Easy Black Bean Burger Recipe | Flavor Packed Healthy Meatless Dinner
These easy black bean burgers are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with smoky, savory flavor using simple pantry ingredients. They hold together well and cook quickly for a satisfying meatless dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, rinsed and well-drained
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/3 cup rolled oats, lightly pulsed or finely chopped
- 1 large egg (or 1 flax egg: 1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil, for cooking
- Burger buns, toasted
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Sliced tomato
- Sliced red onion
- Lettuce or shredded cabbage
- Cheese slices (pepper jack, cheddar, or vegan cheese)
- Your favorite sauce (chipotle mayo, BBQ sauce, or yogurt sauce)
Instructions
Instructions
- Spread the rinsed black beans on a towel and pat very dry, then let air-dry for 5–10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Place beans in a large bowl and mash about 75% of them, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Stir in the onion, garlic, soy sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder if using, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Add the breadcrumbs, oats, and egg or prepared flax egg, and mix until the mixture holds together when pressed; if it feels wet, add 1–2 tablespoons more breadcrumbs.
- Divide the mixture into 4 large or 5 medium patties about 1/2 inch thick and smooth the edges.
- Heat 1–2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
- Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side until deeply browned and crisp at the edges.
- If adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking and cover the skillet to melt.
- Toast the burger buns and assemble with sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, and avocado, then serve.
Notes
For grilling, chill formed patties 20–30 minutes, oil grill grates well, and cook 3–4 minutes per side, flipping gently. Bake option: 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes per side on a lined sheet, brushing patties lightly with oil. For vegan and gluten-free, use a flax egg and certified gluten-free oats and breadcrumbs and choose vegan cheese or skip it. Storage: Refrigerate cooked patties up to 4 days; reheat in a lightly oiled skillet 2–3 minutes per side. Freeze cooked or uncooked patties up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge. Variations: chipotle-lime, Mediterranean, BBQ cheddar, or sweet corn and jalapeño.