These easy kidney bean burgers are a total weeknight winner — packed with plant-based protein, full of flavour, and super budget-friendly. Whether you’re trying to eat more meat-free meals, looking for a healthy veggie burger the kids will actually eat, or just want something tasty to batch-cook and freeze, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Made with simple ingredients like kidney beans, quinoa, and breadcrumbs, these burgers are naturally high in fibre, great for digestion, and surprisingly satisfying.
They hold their shape really well and can be pan-fried or baked depending on your mood (or how many dishes you feel like washing!). I love serving them in wholemeal pittas with some avocado and salad, but they’re just as good with mash and peas for a toddler-friendly dinner. Plus, they freeze beautifully — perfect for busy parents or anyone who loves a good meal prep win.
If you’ve been searching for a healthy kidney bean burger recipe, a homemade veggie burger that doesn’t fall apart, or a kid-friendly vegetarian dinner idea, you’re in the right place. This is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to!
Super Easy Kidney Bean Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup cooked kidney beans
- 3/4 cup quinoa cooked
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 white onion finely diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil can sub for 1 egg for binding
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa if you haven’t already. Let it cool slightly. If you're stuck for time, use a microwave quinoa packet that's already cooked and just needs to be reheated.
- Mash the kidney beans in a large mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher until mostly broken down, leaving a few chunks for texture.
- Add in the cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, tomato paste, diced onion, and olive oil (or egg). Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky and easy to shape — if it feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs.
- Form into 4 burger patties, depending on your preferred size.
- Pan-fry: Heat a little oil in a frying pan over medium heat and cook the patties for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and firm. You can also choose to Bake the patties by placing them on a baking tray lined with parchment and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve hot in wraps, pitta, burger buns, or in a buddha bowl!
Notes
Storing Tip:
Let the cooked burgers cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the oven or pan as needed. Great for batch-cooking!Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below 🙂
If I could give this ten stars I would. So delicious, so tender! Will definitely add this to my recipe book.
Thanks so much for making this recipe!