If you’ve been searching for the ultimate homemade veggie burger, allow me to introduce you to Mushroom Lentil Burgers. These earthy, hearty patties bring together savory mushrooms, creamy lentils, and aromatic spices for a fast, flavorful meal that’ll have even meat-lovers reaching for seconds. Whether you’re a longtime vegetarian or just looking to try something new, these burgers impress with their rich umami depth, perfect texture, and endless ways to customize.

Mushroom Lentil Burgers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, fresh, and pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create big flavor in every bite. Each component in these Mushroom Lentil Burgers serves a purpose, from building texture to amping up deliciousness—so don’t skip a thing!

Olive oil: Adds richness to the veggie base and prevents sticking while cooking.
Small onion, finely chopped: Brings savory sweetness and helps bind the mixture.
Garlic, minced: Delivers that addictively aromatic backbone every good burger needs.
Mushrooms (cremini or button), chopped: Star ingredient for juicy texture and deep flavor.
Soy sauce: Enhances umami and gives the burgers a satisfying, almost meaty savoriness.
Dried thyme: Adds earthy, herbal notes that complement mushrooms beautifully.
Smoked paprika: Infuses gentle smokiness and gorgeous reddish hue.
Black pepper: Gives just the right touch of warmth.
Salt: Makes all the other flavors shine.
Cooked brown or green lentils: Provides protein, fiber, and that all-important burger bite.
Rolled oats: Helps bind everything while adding a subtle chew.
Breadcrumbs: Lightens the patty and helps it stay together.
Tomato paste: Lends a hint of tang and richness to deepen the taste.
Egg (or flax egg for vegan): Essential for binding; flax egg keeps it vegan and adds omega-3s.
Olive oil for cooking: Ensures golden, crispy edges on your finished Mushroom Lentil Burgers.

How to Make Mushroom Lentil Burgers

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics and Mushrooms

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your finely chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until it’s translucent and soft, filling your kitchen with that cozy, sweet aroma. Stir in garlic and let it bloom for just 30 seconds, then add the chopped mushrooms. Let these cook down, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid has evaporated—about 7–9 minutes. Once your mushrooms are golden and concentrated in flavor, stir in the soy sauce, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let this mixture cool down a bit so it doesn’t make your patties too soft later on.

Step 2: Pulse the Base

While the mushrooms are cooling, grab your food processor and pulse the rolled oats until they’re coarse and textured—not flour, just broken up. Now add the cooked lentils, mushroom-onion mixture, tomato paste, breadcrumbs, and your egg or flax egg. Pulse a few times—just enough to bring it all together. You want the mixture to hold its shape but still be a little chunky for perfect bite and texture; overprocessing will make it mushy.

Step 3: Shape and Rest the Patties

Scrape your burger mixture into a bowl and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This gives the oats and breadcrumbs a chance to absorb moisture, making the patties much easier to form and less likely to fall apart. When you’re ready, gently divide and shape the mix into 4–5 burger patties. They should feel sturdy but still pliable in your hands.

Step 4: Pan-Fry to Perfection

Heat a skillet with a slick of olive oil over medium. Once hot, lay your Mushroom Lentil Burgers in the pan and cook for 4–5 minutes per side. You’re looking for that irresistible golden crust and enough firmness to hold up to all your favorite toppings. Flip gently, cook thoroughly, and take a moment to admire that homemade burger magic.

How to Serve Mushroom Lentil Burgers

Garnishes

The right toppings can take Mushroom Lentil Burgers from delicious to unforgettable. Try classic lettuce, juicy tomato, and red onion, or go bold with creamy avocado, crunchy pickles, or tangy vegan mayo. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a handful of crisp sprouts to add even more freshness and crunch.

Side Dishes

A great burger deserves equally tempting sides! Serve your Mushroom Lentil Burgers with sweet potato fries, roasted potato wedges, a lively slaw, or a crisp green salad. For summer gatherings, pair them with grilled corn on the cob and lemonade or iced tea—you can’t go wrong.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the bun and try Mushroom Lentil Burgers crumbled over salads as a protein topper, sliced atop a grain bowl, or even as a filling for pita bread wraps. You can even serve them plain with a drizzle of tahini sauce and a sprinkle of seeds for a light and nourishing meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cooked Mushroom Lentil Burgers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and you’ll have lunch or dinner ready in a flash.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, these patties freeze like a dream—either cooked or uncooked. Place the uncooked patties on a lined tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between each burger. They’ll keep for up to three months and are perfect for last-minute meals.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat chilled or frozen Mushroom Lentil Burgers in a skillet with a touch of oil over medium heat until warmed through and crisp on the edges. You can also microwave them, but a quick pan-sear really brings back that freshly-cooked goodness.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! Simply bake your patties at 375°F (190°C) on a lined baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll turn out golden and delicious, with a slightly firmer texture than pan-fried.

What type Main Course

Cremini and button mushrooms are both excellent choices—they provide great flavor, cook down beautifully, and are easy to find. You can experiment with other varieties for deeper flavor, but avoid mushrooms with very high moisture content.

Are the Mushroom Lentil Burgers gluten-free?

To make these gluten-free, just swap in certified gluten-free oats and breadcrumbs. Be sure to check your soy sauce as well; you can substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.

Can I make the mixture ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare the mixture up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply shape the patties and proceed as usual—easy meal prep at its best.

How do I keep the burgers from falling apart?

Letting the mixture rest before forming patties and ensuring you have a good binder (egg or flax egg) is key. If your mix feels too wet, add a spoonful of breadcrumbs; if it’s too dry, a splash of water or an extra bit of tomato paste will help.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the bold, comforting flavors and satisfying texture of Mushroom Lentil Burgers. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight family dinner or showing off at your next cookout, these burgers are sure to win hearts—and taste buds! Give them a spot in your regular meal rotation and watch them disappear faster than you can say, “Seconds, please!”

Mushroom Lentil Burgers Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4–5 burgers 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Mushroom Lentil Burgers are a delicious vegetarian option packed with savory flavors and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a meatless meal, these burgers are easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz mushrooms (cremini or button), finely chopped
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups cooked brown or green lentils (drained and cooled)
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 egg (or flax egg for vegan: 1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water)
olive oil for cooking

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté the onion until softened, then add garlic.
Cook Mushrooms: Add mushrooms and cook until moisture evaporates. Stir in soy sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Prepare Burger Mix: Pulse oats in a food processor, then add lentils, mushroom mixture, tomato paste, breadcrumbs, and egg. Pulse until chunky.
Form Patties and Cook: Shape the mixture into patties, then cook in a skillet until golden brown and firm.
Serve: Serve on buns with desired toppings.