Heart Healthy Veggie Burger

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 10/27/2025
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Vegetarian
Heart Healthy Veggie Burger
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

This truly healthy veggie burger delivers incredible flavor. Built on a base of fiber-rich black beans, this easy, heart-healthy recipe is seasoned perfectly for a satisfying bite. It's a simple, delicious way to enjoy a classic meal while sticking to your health goals.

Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
6
Calories
300

What Makes These Heart Healthy Veggie Burgers Healthy

These veggie burgers are a smart choice for heart health because they use whole-food ingredients like black beans, which provide excellent plant-based protein and dietary fiber. They are significantly lower in saturated fat and sodium than traditional beef burgers, and the simple stovetop cooking method avoids deep-frying, keeping unnecessary fats to a minimum.

Key Health Highlights

  • High in Fiber: Each burger provides 6 grams of dietary fiber, supporting digestive health and fullness.
  • Lower Sodium: At 309 mg of sodium, it's lower salt than typical burgers, and a mindful choice for a heart-healthy eating plan.
  • Good Protein Source: Delivers 13 grams of protein primarily from plant-based black beans.
  • Whole Grains: Made with whole wheat buns for added fiber and complex carbohydrates.

FAQs About Heart Healthy Veggie Burgers

Yes, homemade veggie burgers like this one can be very healthy. They are made with fiber-rich black beans, contain less saturated fat and sodium than many beef burgers, and provide a good source of plant-based protein. The key is using whole-food ingredients.

These burgers pair wonderfully with classic sides like a fresh green salad, sweet potato fries, or grilled corn on the cob. For extra flavor, top them with avocado, lettuce, tomato, and red onion.

Absolutely. You can prepare the patties and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days before cooking. This makes them a great option for quick weeknight meals.

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Plant-Forward Favorites

From another delicious take on the classic bean burger to satisfying soup, these recipes will inspire you to incorporate healthy beans and lentils into your diet. And check out our tasty turkey burgers if you're looking for a lean meat option.

Perfect Pairings & Sides

Healthy Sides for Your Burger

Try these recipes for classic cookout sides that taste fantastic and support your heart health too.

Ingredients

Recipe yields 6 servings

Helpful How-To Video

Directions

  1. Step 1

    In a food processor, combine the oil, garlic and beans; pulse 8 times or until beans make a thick paste. In a large bowl, combine bean mixture and bread crumbs. Stir in lime zest, chili powder, cilantro, salt and eggs. With moistened hands, divide bean mixture into 6 patties (about 1/3 cup each).

  2. Step 2

    Lightly coat a large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat to medium high. Add patties to pan; reduce heat to medium and cook for about 3 minutes, or until bottom edges are browned. Turn patties over; cook for 3 minutes, or until bottom edges are brown.

  3. Step 3

    Arrange the patties on the buns and top with the avocado, lettuce, tomato and red onion, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1 burger

300
Calories
8
g
Fat
62
mg
Cholesterol
309
mg
Sodium
41
g
Carbs
1
g
Sat. Fat
6
g
Fiber
13
g
Protein

Alternative Cooking Methods

  • To Bake in the Oven: Place patties on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until firm and lightly browned.
  • To Air Fry: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Cook the patties at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping once, until heated through and crispy on the outside.

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Serving Ideas: For a lower-carb option, serve the burger patty over a salad or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves instead of a bun.
  • Storage: Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat patties in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or in an oven or air fryer until warmed through to restore their texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Simply swap the panko bread crumbs for gluten-free panko and use your favorite gluten-free burger buns.

You can replace the two large eggs with two “flax eggs.” To make them, mix 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken.

Feel free to pulse in 1/4 cup of finely chopped mushrooms, corn, or bell peppers with the black beans for extra nutrients and texture.

For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely minced jalapeño to the bean mixture.

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