These easy-to-make, plant-based White Bean & Quinoa Caramelized Onion Burgers are packed with protein and layered with savory goodness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, and hearty enough to handle your favorite Fall chili and sauces.
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As the Fall season ushers in cozy sweater weather and simmering pots of soups and stews, I find myself craving hearty, loaded burgers that are far from just a summer staple. This time of year, I long for burgers piled high with herbs and flavors that truly evoke the spirit of the season.
For this burger, I created a robust base of white beans and quinoa that can hold its own against rich toppings like chili, creamy sauces, or, in this case, generous heaps of caramelized onions. While it’s far from a traditional steak burger, I incorporated steak seasoning to infuse those beloved umami flavors. The combination of nutty quinoa and creamy white beans works beautifully, while the addition of sweet, caramelized onions brings an irresistible depth of flavor to the patties. I topped the burgers with peppery arugula, tangy pickles, and sun-dried tomatoes, along with even more caramelized onions. Daresay, I think I created the burger of my dreams!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
These White Bean & Quinoa Caramelized Onion Burgers deliver a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. The rich depth of flavor comes from the sweet, caramelized onions that meld beautifully with the savory steak seasoning. This combination creates an irresistible patty that doesn’t skimp on taste, making it a standout choice for any burger lover.
Beyond their incredible flavor, these burgers are also a nutritious and filling option. Packed with protein from the white beans and quinoa, they’ve got everything you need to ensure you meet your protein quota.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner, throwing a summer barbecue, or looking for a quick lunch, these burgers can easily adapt to suit any dietary preference — and the toppings can be swapped for other favorites or seasonal stand-ins. (This burger is also an excellent base for a chili burger.)
Additionally, this recipe is meal prep-friendly, making it ideal for batch cooking. You can whip up a large batch of these flavorful patties in advance, store them in the fridge or freezer, and simply reheat them when you’re ready to eat. Perfect for busy weeknights or Fall gatherings.
What You Need To Make White Bean & Quinoa Caramelized Onion Burgers
To create these delicious burgers, you’ll need a handful of simple, yet flavorful ingredients:
- Olive Oil: The perfect oil for caramelizing the onions to create that perfect golden-brown color.
- Yellow Onions: As the star of the dish, caramelized yellow onions bring sweetness and depth of flavor to the burgers, complementing the other savory elements of the burger.
- Great Northern White Beans: These beans add not only protein but also a creamy texture to the burger mixture. Their mild flavor allows the other ingredients to shine while adding lots of protein power to the burger base.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
- Steak Seasoning: This blend of spices infuses the patties with savory goodness, delivering that umami flavor often associated with traditional meat burgers. It’s the secret ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the overall taste.
- Cooked Quinoa: Quinoa provides a hearty texture and extra protein, making these burgers not only filling but also extra nutritious. Also, its nutty flavor complements the other ingredients.
- All-Purpose, Oat, or Gluten-Free Flour: This is the binder to hold the patties together.
- Vegan Burger Buns: The perfect vessel for your delicious patties. If you can find them, vegan brioche buns taste incredible around these burger patties.
- Vegan Mayo: This creamy addition that adds flavor to each bite. If you can find garlic mayo, even better!
- Pickle Slices & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These toppings bring tang and additional layers of flavor to the burger, as well as crunch and texture. This is my go-to pickle.
- Arugula: Adding a fresh and peppery bite and a pot of color to the burger, it’s a vibrant, and unexpected option for topping a traditional burger.
How To Make White Bean & Quinoa Caramelized Onion Burgers
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F.
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and let them caramelize for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once they turn a deep golden brown, remove half of the onions and set them aside for later—you’ll use these as a topping.
- Prepare the Burger Mixture: To the remaining onions in the skillet, add the drained white beans, lemon juice, and steak seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined and the mixture is heated through, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Pulse the Mixture: In a food processor, add the cooked quinoa and the bean-onion mixture. Pulse a few times until the beans are broken down but still retain some texture—you’re aiming for a chunky, hearty consistency.
- Incorporate the Flour: Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl, sprinkle the flour (all-purpose, oat, or gluten-free) over the top, and mash it all together with a fork. The flour helps bind the patties, so mix well until fully incorporated. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to firm up.
- Form the Patties: Shape the mixture into 6 equal-sized burger patties. Place them on a parchment-lined sheet pan to prevent sticking.
- Bake the Patties: Bake the patties in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Flip them over and bake for another 10 minutes, until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Assemble the Burgers: While the patties are baking, toast your burger buns and spread them generously with vegan mayo. Once the patties are done, assemble the burgers with the suggested toppings: tangy pickles, sun-dried tomatoes, peppery arugula, the reserved caramelized onions, as well as any other favorites.
Recipe Tips
Meal Prep:
Make the burger patties in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 5 months; just reheat in the oven or skillet before serving.
Storage:
Keep leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet or bake in the oven until heated through.
Adapting for Non-Vegans:
For those in mixed-diet families, swap out the veggie burger for a beef, chicken, or turkey burger and serve the same toppings for a delicious option that everyone can enjoy.
What To Serve With White Bean & Caramelized Onion Burgers
Here are a few ideas to round out your burger night:
- Sweet Potato Fries: A healthier twist on classic fries, these crispy, oven-baked sweet potato fries add a touch of natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the burger. They’re also perfect for dipping into your favorite sauce.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy and refreshing coleslaw is a great way to balance out the richness of the caramelized onions and beans in the burger. Choose a tangy, vinegar-based slaw or a creamy version depending on your preference.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: For a fall-inspired side, try serving these burgers with crispy roasted Brussels sprouts. Their slightly bitter, caramelized flavor contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the onions.
- Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad with a lemony vinaigrette, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes adds a refreshing element to the meal. It’s a great make-ahead option that can be tailored to your family’s preferences.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bean?
Are these burgers gluten-free?
Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
How can I make these burgers spicier?
White Bean & Quinoa Caramelized Onion Burgers
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These easy-to-make, plant-based White Bean & Quinoa Caramelized Onion Burgers are packed with protein and layered with savory goodness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, and hearty enough to handle your favorite Fall chili and sauces.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 yellow onions, sliced into half moons
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 15 oz can Great Northern white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tsp steak seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose, oat or gluten-free flour
- 6 vegan burger buns
- 1/2 cup vegan mayo
- 1/2 cup pickle slices
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup arugula
Instructions
- Prep the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Caramelize the onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the onions. Season with salt and pepper. Caramelize the onions over medium heat for about 25 minutes. Set half of the onions aside. Add the white beans, lemon juice and steak seasoning. Mix the ingredients well until cooked through.
- Make the burger patties: In a food processor, add the quinoa, and bean mixture. Pulse until the beans are broken down but there is still texture.
- Bind the burger patties: Add the mixture to a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with the flour. Mash it with a fork until the flour is incorporated. Cover and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Bake the burgers: Shape the mixture into 6 patties and place on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes. Flip and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Toast the buns and spread with the garlic aioli. Top with a burger, pickle slices, sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, and arugula. Place a bun on top and enjoy!
Notes
- Spoiler Alert: White Bean & Quinoa Burger patties can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or up to 5 months in the freezer.
- For non-vegans: Swap the veggie burger with a beef, chicken or turkey burger.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American