D.C. Gourmet Veggie Burger with Avocado Aioli

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A plant-based burger made with quinoa and black beans, topped with avocado aioli, grilled pineapple, and spicy slaw. This american-inspired beef (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs quinoa, black beans, brown rice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mash 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1.5 cups black beans (drained and rinsed), 1/2 cup brown rice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well combined. Shape into 4 patties, about 3/4 inch thick.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and firm. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: For the aioli: Mash 1 medium avocado in a bowl. Stir in 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Step 4: Assemble burgers on brioche buns with a patty, 2 tbsp aioli, 1/2 cup grilled pineapple slices, and 1/2 cup spicy slaw mix. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does D.C. Gourmet Veggie Burger with Avocado Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (30 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover D.C. Gourmet Veggie Burger with Avocado Aioli?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep quinoa from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in D.C. Gourmet Veggie Burger with Avocado Aioli?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale D.C. Gourmet Veggie Burger with Avocado Aioli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is D.C. Gourmet Veggie Burger with Avocado Aioli vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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