Black Bean Burger

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this black bean burger because it’s nutritious, delicious, and incredibly versatile. It’s high in plant-based protein, fiber, and flavor—without the need for any meat substitutes or fillers. These burgers are freezer-friendly, easy to customize, and come together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just cutting down on meat, this recipe will become your new go-to for burger night.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Black beans, cooked or canned (drained and rinsed)
• Olive oil
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Red bell pepper, finely chopped
• Breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

Directions

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked black beans. Mash them with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving some texture.
3. Stir in the sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the mixture holds together when pressed.
4. Divide the mixture into 4–6 equal portions and shape them into burger patties.
5. To cook, heat a skillet or grill over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Cook each patty for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
6. Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, vegan cheese, or sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Black Bean Burger: Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• BBQ Black Bean Burger: Mix in 2 tablespoons of your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet twist.
• Mediterranean Style: Add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of oregano.
• Southwest Flavor: Mix in corn, lime juice, and cilantro for a bright, zesty kick.
• Grain Boost: Stir in cooked quinoa or brown rice for added texture and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place uncooked or cooked patties between parchment paper layers and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 375°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture firm and crisp.

FAQs

Can I use canned black beans for this recipe?

Yes, canned black beans work perfectly—just drain and rinse them well before using.

How do I keep the patties from falling apart?

Make sure the beans are well-mashed and not too wet. You can add extra breadcrumbs if the mixture feels too soft.

Can I bake the burgers instead of frying them?

Absolutely. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Are black bean burgers vegan?

Yes, this recipe is completely vegan and uses no eggs or dairy.

What toppings go well with black bean burgers?

Try avocado slices, vegan mayo, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, or spicy chipotle sauce.

Can I grill black bean burgers?

Yes, but chill the patties in the fridge for at least 30 minutes beforehand to help them hold their shape on the grill.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.

What can I serve with black bean burgers?

They go great with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad.

Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the mixture up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to cook.

How long do black bean burgers last in the freezer?

They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating or cooking.

Conclusion

Black bean burgers are a delicious, hearty, and healthy alternative to traditional beef patties. Packed with flavor and texture, they’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving them fresh off the grill or from the freezer, these burgers prove that plant-based eating can be both satisfying and simple.

Black Bean Burger

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A hearty and flavorful black bean burger made with mashed black beans, spices, and wholesome ingredients. This vegan-friendly patty is smoky, satisfying, and perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 patties
• Category: Main Course, Burger
• Method: Pan-Fried, Grilled, or Baked
• Cuisine: American, Vegan
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked or 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving some texture.
3. Stir in the sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Mix until the mixture holds together.
4. Divide into 4–6 portions and shape into burger patties.
5. To cook, heat a skillet or grill over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and crisp on the edges.
6. Serve on toasted buns with desired toppings such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, vegan cheese, or sauce.

Notes

• Chill patties for 30 minutes before grilling to help them hold their shape.
• For baked burgers, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Add jalapeños or BBQ sauce for a spicy or smoky variation.
• Make gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 patty
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 460mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg