Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers Recipe
If you’re hunting for a plant-based main that’s hearty, flavorful, and ready in a flash, let me introduce you to these Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers. They’re the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for busy weeknights, meatless Mondays, or anytime you crave a satisfying burger without the fuss. With a savory blend of black beans, colorful veggies, and a kick of warm spices, every bite is loaded with taste and texture. Trust me, these burgers bring big flavor with minimal effort, and once you try them, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients! Each one plays a starring role in creating the vibrant taste, hearty texture, and beautiful color of these burgers. You don’t need anything fancy here—the magic truly comes from the way everything works together, making these Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers shine.
- Black beans (1 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed): The heart of the burger, they provide rich flavor, protein, and that perfect burger texture.
- Green bell pepper (1/2, finely chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and a pop of color to every bite.
- Onion (1/2 small, finely chopped): Delivers savory depth and a touch of sharpness that balances the beans.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings aromatic punch and rounds out the burger’s flavor profile.
- Egg (1): Binds everything together for patties that hold their shape and don’t crumble.
- Chili powder (1 tablespoon): Infuses a gentle heat and smoky undertone.
- Cumin (1 tablespoon): Lends earthy warmth and classic burger depth.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds bold smokiness and gorgeous color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and keeps the burger from tasting flat.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Provides just the right amount of sharpness and balance.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Give structure and help soak up moisture for the perfect patty.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, for cooking): Ensures a crisp, golden crust when pan-frying your burgers.
How to Make Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers
Step 1: Mash the Beans
Start by grabbing a medium bowl and tossing in your drained and rinsed black beans. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them up until mostly smooth, but leave a few chunks for that satisfying, rustic texture. This step is crucial for giving your Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers the perfect hearty bite without being mushy.
Step 2: Add the Veggies
Stir in the finely chopped green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. These fresh veggies not only add flavor and color, but also help keep things light and bright. Mix until everything is distributed evenly throughout your bean mash.
Step 3: Spice and Bind
Crack in the egg, then sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until you have a cohesive, aromatic mixture. The egg acts as the glue, while the spices bring that irresistible depth of flavor you’ll love in every burger.
Step 4: Mix in the Breadcrumbs
Now it’s time for the breadcrumbs. Add them in and give the mixture another good stir. You’ll notice the mixture thickening up and becoming easier to shape. If it feels too sticky, a sprinkle more of breadcrumbs will do the trick!
Step 5: Shape the Patties
Divide your mixture into four equal portions. With clean hands, shape each one into a patty—about the size of your burger buns. Don’t worry if they look a little rustic; that’s part of their homemade charm.
Step 6: Cook to Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your patties and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a crispy, golden crust on the outside while the inside stays tender. That’s when you know your Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers are ready to serve!
How to Serve Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers
Garnishes
The fun really begins when it’s time to dress up your burgers! Go for classic toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and creamy avocado, or pile on tangy pickles, spicy jalapeños, and your favorite sauces. A little fresh cilantro or a dollop of Greek yogurt can take things to the next level, making every bite unique and delicious.
Side Dishes
Pair your Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers with a side of sweet potato fries, a crunchy slaw, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Even simple oven-baked potato wedges or corn on the cob make these burgers feel like a true feast, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a fun cookout.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, serve your burgers wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter, gluten-free option. Or, crumble a patty over a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted veggies, and a drizzle of tahini dressing. You can even chop up the patties and use them in tacos or wraps—these Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers are as versatile as they are tasty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover burgers (which is rare in my house!), simply let them cool to room temperature and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, ready to grab for a quick lunch or snack.
Freezing
These burgers freeze beautifully! Arrange the cooked (or uncooked) patties on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, there’s no need to thaw—just cook from frozen for a few extra minutes on each side.
Reheating
To reheat your Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and crispy again. You can also pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or even microwave them if you’re in a hurry (though they’ll be less crisp).
FAQs
Can I make these Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Let it sit for a few minutes until thickened, then use as you would a regular egg.
Can I bake these burgers instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the patties at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes per side. Baking gives you a slightly different texture—still delicious and easy, but a bit less crispy than pan-frying.
What kind of buns work best for these burgers?
Anything goes! Brioche buns add a touch of sweetness, whole wheat brings a nutty flavor, or use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Toasting the buns adds an extra layer of flavor and helps hold all those tasty toppings.
Can I use different beans?
While black beans are the classic choice for Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers, you can try pinto beans or kidney beans for a fun twist. Just remember that the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
Are these burgers gluten-free?
They can be! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and serve on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making this an easy swap.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add more plant-powered goodness to your dinner rotation, these Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers are the way to go. They’re quick, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable—plus, everyone at the table will be asking for seconds. Give them a try and see just how easy (and delicious) homemade veggie burgers can be!
Print
Delicious and Easy Black Bean Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delicious and easy black bean burgers are a perfect vegetarian option for a hearty meal. Packed with protein-rich black beans and flavorful spices, they are simple to make and great for a quick, healthy dinner. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they can be served on a bun with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Mash the Beans: In a medium bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving some chunks for texture to keep the patties from becoming mushy.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the finely chopped green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic until combined well.
- Mix in Wet Ingredients and Spices: Add the egg, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to incorporate all flavors uniformly.
- Add Breadcrumbs: Stir in the breadcrumbs and mix until the burger mixture holds together well enough to form patties.
- Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 3/4 inch thick for even cooking.
- Cook Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until they are heated through and have a crispy exterior.
- Serve: Serve the burgers on buns with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, avocado, or sauces.
Notes
- To make a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
- You can bake the patties at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes on each side to avoid frying.
- Feel free to customize the spices to your taste for more or less heat.
- These patties can be frozen before cooking and reheated later for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
