Savory Sweet Potato Burger

Who doesn’t love burgers? They’re great to indulge in once in a while. I know I get some really strong burger cravings from time to time! Of course, you don’t have to settle for a basic, greasy burger when you can make one that’s healthy and hearty at the same time.

If you’re hankering for a burger but don’t want any of the heart-stopping grease, try out this Savory Sweet Potato Burger for a change. Instead of using regular beef, this recipe lets you substitute the meat for a delightful sweet potato patty. With this, you’ll get a burger that’s just as filling but won’t feel heavy.

When cooked, sweet potatoes have relatively high fiber content, so you don’t have to worry about making your patties on the thick side—half an inch should do. Sprinkled with seasoning like cumin, as well as mixed with onions, garlic, and whole oats, your potato patty will be bursting with flavor every time you bite into it!

Of course, no burger is complete without lettuce leaves and tomatoes, which would taste infinitely better if picked from your home garden.

Since you’re making a healthy, Savory Sweet Potato Burger, go all out and choose whole-grain buns since they’re a healthier alternative to white bread.

For anyone who loves burgers but doesn’t want to be bogged down by meat, this Savory Sweet Potato Burger can be a lifesaver. Prepare it for lunch or as a heavy snack when you’re feeling low on energy, especially during summer afternoons. Don’t forget to add in your choice of condiments, so you can fully enjoy this delicious, nutritious burger.

Savory Sweet Potato Burger

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Indulge your burger cravings with this healthy and hearty savory sweet potato burger!

• Author: Bill Dugan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Entrées

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 1/2 cups sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 2 1/2 cups chopped onion
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 cup whole oats
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Lettuce leaves
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 6 whole grain buns
• Cooking spray

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Put sweet potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water.
2. Bring water to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat; coat with cooking spray.
4. Add chopped onions and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes, until tender.
5. Put the sweet potato, onions and garlic, oats, and seasonings into a food processor. Process until smooth.
6. Divide the mixture into six equal parts, shaping each one into a 1/2-inch thick patty.
7. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add patties to the pan, as many as will fit, and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until brown. Turn the patties over and cook for another 3 minutes. Set cooked patties aside while you cook the rest.
8. Serve on whole grain buns. Garnish with lettuce, tomato, and condiments of your choice.

Savory Sweet Potato Burger Substitutions

• Grain‑Free Patties: Replace the whole oats with equal parts cooked quinoa or almond‑meal breadcrumbs for a gluten‑free option that still binds beautifully.

• Flavored Buns: Swap whole‑grain buns for sprouted‑grain, gluten‑free, or sweet‑potato slider rolls. If you’re cutting back on bread altogether, wrap the patties in crisp romaine or butter‑lettuce leaves.

• Extra Protein Boost: Stir ⅓ cup lightly mashed chickpeas or black beans into the patty mixture for added plant‑based protein and texture.

• Spice Switch‑Ups: No cumin on hand? Smoked paprika, chili powder, or garam masala each give the patties a different global flair.

• Oil Alternatives: Lightly brush the patties with avocado or olive oil and bake at 400 °F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, to cut back on stovetop frying.

Spins / New Takes on Savory Sweet Potato Burgers

1. Southwest Stack: Top each patty with pepper‑jack cheese, a spoonful of corn‑black‑bean salsa, and a drizzle of chipotle‑lime mayo.

2. Mediterranean‑Style: Season patties with oregano and lemon zest; serve on pita rounds with tzatziki, cucumber ribbons, and crumbled feta.

3. Breakfast Burger: Slide a fried egg and a sprinkle of everything‑bagel seasoning over the patty, then tuck it inside an English‑muffin bun.

4. BBQ Ranch Burger: Brush cooked patties with your favorite barbecue sauce, layer with crunchy slaw, and finish with a drizzle of ranch.

5. Mini Party Sliders: Form twelve 2‑inch patties, cook as directed, and skewer each slider with a pickle chip—perfect for game‑day bites.

When and How to Serve Savory Sweet Potato Burgers

• Weeknight Winner: Make the patties in advance, then pan‑sear or oven‑bake straight from the fridge for a 20‑minute dinner. Serve alongside roasted broccoli or a simple garden salad.

• Meal‑Prep Friendly: Cook a double batch on Sunday and refrigerate (up to 4 days) or freeze (up to 3 months). Reheat in the toaster oven for a quick desk lunch.

• Summer Cookouts: Because the patties are sturdy, they handle a well‑oiled grill grate—just chill them first so they firm up before hitting the heat. Offer a toppings bar so guests can build their own.

• Kid‑Approved: Shape smaller patties and let kids add fun toppings like pineapple rings, shredded carrots, or avocado mash.

• Hearty Winter Comfort: Serve the burger open‑faced on toasted sourdough with melted cheddar, caramelized onions, and a mug of tomato soup for a cozy cold‑weather meal.

Potatoes and sweet potatoes have been around for thousands of years, and they’re a main staple in many cultures. Both of these root vegetables are easy to grow at home. With our How to Grow Potatoes Gardening Guide, you’ll learn all you need to know about growing and enjoying these fabulous root vegetables.

Have you tried this recipe? This is a great vegetarian option to a classic burger. Please tell us how it turned out for you.