You guys! If you have been following along on my Instagram stories then you know I have been so excited to share this recipe with you! After testing the recipe four times I feel these veggie burgers could not be any more perfect. The ingredients are simple and nutritious. The process to make them is easy. The result is full of flavor and the perfect crispy-on-the-outside, firm-yet-tender-on-the-inside texture that you want in a veggie burger.
Dare I say these are veggie burger perfection? I do. I really do.
I kept these veggie burgers 100% vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free and refined sugar-free. The ingredient list is super clean with four main ingredients that balance each other out well from a taste and nutrition perspective: sweet potato, white beans, pepitas and gluten-free oats. For flavor I included shallots, fresh parsley, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. That's it! Simple and full of good-for-you foods that satisfy. These burgers are hearty and provide plant-based protein from the white beans and pepitas and offer staying power from the sweet potato and oats.
You can enjoy them on a bun with all the fixings or on top of a salad or grain bowl. I love to use "lettuce buns" and fill the middle up with a patty and my favorite fixings.
I love making homemade veggie burgers so you can control the ingredients and seasonings. Plus, they taste a thousand times better than store-bought. There is just nothing like the real deal. Since this recipe makes eight large burgers you can enjoy them throughout the week. The effort is definitely worth it. This is a perfect dinner meal-prep recipe that will leave you enough leftovers for lunch.
I made the sweet potatoes in my Instant Pot pressure cooker to keep the process fast and simple. No peeling is required with this method. Just add one cup of water to the Instant Pot and layer above the steamer basket however many sweet potatoes you can fit. My 6-quart Instant Pot holds four medium sweet potatoes. To make the patties, cook for 15 minutes on high pressure and they will be soft and easy to mash with a potato masher. The skin falls right off too. I like to make a batch of four sweet potatoes at a time and store them for use throughout the week.
Here are some of my other recipes that use cooked sweet potatoes:
- Sweet Potato Gnocchi
- Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowls
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Crumble Topping
- Whipped Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie Bowl
If you do not have a pressure cooker, you can bake them in the oven, but that can take up to an hour so I highly recommend this pressure cooker method to keep things streamlined.
This recipe is gluten-free, nut-free, refined sugar-free, soy-free, egg-free and dairy-free. It is also kid-friendly (my five year old devoured it immediately after the photo shoot). If your child is sensitive to spices you may omit the smoked paprika.
I hope you love these veggie burgers as much as I do. They are so easy and flavorful. If you give them a try, please let me know! Leave a comment below, rate it above, and tag a photo @eatingbyelaine and #eatingbyelaine on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook so I can see your creations!
Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
These easy-to-make veggie burgers have the perfect texture and are big on flavor. They are super hearty, nutrient rich and full of wholesome ingredients that are insanely satisfying. They are gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, egg-free and dairy-free.
To save time, I recommend making the sweet potatoes ahead of time in a pressure cooker. They come out perfect that way and there is no need to peel. I also provide oven directions below if needed.
Ingredients
- 1 medium sized sweet potato (no need to peel if using the pressure cooker method below)
- 1, 15 ounce can white beans (cannellini beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if desired)
- 1 cup raw pepita seeds (pumpkin seeds)
- 2 large shallot, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup fresh flat leaf Italian parsley, large stems removed
- 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for pan-frying)
- Fixings: red onion, avocado, sprouts, lettuce, tomato, my homemade 3-Ingredient Vegan Honey Mustard sauce, Daiya Mozzarella Style Slices
Instructions
- Cook the sweet potato. Place 1 cup of filtered water and a steamer basket in a 6-quart pressure cooker. Place sweet potato on the steamer basket (note you can cook more than one sweet potato at a time if desired). Cook on manual high pressure for 15 minutes and then immediately manual release the pressure when cooking is complete. If you do not have a pressure cooker, see the notes section of this recipe for how to bake a sweet potato in your oven.
- Remove the sweet potato from the pressure cooker using tongs and place on a clean surface to cool. Once the sweet potato has cooled so you can handle it, gently peel away the skin. It should slide right off. Place the sweet potato flesh in a medium mixing bowl and mash using a potato masher or fork. Add the drained white beans to the bowl and mash them with the sweet potato until no whole beans remain. Do not over-mash or your burgers will be mushy. Set mixture aside.
- In a food processor, process the oats and pepita seeds until coarsely ground (about ten seconds). Add the chopped shallots and seasonings (garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper) and pulse ten times until shallots are minced and incorporated throughout. Add the parsley and pulse until the parsley is minced throughout. You may need to scrape down the sides to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Add the mixture from the food processor into the mixing bowl with the sweet potato and white beans. Use a large spoon to gently stir everything together. Divide the mixture into eight even sections and form each section into a patty. I like to roll into a ball and then flatten and press alongside the edges to ensure there are no cracks. You want them to look like burger patties (you want a round saucer-like shape and a little more than an inch thickness).
- Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil to a 12-inch rimmed saute pan that has a fitted cover. Heat the pan over medium to low heat. Once the pan is hot and the oil starts to shimmer add four of the eight patties to the pan leaving space between each patty. Cook 3-5 minutes per side with the lid covered until the edges are golden brown and crispy looking. Gently flip each patty and cook covered on the other side for another 3-5 minutes. Be sure to watch closely to avoid burning them. Once cooking is complete, remove from the pan. Add 2 more tablespoons of oil to the pan to cook the final four patties repeating the same process of cooking 3-5 minutes per side while covered. Enjoy immediately with your favorite fixings (see fixing suggestions in the ingredient list). If storing, allow the patties to cool to room temperature first then store in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
How to Bake a Sweet Potato in Your Oven:
1) Place a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil on the bottom rack of your oven. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Pierce the potato with a fork on one side then place directly on the middle rack (not on a baking sheet and not wrapped in foil).
2) Bake for 40-45 minutes or until tender and the skin is thin and toasty. Baking time will vary based on the diameter of your sweet potato. You may need up to 60 minutes for a large sweet potato. The bottom baking sheet will catch any drippings for an easy cleanup.
3) Remove from oven and pierce with a knife to ensure it is fully cooked. Allow the potatoes to cool for 5-10 minutes for easier handling. Slice the potatoes in half and split the flesh down the center.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
This post is sponsored by Daiya. As always, all opinions are my own.
Sara says
LITERALLY THE BEST THING I EVER MADE. omg. I never leave comments, but I need to with this recipe. It literally tastes like it is from a restaurant!!!!
THANK YOU!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Sara! I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know (especially since commenting on blogs is not your thing) :). This is one of my favorite recipes too! So easy and full of so much flavor! Have a great weekend!
Gracie says
Do you think this recipe can be frozen and eaten at a later date?
Elaine Gordon says
I have not tried but yes I would think so. I would recommend wrapping each patty individually and tightly and then putting all of them in a freezer friendly airtight container. Then transfer over to your refrigerator 24 hours before use. Please let me know how it goes for you. Best, Elaine
Kiara B says
This recipe looks amazing. Do you know what I could sub the oats for? I've used oats in the past but I'm really sensitive to them even when using gluten-free oats.
Elaine Gordon says
Thanks, Kiara! I have not tested it with other flours so I'm not sure what might work here. The oats really absorb the liquids in the burgers and sear nicely. They help the texture and keep the burgers sturdy. You could maybe process some cooked quinoa or brown rice and see if that helps? Are you using certified gluten-free oats? Have you tried One Degree brand from Costco?
Geri L Habstritt says
I use quinoa flakes in place of oats in all recipes. Seems to work well. They have close to the same texture.
Amy says
These are great and I followed the recipe exactly as you wrote it! I will definitely make again!
Elaine Gordon says
Aw yay! So happy to hear that! Thank you for taking the time to rate and let me know! Glad you will be making again :). Definiteyl try out my quinoa black bean burgers too! Those are even easier and just as tasty!
Cami Petersen says
I have made this recipe multiple times. I use dried parsley, because when I want to make them I haven't had fresh parsley on hand. For the kids I omit most of the smoked paprika, also I form the mixture into balls before cooking them. They eat them dipped in ketchup like nuggets. They love these! Thumbs up from this family!!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Cami! Yes, I omit the smoked paprika for the kids too! Love your nugget/ball idea! I'm going to try that... Have you seen my Sweet Potato Quinoa Tots recipe? I think your kids might love those... and my vegan honey mustard sauce?? Mmmm...
https://www.eatingbyelaine.com/vegan-sweet-potato-quinoa-tots/
Monica Thomas says
The best veggies burgers! I had kind of given up on making them at home, because they never turned out. Well... this recipe changed my mind & I will be making these over & over. First of all, super easy to follow & simple ingredients. Second, I cant believe how much quanity this made with just a sweet potato, oats and a couple other things. Texture is great. I made a batch of 8 and have been reheating in the air fryer which is ? Thanks for renewing my faith in homemade veggie burgers
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much! So happy to hear you loved them so much! I agree they do make quite a bit! And I'm so happy you have a renewed faith in homemade veggie burgers! LOL
Liz says
Can I bake or air fry these? Looks like a yummy recipe.
Elaine Gordon says
Hi, Liz: I apologize for the major delay here. I somehow missed your message. You probably could although I have not tested it myself. I would say for the best texture and flavor a light pan fry would be best. You can use just a little oil. Otherwise make sure you spray them really well with oil before baking or air frying. Baking can sometimes dry out recipes like this so don't bake for too long. They won't be as crispy on the outside probably. But worth a shot. If you do please let me know how it goes for you. Best, Elaine
Kristin Gaughan says
I've made these several times now, they come together so easily and the whole family absolutely loves them! And so fun to personalize with lots of fun toppings!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much! I'm so happy to hear you and your fam enjoy this one so much. Thanks for the five star review!
Fabiana says
The recipe looks amazing! What I colud sub the pepita seeds?
Elaine Gordon says
Hi, Fabiana: Thank you so much! It is one of my favorites and I hope you get a chance to give it a try :). I haven't tested this recipe with anything other than pepita seeds but I imagine any nut or seed would work here. They each have a slightly different texture and flavor but could stand in if needed probably. Please let me know what you end up doing and how it goes for you! Best, Elaine
Kelli says
These burgers are so delicious! The smoked paprika really takes them up a notch.
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Kelli! I think smoked paprika is such an underused spice in general. It's a fun one and always boosts the flavor profile.
Megan says
Just made this for supper & they turned out so good. Even my picky toddler ate one! Thank you for this recipe 🙌
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Megan! That is so wonderful to hear! I'm so thrilled! If you are able to please leave a five star rating that would be super helpful. Thank you again for taking the time to comment! Best, Elaine
Bethany Riddle says
These are so bomb! Especially with the honey mustard recipe you posted. My toddler has been a picky eater lately, but he devoured these!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Bethany! So happy to hear that! I'm thrilled your toddler enjoyed!