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Butter Bean Burgers are a healthy vegetarian alternative to traditional meaty burgers. They’re healthy, and the taste might even surprise you!
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Butter Beans
I’m going to, to be honest with you, I do not like lima beans or anything that resembles a lima bean. There, I’ve said it. In all fairness, I know they’re good for you. (Notice, I said you, not me! Haha!) I just have a hard time eating them, and the only time I sort of willingly eat them is if they’re in mixed veggies. Even then, I try my hardest to put them on my kid’s plates – that way, I don’t have to eat them.
When I saw this recipe for Butter Bean Burgers, I wasn’t sure what to think! When I read the reviews, though, people seemed to like it. We needed some new stuff for our Meatless Monday, and I decided to put on my big girl panties and be a good sport …
And y’all, these are amazing! Bean burgers are such a treat! They’re even pretty kid-friendly. When my youngest son was three years old, I told him he was eating a “Krabby Patty” and he ate the whole thing! I couldn’t believe it. My whole family liked them, including me!
The idea of a meat-free burger is always interesting … and, as it turns out, super tasty! I hope you enjoy these Butter Bean Burgers!
Recipe for Butter Beans: Ingredients & Equipment
For these Butter Bean Burgers, you’ll need …
Ingredients
- butter beans – drained. You can also find them under the name “Baby Lima Beans” in many stores.
- onion – quartered. Adds to the flavor!
- jalapeno – halved, with seeds/membranes removed. You can also replace it with normal green peppers for a lighter spice, or omit them completely if you’re not into heat!
- cornflakes, egg – these hold your bean burger patties together.
- shredded cheddar cheese – feta and mixed Italian cheeses are also tasty with this recipe. And of course, vegan cheese substitutes work just as well!!
- garlic – minced. Another yummy addition that adds to the overall flavor of these butter bean burgers.
- salt and pepper – to taste.
- hamburger buns, desired toppings – to finish off your burgers!
Equipment
- food processor – to mix up/blend your butter bean “meat.” You’ll form this into tasty patties.
- baking sheet with cooking spray – you’ll bake your butter bean patties on here.
Butter Bean Burgers: FAQs
About 8, which should be enough for most households!
Put aside a little less than two hours. You’ll want 10 minutes to prep the ingredients and 30 minutes to cook them, but in between, you’ll want to chill the patties for about an hour!!
If you want to use other beans or just can’t find any butter beans, then lima, navy, and kidney beans are all good substitutes! Lentils also fill the role perfectly. Just experiment to see which one fits your taste and texture needs best. (Or which one doesn’t set off the alarms of picky eaters in your family!)
You can mix everything ahead one day in advance, then keep it in a covered container in the fridge!
You can keep the cooked burgers frozen, but it will affect the taste if you keep them in the freezer too long. It’s best to eat them within the month, y’all!!
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Butter Bean Burgers
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Ingredients
- 2 cans butter beans, drained, 15 oz. each
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 1 jalapeno, halved, with seeds and membranes removed
- 3 cup cornflakes
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- hamburger buns
- desired toppings
Instructions
- Combine the first 8 ingredients in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times until the mixture looks well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 8 patties. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Place patties on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Flip the burgers over. Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue to bake for another 10 minutes, or until browned on both sides.
- Serve the burgers on a bun with your favorite burger toppings!
Notes
- If you want to use other beans or just can’t find any butter beans, then lima, navy, and kidney beans are all good substitutes! Lentils also fill the role perfectly. Just experiment to see which one fits your taste and texture needs best. (Or which one doesn’t set off the alarms of picky eaters in your family!)
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Originally published on June 2, 2012. Updated on July 4, 2022.
I learned to LOVE Butter Beans since moving to Greece 21 years ago. I soak them over night. I simmer them until they are about half done, I add a large chopped onion, a can of chopped tomatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper. I then put them in a baking pan and let them finish cooking on medium heat. I serve them with Feta, olives and bread. It is one of the tastiest meals I eat. I sometimes wonder how I lived without them. I liked reading your bean story and I am going to try your recipe.
I'm learning to be a little more open-minded about butter beans. Your take on butter beans actually sound delicious! Maybe one of these Monday's we'll give it a go 🙂
They look yummy! Maybe we can disguise the lima beans so our husbands and children will eat them. We are so glad you joined our "Strut Your Stuff Saturday". We love to see all of the great recipes and ideas!! Thanks and we hope to see you again next week! -The Sisters
I just call them "Krabby Patties" and no one is the wiser 😉 Hehehe
I am the only person alive who LOVES lima beans. I mean, l-o-v-e. 🙂 So I'm down with these burgers already! Thanks for sharing!
That actually made me LOL!! 😀 I know who to give the lima beans to now!
You know, I'm right there with you on lima beans. I have horrific memories of having to eat these as a child. Yuck! I'm going to have to give these a try. We're always looking for new dishes – especially meatless ones. Thank you for sharing.
I have horrific memories of having to eat them as a child too! HA! Since we started doing Meatless Monday's, we have been forced to try new things ….. I really am surprised by some of the stuff I thought I didn't like and maybe it was just the way it was prepared before? I think I may try this with black beans next time and make it like a southwest-style burger. 😉
I've looked many places for recipes for butter beans. I found some cans on clearance at our market.. and had no idea what to do with them. We'll definitely be trying these, since we're forced to live out of our pantry this week. Thank you for the recipe!