These hearty Mexican Quinoa Burgers are a flavor-packed, meatless option that you are going to love! Made with protein-rich quinoa, black beans, and bold Southwestern spices, they’re crisp on the outside and tender and flavor-packed on the inside. Serve them on your favorite bun (I recommend homemade burger buns) with avocado, salsa, or a dollop of chipotle mayo for a vibrant, wholesome meal that's anything but boring.
Quinoa burgers are one of those things I come back to again and again when I want something satisfying, nourishing, and packed with flavor—without reaching for meat. In my kitchen, these Mexican Quinoa Burgers are a total win. When I tested this recipe, I was looking for something with bold spices, great texture, and plenty of room for fun toppings—and this version delivers!
The flavors are vibrant and fresh, and they pair beautifully with Avocado Cream or a spoonful of Homemade Chipotle Salsa. Want to take things over the top? Serve your burgers with a side of Jalapeño Coleslaw for the ultimate flavor-packed plate.
This is my version of meatless comfort food—simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Wendy's Tips & Tricks
Properly Cook and Cool Quinoa: Make sure that your quinoa is cooked until tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Allow it to cool completely (I like to do this on a parchment-lined baking sheet) before additing it the burger mixture to prevent excess moisture, which can lead to patties that don't hold their shape.
Mash Some of the Beans: Processing a portion of the black beans helps the texture and ensures the burgers hold together during cooking.
Chill the Patties: After forming the patties, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. Like mashing the beans, this keeps them from being crumbly when you are cooking.
Customize Your Toppings: Don't skip toppings just because it is a veggie burger! Try adding toppings like sliced avocado, fresh salsa, or a dollop of chipotle mayo.
Make Breadcrumbs for Gluten Free Quinoa Burgers
I made these with gluten free breadcrumbs. For those of you who are gluten free and don't want to spring for the boxed gluten free breadcrumbs (I don't) you can easily make your own.
Just take a few slices of gluten free bread and process them in a food processor until crumbs form. Add a few tablespoons of olive oil and process again. Heat a skillet to medium high and add the crumbs. (They should sizzle.)
Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often. Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 8 minutes. I keep a bag in the freezer all the time!
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Mexican Quinoa Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 green or red pepper chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups cooked black beans drained and rinsed (1 can)
- 1 ½ cups cooked quinoa
- ½ cup cheddar or pepper jack cheese OR Daiya shreds
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons salsa
- 2 large eggs or flax eggs beaten
- 1 cup plain or gluten free breadcrumbs
- Coconut Oil for cooking
- For serving: salsa avocado, lettuce
Instructions
- If using flax eggs, combine 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds with 6 tablespoons warm water. Stir well and set aside. (Skip this step if you are using eggs.)
- Spray a medium pan with olive oil and heat to medium. Add onion and pepper and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until tender. Add garlic and cook for one more minute. Remove from heat and place in a large bowl.
- In the bowl of a food processor, combine ¾ cup of the beans and ¾ cup of quinoa. Process until well blended.
- Add to the bowl with the onion mixture and stir in remaining beans and quinoa, cheese, taco seasoning, paprika and salsa. Mix until combined and add in (flax) eggs and breadcrumbs.
- Mix well and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Form into patties and place the patties in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. (optional - this helps them hold together better)
- Heat oil to medium and cook until browned, flipping once.
Nikki Arnold says
I love quinoa burgers!! So healthy and full of protein. Normally when there is a vegetarian option that's just as filling I try that out!
Kecia says
I haven't cooked much with quinoa, but these burgers look just as good as the real thing. I may give them a try!
Brittany Muddamalle says
Oh wow! My mouth is watering just looking at this! I just started using quinoa all the time, but I never thought about this!
Debra Hawkins says
I am going to have to try these ASAP. It is so hard to find things that are gluten free and delicious!
Heather Garcia says
I love meat free options and these look awesome! This could be a great thing for me to take to lunch as well. Thanks for the info!
Jessica says
Yum! These look amazing, and then you went and put that avocado on top and that won me over 100%! Thanks for yet another amazing recipe!!!
Taylor Smith says
This looks great. My husband and I are big fans of quinoa, so we will definitely be trying this in the future. Healthy and delicious!
Amber Nelson says
Those look really good. I would love to make these. I love mexican food!
Stephanie Lee says
oh my gosh YUM. I love quinoa and avocados and everything about this recipe. I never thought about making this before as a gluten free, but it's a great idea for when my gluten free parents come to visit.
Chrissy Hme says
These look amazing! I can't wait to try them because we love all of these flavors.
Krystal says
I've never made quinoa burgers, but you make it look SO delicious! I am loving the toppings on this one too.
Kathleen says
Can you bake instead of on stovetop?
Wendy Polisi says
Yes, I am sure you could. I would try it at 425 degrees.