. Oats, brown rice and walnuts add crunchy texture to the patty mix, while chopped carrots give extra bite to the finished product. Serve on English muffins with fresh spinach for a hearty, healthy dinner.

Get the Recipe: Veggie Burgers with Pomegranate Ketchup

Roasted Portobello Mushroom Burgers with Blue Cheese

Tangy and earthy, portobello mushrooms and bleu cheese is a rare combination that deserves to be celebrated. These mushrooms get roasted in the oven until crispy and fork-tender, then topped with sauteed spinach and onions. For best results, make sure to toast the buns before serving.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Portobello Mushroom Burgers with Blue Cheese

Veggie Mini Burger Pitas

Busy weeknights call for easy dinners, so we love that this pita pocket recipe comes together in under an hour. Spices like cumin, garlic and ground pepper make the patties super flavorful, and a creamy yogurt sauce balances out the spice. Serve them with lettuce, tomato and cucumber, and be sure to warm the pitas before serving.

Get the Recipe: Veggie Mini Burger Pita with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

Smoky Veggie Burgers

Smoky foods just scream barbecue, and this veggie burger recipe makes us feel like we’re eating outside on a hot summer day with family and friends, even on a busy weeknight. Chopped walnuts add extra texture to this tender burger that’s made up of sweet potato, quinoa and cremini mushrooms. Feel free to skip the Worcestershire sauce, this recipe is just as flavorful without it.

Get the Recipe: Smoky Veggie Burgers

Black Bean and Corn Veggie Burger with Sweet Potato "Bun"

Looking for a gluten free option at burger night that’s also vegetarian? These hearty burgers check all the boxes. The patties are made up of black beans and corn which get dredged in cornmeal and topped with spicy Jack cheese. Instead of regular buns, try this healthy swap that uses seared sweet potatoes instead.

Get the Recipe: Black Bean and Corn Veggie Burger with Sweet Potato "Bun"

Bean-Kale Burgers with Sweet Potato Wedges

Burgers should always be served with fries, so we love this recipe that includes sweet potato wedges. Packed with fiber and protein, the burgers themselves combine sweet potatoes, pinto beans and Tuscan kale for a nutritious patty that’s filling and delicious. Serve on a toasted English muffin.

Get the Recipe: Bean-Kale Burgers with Sweet Potato Wedges

Southwestern Pinto Bean and Veggie Burgers with Slaw

This protein-packed burger relies on Southwestern spices for extra flavor. Sweet corn balances out the heat, and the whole thing gets dredged in cornflour and fried until golden. Serve with crispy coleslaw for the perfect sandwich that’s creamy, crunchy and filling.

Get the Recipe: Southwestern Pinto Bean and Veggie Burgers with Slaw

Falafel Burgers with Cabbage Salad and Tahini Spread

Chickpea lovers will delight in this hearty recipe that uses them in multiple ways, with scallions, garlic and onion stepping in for extra flavor. Serve these burgers with a refreshing cabbage salad for extra crunch.

Get the Recipe: Falafel Burgers with Cabbage Salad and Tahini Spread

Grilled Portobello Burger with Onion Jam

Every burger lover knows that they just taste better when piled high with some fun toppings. That’s why we love this recipe that includes homemade onion jam — a sweet, savory and sticky condiment that’s delicious on any type of sandwich. Pile it high on these grilled portobellos for a delicious and filling weeknight meal.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Portobello Burger with Onion Jam

Spiced Lentil–Brown Rice Burgers

Pita pockets are the solution to ooey-gooey sandwiches, which is perfect for these burgers that get slathered in tahini and hot sauce. Grill both the burgers and the pitas, then stuff them with toppings like pickles, lettuce and tomatoes before serving.

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