Mushroom Veggie Burgers

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s also healthy, you’ve found it! These Mushroom Veggie Burgers are a family favorite in our home. They’re packed with earthy flavors and hearty textures that make them satisfying enough for everyone at the table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, these burgers bring everyone together for a delicious meal that feels good to eat.

What makes this recipe so special is its versatility. You can bake them for a lighter option or pan-sear them for that perfect charred experience. Plus, they’re great for cookouts—just pre-cook and warm them up on the grill! Trust me, once you make these Mushroom Veggie Burgers, they’ll become your go-to recipe for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of mushrooms, beans, and walnuts creates a rich flavor profile that even meat-lovers will enjoy.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of simple steps, you can whip up these burgers in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love sinking their teeth into these tasty patties.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare them in advance for quick meals or grill-outs—perfect for busy schedules!
• Customizable Options: Adjust ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these Mushroom Veggie Burgers is a breeze! Each item is wholesome and easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Burger Mixture

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 16 ounces cremini (baby bella) mushrooms, sliced (or a blend of portobello, shiitake or cremini)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ cup raw walnut halves
• 1 ¼ cups cooked pearled barley (see Notes for subs)
• 1 cup cooked pinto or black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 2 Tablespoons vegan worcestershire sauce (see Notes)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• black pepper

Variations

This Mushroom Veggie Burger recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it to suit your taste buds:

• Swap the beans: Use black beans instead of pinto beans for a different flavor.
• Add more veggies: Incorporate shredded carrots or zucchini into the mixture for extra nutrition.
• Change the grains: Substitute quinoa or brown rice for pearled barley if desired.
• Spice it up: Add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a kick!

How to Make Mushroom Veggie Burgers

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. This step is crucial because we want to draw out the moisture from the onion and mushrooms. Stirring occasionally, cook until the liquid has evaporated—about 15 minutes. Adding garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika creates an aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Oven

While your vegetables are cooking, preheat your oven to 400° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prepares your cooking space and prevents sticking when it’s time to bake those luscious burgers.

Step 3: Process the Mixture

In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the walnuts until coarsely crumbled. Then add your sautéed vegetable mix along with barley, beans, nutritional yeast, worcestershire sauce, panko, salt, and pepper. Process until everything is well incorporated but still has some texture; nobody wants mushy burgers!

Step 4: Form the Patties

Using about ½ cup of mixture per patty will yield around eight delicious burgers. If you like an extra layer of flavor, brush them with vegan worcestershire sauce and sprinkle some black pepper on top before baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place those patties on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through! They should come out firm and golden brown—just what we want!

Step 6: Pan-Seared Option

If you prefer that lovely sear, preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat with high-heat cooking oil. Cook each burger for about five minutes on each side until they’re beautifully charred.

And there you have it—your very own homemade Mushroom Veggie Burgers! Enjoy them fresh off the grill or baked in the oven; either way, they are sure to be a hit at any meal.

Pro Tips for Making Mushroom Veggie Burgers

Making these Mushroom Veggie Burgers is a delightful experience, and a few handy tips can elevate your burger game to new heights!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh mushrooms, onions, and herbs will enhance the flavors of your veggie burgers significantly. Freshness helps to bring out the natural umami flavors of the mushrooms, making your burgers irresistibly tasty.

• Don’t over-process: When mixing your ingredients in the food processor, be careful not to overdo it! A few visible chunks of beans and mushrooms add texture and keep the patties hearty.

• Chill before cooking: If you have time, chill the formed patties in the fridge for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape better during cooking and results in a firmer texture.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste! Adding different herbs or spices can tailor these burgers to suit your palate—think cumin or chili powder for a spicy kick.

• Make-ahead magic: These patties freeze beautifully! Consider doubling the recipe and freezing half for quick meals later on. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before cooking.

How to Serve Mushroom Veggie Burgers

Serving these delicious Mushroom Veggie Burgers is all about creativity! Whether you’re hosting a cookout or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, there are plenty of ways to make these burgers shine.

Garnishes

• Avocado slices: Creamy avocado adds a rich texture and healthy fats that complement the earthy flavors of the burger.
• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle some chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness that brightens each bite.
• Pickled vegetables: Adding some tangy pickles or pickled red onions can elevate your burger with an extra layer of flavor that cuts through richness.

Side Dishes

• Sweet potato fries: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, sweet potato fries are a naturally sweet accompaniment that pairs perfectly with savory veggie burgers.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty burgers while adding more fiber to your meal.
• Grilled corn on the cob: Sweet, juicy corn is always a hit at cookouts! Grilling brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor that complements mushroom burgers beautifully.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and vegan mayo provides a satisfying crunch and creamy element that balances out the burger’s textures.

Now you’re ready to whip up some mouthwatering Mushroom Veggie Burgers that will impress everyone at your table! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mushroom Veggie Burgers recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time, which not only saves you cooking time during the week but also ensures you have healthy meals ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the burgers to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• You can also wrap them individually in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go options.

Freezing

• Form patties as directed and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
• Freeze for about 1 hour until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the bag with the date; they will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

• For refrigerated burgers, reheat in a skillet on medium heat for about 5 minutes per side until heated through.
• For frozen burgers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or cook directly from frozen, adjusting your cooking time accordingly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Mushroom Veggie Burgers:

Can I use different types of mushrooms in my Mushroom Veggie Burgers?

Absolutely! You can mix and match various mushrooms like portobello, shiitake, or even button mushrooms. Each type adds its own unique flavor and texture!

Are Mushroom Veggie Burgers gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these burgers gluten-free by substituting pearled barley with quinoa or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Check the labels of other ingredients as well to ensure they are gluten-free!

What makes these Mushroom Veggie Burgers so special?

These burgers combine savory flavors from sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and spices with hearty beans and walnuts, creating a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.

How long do Mushroom Veggie Burgers last in the fridge?

When properly stored in an airtight container, these veggie burgers can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Perfect for meal prep!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Mushroom Veggie Burgers! They are not only packed with flavor but also offer a wonderful way to enjoy plant-based eating. Whether you’re serving them at a cookout or enjoying them as part of a cozy dinner at home, I believe you’ll love how satisfying they are. Enjoy crafting this delicious recipe and feel free to share your experiences! Happy cooking!