Best Black Bean Burger Recipe
If you’re searching for the Best Black Bean Burger Recipe, you’re in for a treat! This burger is hearty, packed with flavor, and so satisfying that even the most devoted meat lover will be asking for seconds. Each bite bursts with smoky spices, wholesome black beans, and colorful veggies, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners, cookouts, or meal prep. Whether you’re vegetarian, flexitarian, or simply craving something delicious and different, this black bean burger is about to become your new favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients can come together to create something so crave-worthy. Each component in the Best Black Bean Burger Recipe brings either flavor, texture, or color to the party, and together, they make magic happen.
- Black beans: The star of the show, these add a hearty bite and satisfying protein.
- Red bell pepper: Delivers a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
- Red onion: Adds sharpness and a bit of crunch for layers of flavor.
- Garlic: Infuses savory depth and classic burger aroma.
- Egg: The secret binder that helps everything hold together beautifully.
- Chili powder: Brings a warm, gentle heat and earthy undertones.
- Cumin: Adds a touch of smokiness that pairs perfectly with black beans.
- Smoked paprika: The smoky, vibrant flavor that sets these burgers apart.
- Salt: Essential to bring all the flavors forward.
- Breadcrumbs (or oat flour): Gives structure to the patties; use oat flour for a gluten-free twist.
- Olive oil: For golden, crispy edges when cooking the burgers.
- Optional toppings: Lettuce, tomato, avocado, onion, pickles, burger buns—choose your favorites to make it your own!
How to Make Best Black Bean Burger Recipe
Step 1: Mash the Black Beans
Start by adding your well-drained and rinsed black beans to a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them until they’re mostly smooth, but leave some small chunks for texture. This step is crucial, as a bit of chunkiness gives your burgers that irresistible, hearty bite.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Spices
Next, toss in the finely chopped red bell pepper, red onion, and minced garlic. Crack in the egg, then sprinkle over the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Give everything a good stir—this is where those savory and smoky flavors start mingling with the sweet, colorful veggies.
Step 3: Mix in the Breadcrumbs
Now, add your breadcrumbs (or oat flour if you’re keeping it gluten-free) to the mix. Stir until the mixture comes together and holds its shape. Let it rest for about five minutes to give the breadcrumbs time to soak up moisture, which helps the patties stay together while cooking.
Step 4: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and use your hands to form each into a patty. Try to keep them about the same thickness, so they cook evenly. If the mixture feels a little sticky, dampen your hands slightly for easy shaping.
Step 5: Cook the Black Bean Burgers
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and the centers are heated through. If you prefer, you can also bake the patties at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes per side for a lighter option.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, slide the patties onto burger buns and pile them high with your favorite toppings. The Best Black Bean Burger Recipe is now ready to steal the show at your table!
How to Serve Best Black Bean Burger Recipe

Garnishes
Don’t hold back when it comes to garnishing your black bean burger! Layer on crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, creamy avocado, tangy pickles, or even a dollop of your favorite sauce. These fresh toppings add color, crunch, and even more flavor to every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this burger with classic sides like sweet potato fries, a refreshing coleslaw, or a simple green salad. If you’re feeling adventurous, try roasted corn on the cob or crispy baked potato wedges for that extra-special touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Best Black Bean Burger Recipe “bowl style” over a bed of greens, quinoa, or rice, topped with salsa and a drizzle of lime crema. Or, make slider-sized patties and serve as party appetizers—these burgers are endlessly adaptable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover patties, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange uncooked patties between layers of parchment paper and seal in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready to cook, you can go straight from freezer to skillet—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
For best results, reheat patties in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through and crispy on the outside. You can also microwave them, but the texture is best when reheated on the stovetop or in an oven for a few minutes at 350°F.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the egg for a flaxseed or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use vegan buns and toppings. The Best Black Bean Burger Recipe adapts beautifully for plant-based diets.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
If you’re avoiding gluten, oat flour or crushed gluten-free crackers work perfectly. Even cooked quinoa can be used in a pinch for a different texture in your black bean burgers.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Be sure to mash the beans thoroughly and let the mixture rest so the breadcrumbs can absorb moisture. If your patties still feel too loose, add an extra spoonful of breadcrumbs or oat flour to help them bind.
Can I grill these burgers?
Yes, you can! For grilling, chill the formed patties in the fridge for about 30 minutes to help them firm up, then cook over medium heat on a well-oiled grill grate for about 4 minutes per side.
Is this recipe healthy?
Definitely. The Best Black Bean Burger Recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and nutritious veggies, while being lower in fat and calories than traditional meat burgers. It’s a wholesome, hearty option for any meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to shake up burger night, give the Best Black Bean Burger Recipe a try! It’s big on flavor, easy to make, and sure to become a regular request in your house. Don’t be surprised if it wins over even the most skeptical burger fans!
Print
Best Black Bean Burger Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Black Bean Burger Recipe offers a hearty and flavorful vegetarian alternative to traditional beef burgers. Made with black beans, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices, these patties are easy to prepare, packed with protein and fiber, and perfect for a healthy meal served on your favorite burger buns with assorted toppings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or oat flour for gluten-free)
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Toppings
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Avocado
- Onion
- Pickles
- Burger buns
Instructions
- Mash the Beans: Place the drained black beans in a mixing bowl and mash them using a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving some texture for bite.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Add the finely chopped red bell pepper, red onion, minced garlic, egg, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt to the mashed beans. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Incorporate Breadcrumbs: Mix in the breadcrumbs (or oat flour for gluten-free option) and stir until the mixture holds together and can be easily shaped into patties.
- Rest the Mixture: Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the ingredients to bind better.
- Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a burger patty.
- Cook Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each patty for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and heated through.
- Serve: Place patties on burger buns and top with your choice of lettuce, tomato, avocado, onion, pickles, or other toppings. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can bake the patties at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes per side as a healthier alternative to frying.
- Freeze uncooked patties between parchment paper layers for up to 2 months for future use.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or hot sauce to the burger mixture before forming patties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger patty
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg