This simple black bean burger is packed with flavor and good-for-you ingredients. It’s made with hearty black beans, spices, and a touch of oats for texture!
Honestly, these burgers are so tasty, I sometimes make an extra batch just to snack on. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: These are the star of the show! Use canned black beans for speed, just be sure to rinse them well. If you’re looking for a variation, try kidney beans or chickpeas for a different flavor profile.
Bell Pepper: I like green bell pepper for its crunch and subtle sweet flavor. You can swap it with any color bell pepper or even skip it altogether if you prefer. Zucchini works too!
Egg: This acts as a binder, but you can replace it with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for a vegan version. It works great! You could also use applesauce or mashed banana, but that will change the flavor slightly.
Oats/Breadcrumbs: I favor quick oats for their texture and ease. If gluten-free, opt for gluten-free oats or breadcrumbs. Even crushed cornflakes can work if you’re in a pinch!
How Do I Get My Black Bean Burgers to Hold Together?
Getting those black bean burgers to stay together can be tricky, but with the right techniques, you’ll nail it every time! Here’s what to do:
- Be sure to mash the black beans well but leave some chunks for texture.
- If your mixture is too wet after adding the egg and oats, add more oats or breadcrumbs a little at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
- Chill the formed patties in the fridge for about 15 minutes before cooking. It helps them firm up.
- Cook in a hot pan, but avoid moving them around too much until they’re ready to flip. This helps create a crust that holds everything together!
Easy Healthy Black Bean Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger Patties:
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup oats or breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray for cooking
For Serving:
- Whole wheat burger buns
- Toppings: lettuce, tomato, sliced red onion, cheese slice, guacamole or avocado spread, ketchup or your favorite sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need about 15-20 minutes for cooking. So, you’re looking at a total of around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and wholesome meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mash the Black Beans:
In a medium bowl, take the drained and rinsed black beans and mash them up with a fork or potato masher. Aim for mostly smooth, but don’t worry about getting every bean mashed—leave some texture for a hearty bite!
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil, then toss in the diced green bell pepper and onion. Cook for about 5 minutes or until they’re soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute. Once it’s fragrant, take it off the heat and let it cool a bit.
3. Mix Everything Together:
Add the cooled sautéed veggies to your mashed beans. Stir in the egg, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oats, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is nicely combined. If the mixture is too wet, sprinkle in a bit more oats or breadcrumbs until it holds together well.
4. Form the Patties:
Divide the mixture into four parts and shape them into patties. Make them nice and uniform for even cooking.
5. Cook the Patties:
In the same skillet or a grill pan over medium heat, add a little more olive oil or use cooking spray. Place the patties in the pan and cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re browned and heated through. If you want, you can place a slice of cheese on top during the last minute of cooking to melt!
6. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, you can toast your whole wheat buns lightly on another pan or in a toaster. This adds a nice touch!
7. Assemble the Burgers:
It’s time to put it all together! Start with the lettuce on the bottom bun, then add the warm black bean patty. Top it with sliced red onions, a generous dollop of guacamole or avocado spread, and your favorite sauce. Place the top bun on, and there you go!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy your warm, homemade black bean burger! These flavorful vegetarian burgers are not only satisfying but also packed with protein and fiber. Enjoy every bite!
This recipe makes about 4 hearty, flavorful vegetarian burgers perfect for any meal.
Can I Use Canned Black Beans in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Canned black beans are perfect for this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well to reduce sodium and remove any canning liquid.
Can I Make These Burgers Vegan?
Yes! To make these black bean burgers vegan, simply substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or use unsweetened applesauce for binding. Both work well!
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover black bean burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.
Can I Freeze the Patties?
Yes, these patties freeze beautifully! After forming the patties, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. Just cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time!
