10 Plant-Based Lentil Patty Recipes for Hearty Meals
Lentil burgers offer the perfect solution when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying without the meat. These protein-packed patties deliver amazing flavors and textures that’ll make everyone at your table happy.
From spicy jalapeño kicks to Mediterranean-inspired creations, these recipes prove that plant-based eating can be incredibly delicious and filling.
01. Classic Lentil Patties
Hearty lentil patties made with wholesome ingredients and savory seasonings. These versatile patties work perfectly in sandwiches or chopped over fresh salads.
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked brown lentils, ½ cup wheat cereal (crushed), 1 packet dry onion soup mix, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons olive oil, ¼ cup breadcrumbs, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Classic Lentil Patties
1. Mash the cooked lentils in a large bowl until mostly smooth, leaving some texture for the best bite. You want about three-quarters of the lentils broken down while keeping some whole pieces for interesting texture.
2. Mix in the crushed wheat cereal and onion soup mix, stirring until evenly distributed. The cereal adds great binding power and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the lentils perfectly.
3. Beat the egg and fold it into the mixture along with breadcrumbs. If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs one tablespoon at a time until you can form firm patties.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Form the mixture into 4-6 patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
02. Hearty Green Lentil Burgers
Green lentils create the perfect chewy texture for these satisfying meatless burgers. A touch of molasses adds unexpected sweetness that balances the savory seasonings beautifully.
Ingredients: 1½ cups cooked green lentils, 1 medium onion (diced), 2 teaspoons fresh ginger (minced), 2 tablespoons molasses, ½ cup rolled oats, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Hearty Green Lentil Burgers
1. Sauté the diced onion in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Pulse the cooked green lentils in a food processor until roughly chopped, maintaining some texture. You want them broken down but not completely smooth for the best burger consistency.
3. Combine the lentils with sautéed onion mixture, molasses, oats, egg, and seasonings in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly and let stand for 10 minutes to allow oats to absorb moisture.
4. Form into 4-5 patties and cook in remaining oil over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side until deeply golden and heated through.
03. Spiced Red Lentil Patties
Heavily spiced red lentil burgers packed with warm cumin and aromatic seasonings. The cooling lemon yogurt topping provides the perfect contrast to these boldly flavored patties.
Ingredients: 1 cup red lentils (cooked and drained), 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ cup flour, 1 egg, ½ cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt to taste.
How To Make Spiced Red Lentil Patties
1. Cook red lentils until just tender but not mushy, about 12-15 minutes. Drain thoroughly and let cool slightly. Red lentils break down easily, so watch them carefully to maintain some texture.
2. Mix the cooked lentils with cumin, paprika, cayenne, and salt in a large bowl. The spices should coat every lentil for maximum flavor impact throughout each bite.
3. Stir in flour and beaten egg until the mixture holds together when pressed. If it’s too wet, add flour one tablespoon at a time until you can form stable patties.
4. Make the yogurt topping by whisking Greek yogurt with lemon juice and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
5. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side until crispy and golden. Serve immediately with the lemon yogurt drizzled on top.
04. Mushroom Lentil Burgers
Earthy mushrooms and lentils create an incredibly satisfying burger with rich, meaty flavors. The combination delivers that hearty taste you’re craving in every single bite.
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked brown lentils, 8 oz mushrooms (finely chopped), 1 medium onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons steak sauce, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Mushroom Lentil Burgers
1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chopped mushrooms until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. This concentrates their flavor beautifully.
2. Add diced onion and garlic to the mushrooms, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper while cooking.
3. Mash the lentils in a large bowl, leaving some chunks for texture. Mix in the mushroom mixture, breadcrumbs, and beaten egg until well combined and the mixture holds together.
4. Form into 4-5 patties and cook in remaining oil for 5-6 minutes per side until crispy and heated through.
5. Mix steak sauce with mayonnaise for a special burger spread that adds extra savory depth to each bite.
05. Italian-Style Lentil Burgers
Garlic and mozzarella cheese transform these lentil patties into Italian-inspired perfection. They’re absolutely begging to be served with warm marinara sauce on toasted buns.
Ingredients: 1½ cups cooked brown lentils, 4 cloves garlic (minced), ¾ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded), ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, marinara sauce for serving.
How To Make Italian-Style Lentil Burgers
1. Mash the cooked lentils in a large bowl until mostly smooth, keeping some texture for the best bite. The mixture should hold together but not be completely pureed.
2. Stir in minced garlic, both cheeses, and Italian seasoning, mixing until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the lentil mixture. The cheese will help bind everything together.
3. Add the beaten egg and breadcrumbs, mixing gently until just combined. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb moisture.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Form the mixture into 4-5 patties and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
5. Serve immediately on toasted buns with warm marinara sauce spooned generously over each patty for that authentic Italian flavor experience.
06. Mediterranean Lentil Patties
Tahini, fresh parsley, and bright lemon juice infuse these patties with authentic Mediterranean flavors. These crispy patties make an excellent burger substitute with incredible taste and texture.
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked brown lentils, 3 tablespoons tahini, ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped), 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 cloves garlic (minced), ¼ cup flour, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Mediterranean Lentil Patties
1. Pulse cooked lentils in a food processor until roughly chopped, maintaining some texture. You want them broken down but not completely smooth for the perfect patty consistency.
2. Mix the lentils with tahini, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a large bowl. The tahini adds richness while the herbs brighten every bite beautifully.
3. Stir in flour, beaten egg, cumin, salt, and pepper until the mixture holds together when pressed. If it seems too wet, add more flour one tablespoon at a time.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Form into 4-5 patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy on the outside.
5. Serve in warm pita bread with fresh lettuce, tomato, and cucumber for an authentic Mediterranean meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
07. Perfect Red Lentil Burgers
Red lentils cooked just right and combined with flour and spices create surprisingly excellent meatless burgers. Even the pickiest eaters will be impressed with these flavorful patties.
Ingredients: 1 cup red lentils, ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, 1 medium onion (finely diced), 2 teaspoons curry powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper.
How To Make Perfect Red Lentil Burgers
1. Cook red lentils in boiling salted water for 10-12 minutes until tender but not mushy. They should hold their shape while being soft enough to mash slightly. Drain thoroughly and let cool.
2. Sauté the diced onion in 1 tablespoon oil until soft and golden, about 6-7 minutes. This adds sweetness and depth to the final burgers.
3. Mash half of the cooked lentils in a large bowl, leaving the rest whole for texture. Mix in the sautéed onion, flour, curry powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Beat the egg and fold it into the lentil mixture until everything binds together. The mixture should hold its shape when formed into patties.
5. Heat remaining oil in a skillet over medium heat. Form into 4-5 patties and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until deeply golden and crispy on both sides.
08. Versatile Italian Vegetarian Patties
These adaptable lentil patties work perfectly as burgers, meatballs, or standalone snacks. The Italian seasoning and cheese create incredible flavor that works in countless ways.
Ingredients: 1½ cups cooked green lentils, ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), ¼ cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 small onion (finely diced), salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Versatile Italian Vegetarian Patties
1. Sauté the diced onion in 1 tablespoon olive oil until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant throughout.
2. Mash the lentils in a large bowl until mostly smooth, keeping some texture for the best bite. Mix in the sautéed onion and garlic mixture while still warm.
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The cheese adds great binding power and amazing flavor to every bite.
4. Beat the egg and fold it into the mixture until everything holds together well. Let rest for 5 minutes to allow breadcrumbs to absorb moisture.
5. Heat remaining oil in a skillet and form mixture into patties. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through completely.
6. For meatballs, roll into 1-inch balls and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking time.
09. Jalapeño Lentil Burgers
Half a jalapeño creates the perfect amount of heat in these spicy lentil patties. Grated carrot adds natural sweetness while onions and garlic provide savory depth.
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked brown lentils, ½ jalapeño pepper (seeded and minced), 1 medium carrot (finely grated), 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), ¼ cup flour, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Jalapeño Lentil Burgers
1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until soft, about 5 minutes, then add garlic and minced jalapeño, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Mash the cooked lentils in a large bowl, leaving some chunks for texture. The mixture should be mostly smooth but with some whole lentils remaining for the best bite.
3. Mix in the sautéed vegetables and grated carrot, stirring until evenly distributed. The carrot adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that balances the jalapeño heat perfectly.
4. Add flour, beaten egg, salt, and pepper, mixing until the mixture holds together when pressed. If it’s too wet, add more flour one tablespoon at a time.
5. Heat remaining oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Form into 4-5 patties and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
10. Sweet Potato Lentil Patties
Red lentils, sweet potatoes, and broccoli pack these healthy patties with vegetables and nutrients. Shredded cheese and bold seasonings make them taste absolutely decadent despite being so wholesome.
Ingredients: ¾ cup red lentils, 1 large sweet potato (peeled and cubed), 2 cups broccoli florets, ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded), ¼ cup flour, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Sweet Potato Lentil Patties
1. Cook red lentils in boiling water for 12-15 minutes until tender. In a separate pot, steam sweet potato cubes and broccoli florets until very soft, about 15 minutes.
2. Drain the lentils thoroughly and mash them in a large bowl. Mash the steamed sweet potato and broccoli until mostly smooth, leaving some small pieces for texture.
3. Combine the mashed lentils with the sweet potato mixture, stirring until well blended. The sweet potato adds natural sweetness and helps bind everything together beautifully.
4. Mix in shredded cheese, flour, beaten egg, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The mixture should hold together when pressed but not be too wet.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Form into 5-6 patties and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through completely.
6. These patties are delicious served immediately while the cheese is still melty, or they can be stored in the refrigerator for quick meals later.
Final Thoughts
These lentil burger recipes prove that plant-based meals can be incredibly satisfying and full of amazing flavors. Each recipe offers something different, from spicy jalapeño kicks to Mediterranean-inspired combinations.
Try experimenting with your favorite seasonings and toppings to make these recipes your own. Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious homemade lentil burgers!
