Pizza Burgers Recipe

Quinoa: A protein-rich grain that adds texture and nutrition to the patties.

Black beans: Provides a hearty base and binds the patties together.

Breadcrumbs: Helps to hold the patties together and adds a slight crunch.

Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to the patties.

Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor with a subtle garlic taste.

Onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor without the need for fresh onions.

Dried oregano: Brings a classic Italian herb flavor to the patties.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the recipe.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the patties.

Burger buns: The base for assembling the burgers.

Marinara sauce: Provides a rich, tomatoey topping for the patties.

Vegan mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top of the patties, adding a cheesy flavor.

When forming the patties, make sure to press them firmly to ensure they hold together well during baking. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a small amount of water or additional olive oil to help bind the ingredients. Additionally, for a crispier texture, you can lightly brush the patties with olive oil before placing them in the oven.

• Cooked quinoa - Substitute with cooked brown rice: Brown rice provides a similar texture and nutritional profile, making it a great alternative.

• Black beans, mashed - Substitute with lentils, mashed: Lentils offer a similar consistency and are equally protein-rich, making them a suitable replacement.

• Breadcrumbs - Substitute with ground oats: Ground oats can act as a binding agent and provide a similar texture to breadcrumbs.

• Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar fat content and can be used in the same way as olive oil.

• Garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a more intense flavor and can be used in place of garlic powder.

• Onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions offer a fresh and robust flavor, similar to onion powder.

• Dried oregano - Substitute with fresh oregano: Fresh oregano has a more vibrant flavor and can be used in place of dried oregano.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami, enhancing the overall taste.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and can be used as a direct substitute for black pepper.

• Burger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps offer a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional burger buns.

• Marinara sauce - Substitute with tomato paste mixed with Italian herbs: Tomato paste mixed with Italian herbs can mimic the flavor profile of marinara sauce.

• Vegan mozzarella cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a good alternative for vegan cheese.

• Allow the pizza burgers to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the burger buns soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the patties in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to store the pizza burgers for a longer period, consider freezing them. Wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

• Place the wrapped patties in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of their freshness. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even defrosting and maintains the texture.

• Reheat the pizza burgers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but the oven method helps retain a crispy texture.

• If the vegan mozzarella cheese has not melted completely during reheating, you can broil the patties for a couple of minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

• For best results, store the burger buns separately from the patties. This prevents the buns from becoming soggy. Toast the buns lightly before assembling the pizza burgers for added texture and flavor.

• Keep extra marinara sauce in a separate container in the refrigerator. It can be reheated and added to the pizza burgers just before serving to enhance the flavor.

• If you have leftover quinoa or black beans, store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. They can be used for other recipes or to make another batch of pizza burgers.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the vegan mozzarella cheese from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the burger buns' texture and keeps the patties crispy.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Place the pizza burgers in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until heated through. This method gives a nice crisp to the burger buns while keeping the patties moist.

• Microwave Method: Place the pizza burgers on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to trap steam and prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. This is the quickest method but may result in a softer texture for the burger buns.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza burgers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza burgers on the toaster oven tray. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is convenient and helps maintain the burger buns' texture.

• Oven: Used to bake the patties and melt the vegan mozzarella cheese.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the cooked quinoa, mashed black beans, breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the patties on for baking.

• Spatula: Used to flip the patties halfway through baking.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the quinoa, black beans, breadcrumbs, and marinara sauce.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

• Masher: Used to mash the black beans.

• Spoon: Used to spread the marinara sauce on the patties.

• Knife: Used to cut the burger buns if they are not pre-sliced.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface for cutting the burger buns.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Cook the quinoa and mash the black beans ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use a food processor: Quickly mix the quinoa, black beans, and other ingredients using a food processor to save time.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the patties to avoid waiting later.

Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze extra patties for a quick meal next time.

Use store-bought marinara: Opt for a good-quality store-bought marinara sauce to save time on making your own.