Vegetarian Smashed Burger
Craving a satisfying, plant-based twist on a classic? This Vegetarian Smashed Burger is the perfect blend of hearty, flavorful, and wholesome ingredients packed into one delicious bite. Made with protein-rich chickpeas, roasted portobello mushrooms, red bell peppers, and a fragrant mix of spices like cumin and smoked paprika, each patty is pan-seared to golden perfection for that irresistible crispy edge. Topped with fresh lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and your choice of creamy mayo or vegan mayo, this veggie burger delivers both comfort and bold flavor in every layer. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is a quick and delicious meat-free meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or backyard cookouts. Plus, it’s entirely customizable with cheese or your favorite toppings!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup portobello mushrooms, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 pieces burger buns
- 4 pieces lettuce leaves
- 1 piece ripe tomato, sliced
- 4 pieces cheese slice (optional)
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise or vegan mayo
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
On a baking sheet, spread the chopped mushrooms, red bell pepper, and red onion. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and roast for 10-12 minutes until softened.
Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, mash the chickpeas using a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth.
Add the roasted vegetables, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, flour, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the mashed chickpeas.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined and form a cohesive mixture.
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a ball, then flatten it gently to form patties about 1/2 inch thick.
Heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
Cook each patty for about 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down slightly with a spatula to achieve that classic "smashed" effect, until golden brown and crispy.
Toast the burger buns lightly in the same skillet or in a toaster.
Assemble the burgers by spreading a tablespoon of mayonnaise on each bottom bun, followed by a lettuce leaf, a veggie patty, a slice of tomato, and a slice of cheese if desired.
Place the top bun on and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2494 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 121.3 g | 156% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.5 g | 178% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 135 mg | 45% | |
| Sodium | 5089 mg | 221% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 266.6 g | 97% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 38.2 g | 136% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.0 g | ||
| Protein | 87.2 g | 174% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 1222 mg | 94% | |
| Iron | 22.3 mg | 124% | |
| Potassium | 2757 mg | 59% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
