Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a burger that’s both hearty and wholesome without the fuss, this Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Packed with smoky spices, tender black beans, and just the right amount of texture, these burgers come together faster than you’d expect, delivering a satisfying, flavorful meal that can easily please vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or whipping up something quick for friends, this recipe hits all the right notes in comfort and convenience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe truly starts with the simplicity and balance of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from adding moisture and binding the mixture to infusing bold flavors and creating that perfect burger texture. Grab these kitchen staples, and you’ll be ready to cook up something wonderful.
- Black beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed): The star of the show, providing a rich, creamy base and protein-packed goodness.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup): These act as the binder, helping hold your patties together with a little crunch.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth after being sautéed.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Infuses the patties with an irresistible fragrant punch.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, earthy spice that complements the beans beautifully.
- Chili powder (½ teaspoon): Gives a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that highlight all the ingredients.
- Large egg (1) or flax egg for vegan option: Binds everything together perfectly while keeping the patty tender.
- Olive oil, for cooking: Adds a lovely golden crust and keeps the patties moist as they cook.
How to Make Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Mash the Beans
Start by placing your drained and rinsed black beans into a large bowl. Use a fork or a potato masher to mash them until mostly smooth, making sure to leave some chunks here and there for that fantastic burger texture. This mix of creamy and slightly chunky beans gives each bite the perfect balance of smoothness and body.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, grab a skillet and heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and let it cook until it’s translucent, which should take about five minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until you catch that lovely, mouthwatering aroma—this step builds the flavor base for your patties.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, add the cooked onions and garlic directly into your mashed beans. Mix in the breadcrumbs, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Crack in the egg (or add your flax egg if you’re going vegan) and stir everything together until the mixture is well incorporated. This is where your patties start taking shape!
Step 4: Form Patties
Divide the mixture evenly into four portions. With slightly wet hands to avoid sticking, shape each portion into a compact, round patty. If you find the mixture too sticky, just wet your fingers a bit more—it helps tremendously with shaping.
Step 5: Cook the Patties
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Place the patties in and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust that’s crispy on the outside while tender on the inside. If you prefer, grilling or baking at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, works just as well and keeps things hands-off.
Step 6: Serve
Once cooked, place your black bean patties onto toasted buns and go wild with your favorite toppings! Whether you love fresh lettuce, juicy tomato slices, creamy avocado, or a little spicy mayo, these burgers are an open canvas for delicious creativity.
How to Serve Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishes, the sky’s the limit! Crisp lettuce adds crunch, ripe tomatoes bring juiciness, and avocado slices lend creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the smoky, spiced burger. Don’t forget a swipe of chipotle mayo or your favorite sauce for that extra layer of flavor and moisture.
Side Dishes
Keep your meal balanced and exciting by pairing these burgers with vibrant sides. Sweet potato fries, a fresh green salad with tangy vinaigrette, or even grilled corn on the cob make for perfect accompaniments that complement the hearty nature of the black bean patties.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Try serving the Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers Recipe as mini sliders for parties or stack them atop a bed of greens for an open-faced burger salad. Wrapping the patties in lettuce leaves instead of buns is another fun, lighter idea that works perfectly for paleo or low-carb eating styles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (and trust me, you might!), store the cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They keep well and maintain their flavor, making for super quick lunches or dinners later on.
Freezing
To enjoy these black bean burgers later, lay the cooked patties on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep nicely for up to two months—perfect for meal prep or spontaneous burger cravings.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated patties in a skillet over medium heat to restore their crispy edges, or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that satisfying texture intact!
FAQs
Can I make these black bean burgers vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to keep the patties together while keeping them completely plant-based.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
If you’re avoiding gluten or just don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, crushed oats or ground flaxseed work wonderfully to bind the burger mixture.
How spicy are these burgers?
The chili powder and cumin add warmth and a subtle kick, but if you prefer less heat, feel free to reduce the chili powder or skip it altogether—this recipe is very adaptable.
Can I freeze the burger patties before cooking?
Yes! Shape the patties and freeze them raw on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. When ready, cook them straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes per side.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
Make sure to mash the beans thoroughly but keep some texture. Also, don’t skip the egg or flax egg, and add enough breadcrumbs to bind. Wetting your hands while shaping helps maintain the patty’s form too.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely believe this Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers Recipe is one of those recipes you turn to time and again because it’s just that good and so approachable. It brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels special and satisfying every single time. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite burger that’s perfect for any day of the week!
Print
Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delicious and easy black bean burgers are a perfect vegetarian alternative to traditional burgers. Made with mashed black beans, spices, sautéed onions and garlic, and bound together with breadcrumbs and egg, these patties are pan-fried to golden perfection for a flavorful, protein-packed meal. Serve them on buns with your favorite toppings for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
- Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- Mash the Beans: In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, ensuring some chunks remain for texture to keep the patties hearty.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil. Sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the mashed beans. Stir in the breadcrumbs, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Crack in the egg and mix well until all ingredients are combined into a uniform mixture.
- Form Patties: Divide the bean mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a firm patty. If the mixture sticks to your hands, slightly wet them with water to make shaping easier.
- Cook the Patties: In a skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Cook each patty for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can grill them or bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve: Place the cooked patties onto buns and add your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, or a spicy mayo for extra flavor and moisture.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, set to gel for 5 minutes).
- If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs to help bind the patties.
- Try customizing the spices by adding smoked paprika or cayenne for a different flavor kick.
- These patties freeze well — cook them fully, let cool, then freeze for up to 1 month.
- Serve with a side salad or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
