Smoky Sweet Potato Burgers
on Jun 04, 2024, Updated Aug 07, 2024
These Smoky Sweet Potato Burgers are a delicious and nutritious plant-based alternative to traditional burgers. Packed with flavor and easy to make, they’re perfect for meal prep and versatile enough to suit various tastes!
Why I Love This Recipe
Hey there, fabulous foodies! It’s Chef AJ, your Queen of Quick and Easy, here to introduce a new favorite: Smoky Sweet Potato Burgers. This recipe is near and dear to my heart because it’s not only delicious and nutritious but also incredibly versatile. When I’m not busy whipping up oil-free, refined sugar-free, and salt-free dishes or interviewing plant-based experts for my YouTube show, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are simple to prepare and packed with flavor.
These burgers are a game-changer for anyone avoiding legumes or just looking for a tasty veggie burger alternative. The combination of sweet potatoes, broccoli, and rice, enhanced with smoky paprika and chipotle chili powder, creates a mouthwatering patty that’s both hearty and satisfying. Plus, the ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy schedules—whether you’re baking them into individual patties or a convenient loaf. Trust me, once you try these Smoky Sweet Potato Burgers, they’ll become a staple in your meal rotation!
Key Ingredients
- Broccoli Florets: Adds a nutritious boost to the burgers. Broccoli is high in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Sweet Potatoes: Provide a sweet, creamy base for the burgers. They’re rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber.
- Green Scallions: Add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color. Scallions are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.
- Cooked Rice: Helps bind the burgers together and adds a hearty texture. Brown rice works particularly well and is rich in fiber and essential minerals.
- Rolled Oats: Adds structure to the burgers while keeping them gluten-free. Oats are high in fiber and protein.
- Smoked Paprika: Imparts a distinct smoky flavor. Paprika is rich in antioxidants and vitamin A.
- Onion Powder: Adds depth of flavor without the need for chopping onions.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall flavor with its robust, savory taste.
- Chipotle Chili Powder: Adds a smoky heat to the burgers. Chipotle chili powder is known for its anti-inflammatory and metabolism-boosting properties.
The Process
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Begin by preparing the sweet potatoes: cook, peel, and mash them. You can steam or boil the broccoli; I prefer to microwave it with a bit of water in a microwave-safe steamer for 5 minutes until very soft, then drain and mash it with a fork.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, cooked broccoli, chopped scallions, cooked rice, rolled oats, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and chipotle chili powder. Mix well until fully incorporated.
Measure out about ½ cup of the mixture and flatten it into a burger patty. Place the patties on a Silpat or other nonstick silicone baking mat or parchment paper on a baking sheet. Bake for 30-45 minutes or until the patties can be flipped easily without falling apart. Carefully flip the burgers with a spatula and cook for another 10-15 minutes.
Chef’s Tips
- Cook the sweet potatoes ahead of time according to your preferred method. I find they are tastier when roasted in a 400°F oven for an hour until soft. Peel the potatoes while they are still warm and refrigerate them until ready to make the burgers.
- Alternatively, if you don’t want to spend the time making burger patties, you can press the burger mixture into a 9×9 silicone baking pan and bake them in the oven. When they are done, you can slice them into squares and serve square burgers with your favorite condiments.
- For a time-saving option, use precooked rice, frozen sweet potatoes and frozen broccoli.
- These burgers freeze very well. Reheat them in the microwave or air fryer.
- Serve these on potato waffles as buns, in lettuce or collard wraps, or open-faced on purple cabbage leaves. They’re great with Zesty Mango Salsa or Ultimate Sauce.
- Feel free to change up the spice profile to suit your taste preferences.
- Slather with BBQ sauce before baking for extra flavor.
How to Store Smoky Sweet Potato Burgers
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage—just reheat in the microwave or air fryer when ready to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stored in an airtight container, these burgers will stay fresh for up to a week.
Yes, these burgers freeze very well. Store them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months.
Any type of rice can be used, but brown rice works particularly well for its texture and nutritional benefits.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestion
Enjoy Smoky Sweet Potato Burgers on potato waffles as buns, in lettuce or collard wraps, or open-faced on purple cabbage leaves. Top with your favorite condiments like Zesty Mango Salsa, Ultimate Sauce, or BBQ sauce.
These burgers are perfectly complemented by my Hail to Kale Salad, offering a refreshing contrast to their hearty flavors. Or try them with a side of Quick Dijon Balsamic-Glazed Brussels Sprouts for a tangy and savory accompaniment.
Summary
Smoky Sweet Potato Burgers are a flavorful, nutritious, and versatile addition to your plant-based kitchen. Made with sweet potatoes, broccoli, rice, and oats, these burgers are perfect for those avoiding legumes or anyone looking for a delicious veggie burger. Easy to make and packed with flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite.
If you tried this recipe, I’d love to see your results! Share your culinary creation on social media and tag me. As the Queen of Quick and Easy, nothing makes me happier than seeing how my convenient plant-based recipes inspire your kitchen adventures. Let’s celebrate the love of cooking and enjoy the deliciousness together!
Smoky Sweet Potato Burgers
Equipment
- Silicone 9×9 pan
Ingredients
- 16 ounces broccoli florets
- 4 cups orange sweet potato, cooked, peeled and mashed
- 1 cup green scallions, chopped
- 2 cups cooked rice, your favorite
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Prepare the sweet potatoes.
- Steam or boil the broccoli according to your preferred preparation method. I simply microwave it with a bit of water in a microwave-safe steamer for 5 minutes, until very soft. Drain and mash with a fork.
- Combine all the remaining ingredients with the broccoli and mix well until fully incorporated.
- Measure out about ½ cup of the mixture and flatten into a burger. Place on a Silpat or other nonstick silicone baking mat or piece of parchment paper.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until you can turn them over easily without them falling apart. Carefully flip the burgers with a spatula and cook for another 10-15 minutes.
Delicious and healthy burger everyone will love
Cannot wait for your book it’s on is way I’ll miss y every day thank you for being there to help always you are amazing!!!!
love this new series of you tube videos with YOU cooking!! ……can’t wait for your new book
Hi Chef AJ,
Thank you for all these great recipes!
Would these burgers turn out well if I were to substitute 2 cups of riced cauliflower for the rice? Or is some sort of grain necessary to help the patties hold their shape? If so, would quinoa or another grain work?
Thank you,
Kim
Hi Kim! I would recommend trying quinoa or another grain to help them maintain their shape. Enjoy!