Vegan Beet and Beans Burgers are an original and very tasty main course, the vegan alternative to classic meat burgers, ideal for bringing to the table for a quick lunch with family or friends accompanied by a portion of mixed salad or French fries.
In our recipe, we've prepared them in a few simple steps with pre-cooked beets and cannellini beans. Once everything is blended in a blender with a tablespoon of cumin, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a sprinkling of smoked paprika, all you need to do is add enough breadcrumbs to the puree to obtain a soft but malleable mixture. Then, shape the mixture into discs with your hands and fry them in a pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The resulting medallions will be slightly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, perfect for serving with a seasonal side dish or wrapped in soft burger buns with lettuce leaves and your favorite dressing.
What is a Vegan Beet and Beans Burger?
Vegan beet burgers are a modern twist on the long history of plant-based patties in the U.S. The concept of veggie burgers first emerged during the vegetarian and macrobiotic food movements of the 1960s and ’70s, with early commercial versions like Boca Burger (1979) and Gardenburger (1981) bringing meatless patties into mainstream grocery stores and restaurants. These early patties relied mostly on soy, beans, and grains, appealing to health-conscious eaters and vegetarians seeking convenient alternatives.
As veganism and flexitarian diets grew in popularity in the 2000s and beyond, veggie burgers began to evolve beyond simple soy-based patties. Beets became a popular ingredient thanks to their vibrant color, natural sweetness, and juicy texture, which mimic some qualities of beef while highlighting fresh plant flavors. This shift reflected a broader trend toward creative, nutrient-rich, and visually striking vegan meals. Today, beet burgers are not only a staple in home kitchens and restaurants but also part of the wider movement that’s made plant-based eating appealing to mainstream U.S. consumers looking for healthier, ethical, and sustainable choices.
Pro Tips for The Best Beet and Beans Burger
- Beets are naturally sweet, so balance their flavor with spices, herbs, salt, and pepper. Adding smoked paprika, cumin, or garlic can give the burgers extra depth.
- Once shaped, refrigerate the patties for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up, making them easier to cook without breaking.
- Pan-fry or bake the burgers at medium heat, allowing time for the inside to cook while forming a nice crust outside. Rushing with high heat may burn the outside while leaving the inside too soft.
- Mix in ingredients like cooked quinoa, black beans, or chopped nuts for a heartier bite. This prevents the burger from being too soft and makes it more satisfying.
- Pair your beet burger with creamy toppings like vegan mayo or avocado and something tangy like pickles or mustard. This balances the sweetness of the beets perfectly.
Can I Use Fresh Beats?
Yes, you can use fresh beets for beet burgers, and they actually give the best flavor, color, and texture. Just grate them finely and squeeze out excess liquid before mixing, so the patties hold together and don’t become too watery.
Can I Use Something Else Instead of Beans Inside of My Burgers?
If you like, you can replace the cannellini beans with borlotti beans, lentils, or chickpeas. Depending on the season, you can buy fresh beets and boil them in cold water, unpeeled, like potatoes.
Why Are My Burgers Falling Apart?
If your beet burgers are falling apart, it’s usually because there isn’t enough binder or the mixture is too wet. Make sure to squeeze out excess liquid from the beets, add enough oats or breadcrumbs, and chill the patties before cooking to help them hold their shape.
What Can I Top These Burgers With?
You can top beet burgers with creamy spreads like hummus, vegan mayo, or avocado, and balance the sweetness with tangy toppings such as pickles, mustard, or sauerkraut. Fresh greens, sliced tomato, or caramelized onions also add great texture and flavor contrast.
Can I Bake The Burgers in The Oven?
Yes, you can bake beet burgers in the oven for a healthier option. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush lightly with oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Can I Make These Burgers Ahead of Time?
Yes! Shape the patties, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before cooking. This actually helps them firm up and hold together better when cooked.
Do They Freeze Well?
Yes, beet burgers freeze very well. Arrange the uncooked patties on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook them straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How to Store Any Leftovers
Store leftover cooked beet burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet or oven to keep the outside crisp, or microwave for a quicker option if you don’t mind a softer texture.
Ingredients
How to Make Vegan Beet and Beans Burger
Place the pre-cooked beets in the bowl of a blender.
Place the pre-cooked beets in the bowl of a blender.
Add the cannellini beans well drained from the preserving liquid.
Add the cannellini beans well drained from the preserving liquid.
Spice with a teaspoon of cumin.
Spice with a teaspoon of cumin.
Season with salt and pepper and season with smoked paprika.
Season with salt and pepper and season with smoked paprika.
Blend everything well until you obtain a smooth mixture.
Blend everything well until you obtain a smooth mixture.
Transfer the legume and beetroot puree into a bowl and add enough breadcrumbs to make the mixture soft but malleable: you will need about 120 gr.
Transfer the legume and beetroot puree into a bowl and add enough breadcrumbs to make the mixture soft but malleable: you will need about 120 gr.
Mix well with a spatula.
Mix well with a spatula.
Use your hands to form many medallions of the same size.
Use your hands to form many medallions of the same size.
Place the beetroot burgers in a non-stick pan where you have heated a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and let them cook on both sides, until they are golden and slightly crispy.
Place the beetroot burgers in a non-stick pan where you have heated a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and let them cook on both sides, until they are golden and slightly crispy.
Once ready, serve the beetroot burgers on a plate with a portion of salad or enclose them inside soft sesame buns spread with delicious sauces.
Once ready, serve the beetroot burgers on a plate with a portion of salad or enclose them inside soft sesame buns spread with delicious sauces.
Enjoy!
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