Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers Recipe
If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and packed with nourishing goodness, look no further than these Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers. Filled with protein-rich black beans, crisp veggies, and savory spices, this recipe comes together in minutes and never disappoints, whether you’re meatless or just in the mood for a lighter bite. They’re pantry-friendly, easy to customize, and sure to have everyone at the table reaching for seconds—trust me, you’ll want to add these to your weekly rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers is how accessible the ingredients are. Each item brings its own bit of magic—think creamy beans holding everything together, spices amping up the flavor, and veggies packing in color and crunch.
- Black beans: Canned black beans make this recipe weeknight-friendly, but you can also cook your own! Mashing some but leaving a few whole gives the patties their great texture.
- Breadcrumbs: These bind everything into a cohesive burger and add just the right amount of bite—panko or traditional both work.
- Red onion: Finely chopped for a pop of sharpness that boosts the overall flavor; soak briefly in cold water if you want to mellow it out.
- Red bell pepper: A touch of sweetness and color, plus crispness in every bite.
- Garlic: Minced for a mellow, aromatic savory note that elevates the other flavors—fresh is best for punch!
- Egg: Binds all the ingredients into patties you can flip easily. For a vegan option, swap for a flax egg.
- Ground cumin: Warm and earthy, cumin is the backbone of the burger’s seasoning blend.
- Chili powder: Adds a gentle heat that makes the flavors pop without overwhelming.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smokiness that’s irresistible in every bite.
- Salt: Essential for balancing all the bold flavors and making them shine.
- Black pepper: A little goes a long way to round out the spice mix with some gentle heat.
- Olive oil: Gives the burgers their crispy, golden exterior as they cook. Choose extra virgin for maximum flavor.
- Burger buns and toppings: The finishing touch—pile on lettuce, tomato, avocado, or your favorite sauces for the perfect burger experience.
How to Make Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers
Step 1: Mash the Black Beans
Start by draining and rinsing your black beans, then pour them into a large bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, smash the beans until mostly smooth but be sure to leave some small chunks intact—this ensures your Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers have that classic “burger” texture with satisfying bits in every bite.
Step 2: Mix in the Veggies, Spices, and Binder
Add the breadcrumbs, chopped red onion, chopped red bell pepper, minced garlic, egg, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper straight into the bowl with your mashed beans. Grab a sturdy spatula (or your clean hands) and mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.
Step 3: Shape the Burger Patties
Divide your mixture into four equal portions. With your hands, shape each portion into a burger patty about the size of your buns. Flatten them slightly so they cook evenly, and don’t worry if they look rustic—that’s the charm of homemade Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers!
Step 4: Cook the Burgers
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the patties and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown crust with a warmed-through interior. Be gentle when flipping—they should hold together nicely if you mixed well, but a little care never hurts.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Place each patty on a burger bun and add your favorite toppings. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, creamy avocado, and a generous swipe of sauce (like spicy mayo or classic ketchup) make these burgers truly special. Enjoy right away for the ultimate Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers experience!
How to Serve Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers
Garnishes
Play up the freshness by layering on crunchy lettuce, tangy pickles, or even a heap of microgreens. A slice of ripe tomato or creamy avocado takes these burgers to the next level and adds beautiful contrast in flavor and color.
Side Dishes
Pair your Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers with crispy sweet potato fries, a zesty corn salad, classic potato chips, or even a light cabbage slaw. Each option complements the savory, spiced burger and rounds out your meal with ease.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your burgers in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option or sliding them into pita pockets for a handheld twist. You can even crumble leftover patties over a salad, tuck them in wraps, or serve them brunch-style topped with a fried egg.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover patties keep beautifully! Place any extras in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat when you’re ready to enjoy another burger, or crumble and toss them into salads and bowls for a flavor boost.
Freezing
For real convenience, freeze your Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers. Place cooked or uncooked patties between layers of parchment and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. That way, a quick, healthy meal is always on hand.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the patties in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or pop in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. If reheating from frozen, allow to thaw in the fridge overnight or cook straight from the freezer, adding a couple extra minutes to the cook time.
FAQs
Are Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers vegan?
This recipe is vegetarian as written but easily made vegan by using a flax egg instead of a regular egg! Simply mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use as your egg substitute.
Can I grill these burgers instead of using a skillet?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to oil your grill grates well and preheat to medium. Because bean burgers are more delicate than meat, use a flat spatula and flip them gently to keep them intact.
Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the burger mixture up to a day in advance, shape the patties, and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This makes weeknight dinners even simpler.
What are the best toppings for Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers?
Toppings are all about your preferences! Classic options like lettuce, tomato, and avocado are always a hit, but don’t be afraid to branch out with sriracha mayo, caramelized onions, or even a dollop of salsa for extra zing.
Can I substitute other beans in this recipe?
While black beans give these burgers their signature flavor and texture, you can substitute with kidney beans or pinto beans in a pinch—just know the result may be slightly different, but still tasty!
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason these Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers are a staple in so many kitchens—they’re simple, nourishing, and bursting with personality. Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or just looking for a meatless meal to wow your crowd, these burgers deliver every time. Give them a try and get ready to be hooked!
Print
Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers are a fantastic vegetarian option for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Packed with protein and spices, these homemade bean burgers are a great alternative to traditional meat patties.
Ingredients
Black Bean Burgers:
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- burger buns and desired toppings such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, and sauce
Instructions
- Mash the Beans: In a large bowl, mash the black beans until mostly smooth.
- Add Ingredients: Add breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, garlic, egg, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Shape Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 portions and shape into patties.
- Cook: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook patties 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve on buns with desired toppings.
Notes
- For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, set for 5 minutes).
- These burgers freeze well—freeze cooked or uncooked patties between layers of parchment for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger patty without bun or toppings
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
