There’s one thing that truly sets veggie burgers apart from regular beef burgers, and that’s the ability to customize them with such a wide range of ingredients. These red bean veggie burgers are just one example. They are made with a blend of fresh vegetables, red beans, and oat bran for a delicious, nutritious, Creole-style take on bean burgers.

Dairy-Free Red Bean Veggie Burgers or Sliders
Many years ago, a wonderful vegan chef named Jason Wyrick produced a vegan magazine for free. He wanted to share his vegan recipes with as many people as possible. Chef Jason is still cooking, but he now runs a vegan meal service in the Phoenix area. Fortunately, we still have many of his recipes, like these red bean veggie burgers. I’ve recently updated the recipe and have added more ingredient and nutrition information.
Benefits of these Red Bean Veggie Burgers
- Easy to Make: This really is a blend, shape, and cook recipe. Minimal prep work is needed.
- Simply Tasty: You’ll enjoy the mild, fresh flavor of these patties, that can easily be spiced up, if you desire.
- High in Antioxidants: The beans and vegetables are rich sources of vitamins and minerals.
- Low Fat: The only notable fat is the oil or spray you opt to cook them in.
- Allergy-Friendly: These can be made without any top allergens!
- High in Fiber & Protein: Ordinary burgers might have protein covered, but these patties are also naturally high in fiber.
What are Red Beans?
Small red beans are different from larger kidney beans, and are used frequently in Creole cuisine, like red beans and rice. They’re firmer than kidney beans, a bit like black beans, but they have a milder, gently sweet flavor.
Ingredient FAQs
- Celery: What can I substitute for the celery? If you really aren’t a fan of celery or don’t have any on hand, you can simply increase the bell pepper.
- Onion: Can I use a different type of onion? Red onions have a distinctive flavor, but in a pinch, you can use yellow or white onion.
- Bell Pepper: What type of bell pepper should I use? I’d use green bell pepper or red bell pepper, but any color should work fine.
- Beans: Can I substitute kidney beans or black beans? In theory, you can substitute any type of beans. But Jason created this recipe specifically with red beans in mind for their uniquely southern flavor.
- Beans: How many cups of cooked beans do I need? If you’re using freshly cooked beans or a larger can, you’ll want about 2 cups of beans for this recipe.
- Salt: How much salt should I use? This really depends on the saltiness of your beans. Jason merely says to salt to taste. We added 1/4 teaspoon as an initial guideline, but you might need more. You can always add the salt to taste after you’ve mixed in the oat bran.
- Oat Bran: Can I use wheat bran or oat flour instead? Wheat bran will work fine. I don’t recommend using any type of flour as it will dry out the veggie burger mixture. But you might be able to use quick oats in a pinch! We haven’t tested this option.

Special Diet Notes: Red Bean Veggie Burgers
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, plant-based, and vegetarian.
For gluten-free red bean veggie burgers, be sure to choose a certified gluten-free oat bran, and use gluten-free buns.

Red Bean Veggie Burgers
Ingredients
Method
- Place the celery, bell pepper, onion, and garlic in a food processor and pulse until smooth.
- Add the beans, salt, pepper, and thyme. Process again until smooth.
- Scrape the mixture into a bowl. Add the oat bran and stir or mix to combine.
- Shape the mixture into large walnut-sized balls for sliders.
- Flatten each ball slightly with your hands to create thick patties.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, spray it with cooking spray or drizzle with oil and place your sliders in the pan. You will probably need to cook them in batches. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until browned.
- Prepare your buns and top with a red bean veggie patty. See recommended toppings below.
Nutrition
Notes
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Side Dish Suggestions
- Cajun Fries
- Creamy Cajun Coleslaw
- Lemon Broccoli
- Creole Quinoa Salad
- Vegan Collard Greens
- Mustard Potato Salad
Make Ahead
- Time: You can prepare the patties a day ahead. They can also be shaped and frozen if you don’t want to make them all right away.
- Tips: Separate the patties with parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent sticking.
Storage
- Store: Once cooked, the red bean veggie burger patties will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be frozen for longer storage.
- Defrost or Reheat: From fresh or frozen, you can reheat the patties in a skillet for a few minutes per side.
Troubleshooting
- Burgers are too dry: The moisture in these veggie burgers is primarily from the veggies and beans. Some people opt to add an egg, but you can stir a little vegan mayo to increase the moisture. Another option is to increase the veggies. For an on-the-fly solution, use a little more oil in the pan when cooking.
- Taste is too bland: Add more salt and pepper! Remember to season to taste. You can also add a little dairy-free Cajun spice if you want to heat things up.
