Bite into a satisfying meal without the fuss – that’s the magic of Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers! Packed with creamy black beans, a pop of aromatic spices, and the perfect hint of smokiness, these burgers come together in under 30 minutes and deliver on both flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re a longtime vegetarian or just curious about plant-forward dishes, this recipe proves meatless doesn’t mean missing out. Each burger is a canvas for your favorite toppings, making every meal endlessly customizable but always dependable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s hard to believe how simple and accessible the ingredients are for these black bean burgers. Every single item has a key role, whether it’s adding heartiness, a crunch of freshness, or that signature seasoned bite. Gather these kitchen staples and you’re already halfway to a winning dinner!
- Black Beans: The foundation and main protein source – make sure your beans are well drained and patted dry for the best texture.
- Breadcrumbs: Essential for binding everything together and giving the patties structure; try panko for extra crunch.
- Red Onion: Offers a mild sweet sharpness that brings out the savory notes in your burger.
- Garlic: Just two cloves pack a bold punch and infuse the mixture with classic depth of flavor.
- Egg: Acts as the glue, keeping your patties intact; easily swapped with a flax egg for a vegan-friendly option.
- Soy Sauce: Provides a subtle umami kick and helps season the base mixture perfectly.
- Chili Powder: Brings gentle heat and a little complexity without overwhelming the beans.
- Cumin: Adds earthy warmth, rounding out those Southwestern flavors we all love.
- Smoked Paprika: A pinch goes a long way to deliver smokiness reminiscent of grilled burgers.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked is best, lending subtle spiciness and aroma.
- Olive Oil: For cooking; ensures each patty turns out crispy on the outside and tender within.
- Optional Toppings: Lettuce, tomato, avocado, pickles, buns, and your favorite sauce – turn every burger into your personal masterpiece.
How to Make Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers
Step 1: Prep the Beans
Begin by thoroughly draining and rinsing your canned black beans, then pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key – the drier the beans, the firmer your Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers will be! Place them in a large mixing bowl and use a fork or potato masher to mash until mostly smooth, with a few small chunks left for texture.
Step 2: Mix in All the Good Stuff
Add the breadcrumbs, finely chopped red onion, freshly minced garlic, egg (or flax egg), soy sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper right into the bowl. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to mix everything together until it forms a cohesive mixture. You’re looking for a thick, easy-to-shape texture – if it feels too wet, a sprinkle more breadcrumbs will fix things right up.
Step 3: Shape Your Patties
Divide your mixture into four equal portions, rolling each into a ball before flattening gently to about 3/4-inch thick. Consistent sizing helps ensure even cooking, so take a moment to shape those edges and press the tops lightly.
Step 4: Cook to Crispy Goodness
Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the patties, giving each one some breathing room. Cook the burgers for 4 to 5 minutes per side, resisting the urge to flip too soon – this allows a golden, crispy crust to develop. When each side is nicely browned and heated through, it’s burger time!
Step 5: Build and Serve
Now for the best part: assembly! Place each patty on a toasted bun and pile high with your favorite toppings – creamy avocado, cool lettuce, juicy tomato, a dollop of spicy sauce, or anything else your heart desires. The Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers are just waiting to become your new go-to dinner hit.
How to Serve Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers
Garnishes
Top your black bean burgers with cool, crisp lettuce, sweet slices of tomato, buttery avocado, tangy pickles, and a generous swoosh of your favorite sauce. Play with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil, or add a crunch with red onion rings and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and flair.
Side Dishes
Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers pair well with all the classics: oven-baked sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, or grilled corn on the cob. For something lighter, try a tangy cabbage slaw, or keep things hearty with a scoop of quinoa salad or roasted veggies on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bun! These burgers are fantastic crumbled onto a salad, tucked into a pita or wrap, or even served open-faced atop a bed of greens. Mini-slider versions make eye-catching party snacks, and leftovers can easily star in wholesome lunch bowls topped with grain and salsa.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you wind up with extra Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers, simply allow them to cool, then place in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, retaining plenty of flavor and texture for quick meals all week.
Freezing
These burgers are fantastic for meal prep. After shaping, place the uncooked patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container – you can cook them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cook time, or thaw before cooking for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm patties gently in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat for a couple of minutes per side, or pop in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but can soften the crust, so a skillet is always best for that just-cooked texture.
FAQs
Can I make Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap out the egg for a flax egg (mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water and let it sit for 5 minutes). This binds the mixture beautifully and keeps everything 100 percent plant-based.
How do I stop my bean burgers from falling apart?
The key is to make sure your beans are very well drained and patted dry, and not to skimp on the binding ingredients like egg or flax egg and breadcrumbs. If the mix feels loose, an extra spoonful of breadcrumbs will firm it right up.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the patties on a parchment-lined tray in a 400°F oven for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t get quite as crispy as pan-fried, but are still delicious and easy to make with less oil!
What sauces go best with black bean burgers?
There’s endless room for experimentation! A simple chipotle mayo, classic ketchup and mustard, tangy BBQ sauce, or creamy avocado ranch all play well with the smokiness and spice of Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers.
Do I need special equipment?
Nope! All you need is a mixing bowl, fork or potato masher, non-stick skillet, and a spatula. These burgers are perfect for beginner cooks and kitchen minimalists alike.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever craved a wholesome, fuss-free, and utterly satisfying burger, it’s time to let these Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers be your new weeknight favorite. Give them a try – your taste buds (and your friends!) will thank you for adding this vibrant, flavor-packed recipe to your repertoire.
Print
Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers are a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian option that’s perfect for a quick and nutritious meal. Packed with protein and fiber, these homemade bean patties are seasoned with a blend of spices and pan-fried to crispy perfection. Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy a meatless burger that’s sure to please!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Optional Toppings:
- lettuce
- tomato
- avocado
- pickles
- burger buns
- favorite sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Black Bean Mixture: Pat the rinsed black beans dry and mash in a bowl. Add breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, egg, soy sauce, spices, and mix.
- Shape Patties: Divide the mixture, shape into patties.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook patties until crispy.
- Serve: Place patties on buns, top with desired toppings, and sauces.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use a flax egg as a substitute.
- Patties can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (without bun or toppings)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
