Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers Recipe
Imagine biting into a burger that’s hearty and satisfying yet delivers a gooey, cheesy kick in every bite — that’s the magic of Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers. These vegetarian beauties wrap all the flavors of classic jalapeño poppers in a black bean patty, making each bite creamy, smoky, spicy, and packed with satisfying plant-powered protein. Trust me, whether you’re a seasoned veggie burger fan or just curious about meatless meals, this recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen lineup!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of what makes these Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers so special is how they transform humble pantry staples and a few fresh veggies into an unforgettable meal. Every ingredient here is handpicked for maximum flavor and texture, creating a burger with the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and crispy.
- Black beans: Give the patties their hearty texture and deep, earthy flavor — rinse and drain well for the best consistency.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the burger patties and add a subtle crunch once cooked.
- Rolled oats: Absorb moisture and make the burgers extra satisfying and chewy without being dense.
- Cumin: Infuses a warm, savory undertone that rounds out the bean mixture.
- Smoked paprika: Provides a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the spicy jalapeños.
- Garlic powder: Adds aromatic punch without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Onion powder: Delivers subtle sweetness and complexity to each bite.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the bold flavors.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to help the patties hold together while cooking; swap for a flax egg if vegan.
- Olive oil: Used for pan-searing the burgers to golden-brown perfection.
- Cream cheese: The base for that signature jalapeño popper filling — make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the filling to create gooey, cheesy pockets inside the burger.
- Jalapeños: Bring the heat and their fresh, grassy flavor; remove seeds if you prefer it milder.
- Burger buns: Your favorite kind — classic, whole wheat, or brioche all work great when toasted.
- Lettuce, tomato, red onion, and other desired toppings: Bring freshness, crunch, and juicy contrast to every bite.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers
Step 1: Mash the Beans and Mix the Base
Grab a large bowl and mash your rinsed and drained black beans using a fork or potato masher. Aim to keep a little texture — you want some beans broken up well, but a few chunks for heartiness. Then, add the breadcrumbs, rolled oats, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and the egg. Mix everything together until it forms a slightly sticky, uniform mixture.
Step 2: Make the Jalapeño Popper Filling
In a separate small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and your finely chopped jalapeños. Stir until it forms a rich, well-combined filling. At this point, sneak a taste and adjust the heat as you like — more jalapeños for extra kick, or keep it mild if you prefer.
Step 3: Shape and Stuff the Burgers
Divide your black bean mixture evenly into 8 portions. Take one portion, gently flatten it in your hand, then add a generous spoonful of jalapeño filling in the center. Take another portion, flatten it, and place it on top, sealing the edges all around to enclose the cheesy filling. Repeat this with the rest — you’ll end up with 4 big, stuffed burgers ready for cooking!
Step 4: Pan-Sear the Patties
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the stuffed patties carefully so they don’t break. Cook each one for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, until the outside is crispy and browned, and the inside is hot and melty. Resist the urge to press down too much while cooking to keep all that luscious filling inside.
Step 5: Assemble and Enjoy!
Toast your burger buns for extra crunch, then build each burger with crisp lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, and any other toppings you fancy. Slide the star of the show — your Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burger — in the middle, and get ready for that first, unforgettable bite!
How to Serve Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers

Garnishes
A little garnish takes these burgers from tasty to totally irresistible. Try a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for extra color and a fresh flavor boost. A dollop of sour cream or a swipe of your favorite spicy mayo over the top will play off the jalapeño popper filling perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve your Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers with classic crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a bright, crunchy salad. If you’re in the mood for something cozy, roasted corn or a refreshing cucumber salad would round things out beautifully and balance the burger’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to really wow your guests, slide one of these burgers onto a platter with a row of colorful slaw, or slice each burger in half to show off that cheesy center. For game day or parties, make mini sliders using smaller buns and serve them with jalapeño slices and drizzle of chipotle sauce for a truly crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers (lucky you!), let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days — just reheat and enjoy all over again.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each uncooked stuffed burger tightly in plastic wrap or parchment, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge or cook straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes on each side.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, covered, so the filling gets melty and the outside crisps up again. You can also use a toaster oven or air fryer — just keep an eye out to make sure the cream cheese stays gooey inside. Microwaving works in a pinch, but for best texture, use dry heat.
FAQs
Can I make Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free cream cheese and cheddar. The burgers will be just as flavorful and satisfying.
How spicy are these burgers?
The heat level is customizable. Removing the seeds and ribs from the jalapeños will keep things milder, while leaving them in (or using two peppers) will add more kick. You control the spice, so they’re great for everyone!
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake your Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined tray for about 12–15 minutes per side. They’ll be a little less crispy than pan-fried but still totally delicious.
What are the best buns and toppings to use?
Brioche buns are rich and soft, while whole wheat adds nutty flavor and texture. As for toppings, lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado, and a little hot sauce or chipotle mayo all make stellar choices to complement the burgers.
Can I grill these burgers?
You can grill them on a well-oiled grill pan or outdoor grill, but be careful since the filling tends to melt out if you flip too roughly. Chill the stuffed patties before grilling to help them hold together better on the heat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to take your veggie burger game to the next level, you simply have to give these Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers a try. They’re warming, cheesy, flavorful, and so much fun to make and eat. Fire up your skillet, gather your favorite toppings, and let these burgers steal the show at your next meal!
Print
Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers are a delicious twist on classic veggie burgers, filled with a creamy and spicy cheese mixture. Perfect for a meatless meal that’s packed with flavor!
Ingredients
For the Black Bean Patties:
- 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
For the Jalapeno Popper Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1–2 jalapeños (seeded and finely chopped)
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, red onion, and other desired toppings
Instructions
- Prepare the Black Bean Patties: In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth with some texture remaining. Add breadcrumbs, oats, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix until combined.
- Make the Jalapeno Popper Filling: In a small bowl, stir together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and chopped jalapeños to create the filling.
- Form the Stuffed Burgers: Divide the bean mixture into 8 equal portions. Flatten 1 portion in your hand, place a spoonful of the jalapeño filling in the center, then top with another flattened portion. Seal the edges to form a stuffed patty. Repeat to make 4 stuffed burgers.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through.
- Serve: Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in.
- These burgers can be made ahead and frozen before cooking.
- Use a flax egg and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make it vegan.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg