Kidney Bean Burgers Recipe
Introduction
These kidney bean burgers are a delicious and hearty vegetarian option, packed with flavor and texture. Easy to make and versatile, they can be pan-fried, baked, or grilled to suit your preference.

Ingredients
- 1½ cups (9 oz or 265 grams) canned kidney beans
- ¼ medium onion
- 2 medium cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup (90 grams) rolled oats
- 1 handful fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the kidney beans and give them a good shake to remove any excess water.
- Step 2: Scoop up about half of the beans into a small container and set aside. Add the remaining half to a food processor.
- Step 3: To the food processor also add the onion, garlic, ketchup, oregano, chili powder or smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Process to a paste, scraping down as needed to ensure everything is blended.
- Step 4: Open the food processor and add the remaining kidney beans, oats, and parsley. Pulse to combine, breaking up the oats and beans into smaller but still chunky pieces. Scrape down the sides and bottom to combine well without over-processing.
- Step 5: Prepare a plate or small baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Step 6: Remove the blade from the processor and shape the mixture into four patties about ½ to ¾ inch thick. Before shaping each patty, squeeze the mixture tightly in your hand to compact it, helping the patties hold their shape.
- Step 7: Place the patties on the lined plate or tray. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 3 days. If chilling longer than 30 minutes, cover the patties to prevent drying.
- Step 8: To pan fry, brush a large skillet or frying pan with a little oil and heat over medium-low. Cook the patties for about 8 minutes on each side until firm and browned.
- Step 9: To oven bake, place burgers on a lined baking tray and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until heated through and crusty outside.
- Step 10: To grill, place patties on greased aluminum foil, a grill pan, or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes each side until brown and firm.
Tips & Variations
- Use gluten-free certified oats if you need a gluten-free version.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to the mixture.
- Serve with your favorite burger toppings and sauces for a satisfying meal.
- If you prefer a spicier patty, increase the chili powder to suit your taste.
Storage
Store cooked kidney bean burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain their texture. You can also freeze the cooked patties for up to 1 month; thaw before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dried kidney beans instead of canned?
Yes, but be sure to soak and cook dried beans thoroughly before using. Canned beans save time and are convenient but using fresh cooked beans works just as well.
How can I prevent the patties from falling apart?
Be sure to compact the mixture firmly when shaping each patty and chill them for at least 20 minutes before cooking. Using oats helps bind the mixture together for better hold.
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Kidney Bean Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and healthy Kidney Bean Burger recipe featuring a blend of mashed kidney beans, oats, herbs, and spices. These burgers are packed with plant-based protein and fiber, offering a satisfying alternative to traditional meat patties. They can be cooked in multiple ways: pan-fried, oven-baked, or grilled, catering to varied preferences and making them perfect for any meal occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ cups (9 oz or 265 grams) canned kidney beans
- ¼ medium onion
- 2 medium cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup (90 grams) rolled oats or old fashioned oats (use gluten-free certified oats if necessary)
- 1 handful fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare kidney beans: Rinse the kidney beans thoroughly and shake off any excess water to ensure they are clean but not overly wet.
- Separate beans: Scoop about half of the rinsed kidney beans into a small container and set them aside. Place the remaining half into a food processor.
- Make the base paste: Add the onion, garlic, ketchup, oregano, chili powder or smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the food processor with the kidney beans. Process everything into a smooth paste, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure even blending.
- Combine remaining ingredients: Open the food processor and add the reserved kidney beans, rolled oats, and parsley (if using). Pulse briefly to combine, breaking up the oats and beans while maintaining a chunky texture. Scrape down the sides and bottom to incorporate all ingredients evenly. Avoid over-processing to preserve texture.
- Shape patties: Remove the blade from the food processor. Using your hands, compact the mixture tightly into balls, then flatten them into 4 patties about ½ to ¾ inch thick. Place the patties on a plate or small baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Chill patties: Refrigerate the patties for at least 20 minutes to help them firm up and hold their shape. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days—cover if chilling longer than 30 minutes to prevent drying.
- Cook patties – pan frying: Brush a large skillet or frying pan with a little oil and heat over medium-low heat. Add the patties carefully and cook for about 8 minutes on each side until they are firm and brown. Adjust cooking time based on your stove and cookware.
- Cook patties – oven baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the burgers on a lined baking tray and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy on the outside.
- Cook patties – grilling: For grilling, avoid placing burgers directly on grill grates. Instead, cook them over medium-low heat on greased aluminum foil, a greased grill pan, or cast-iron skillet on the grill. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes on each side until browned and firm.
Notes
- When choosing chili powder or smoked paprika, note that in the UK and Europe, these spices might differ slightly in flavor and intensity.
- Use gluten-free oats if you need the recipe to be gluten-free.
- Chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
- The burgers can be cooked by pan-frying, baking, or grilling depending on your preferences and available equipment.
- For grilling, supporting the burgers with foil or a grill pan is recommended to prevent them from breaking apart.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: kidney bean burgers, vegetarian burgers, plant-based patties, healthy bean burger, meatless burger

