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Ultimate Black Bean Burgers Recipe

Avatar photoByEmily
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 61 reviews

If you’re searching for a satisfying, flavorful, and hearty veggie option, you’re going to love this one. I’m excited to share with you the Ultimate Black Bean Burgers Recipe—it’s hands down the best black bean burger I’ve ever made (and tasted!). These patties are packed with bold spices, just the right amount of texture, and a delightful balance of savory flavors. Once you try this recipe, I’m pretty sure it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect Texture: These burgers hold together amazingly well without being mushy or crumbly.
  • Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of spices, sautéed veggies, and feta cheese sends the taste over the top.
  • Versatile Cooking Methods: You can bake or grill them depending on what your mood (or weather!) calls for.
  • Kid and Adult Approved: My family can’t get enough, and they’re great for picky eaters.
A close-up image shows a thick, dark brown veggie patty with a rough, toasted texture, sitting on a bed of bright green, crinkled lettuce leaves. The patty rests on the bottom half of a light, soft bun, all placed on a wooden surface replaced with white marbled texture. The background is bright and blurred, focusing attention on the patty’s charred and crumbly outer layer photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Ultimate Black Bean Burgers, Black Bean Burgers, Vegetarian Burger Recipe, Healthy Veggie Burgers, Easy Black Bean Patties this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are easy to find and come together to create a juicy, flavorful burger patty with just the right amount of binding. Each one has a purpose, especially the spices and the feta, which add depth and that irresistible savory touch.

Flat lay of a simple white ceramic bowl filled with shiny black beans, a small white bowl of golden extra virgin olive oil, half a bright red bell pepper finely chopped on a white plate, half a large yellow onion finely chopped on a white plate, three whole garlic cloves unpeeled, a small white bowl containing ground cumin powder, a small white bowl with chili powder, another small white bowl holding garlic powder, a small white bowl with smoked paprika, a white ceramic bowl filled with light brown bread crumbs, a small white plate with crumbled white feta cheese, two whole uncracked brown eggs side by side on a white plate, a small white bowl with deep red ketchup sauce, and small piles of salt and black pepper on the white ceramic surface, arranged in a balanced symmetrical layout, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Ultimate Black Bean Burgers, Black Bean Burgers, Vegetarian Burger Recipe, Healthy Veggie Burgers, Easy Black Bean Patties
  • Black beans: Be sure to drain and pat them dry—this step helps prevent soggy burgers.
  • Extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and bringing out their sweetness.
  • Bell pepper: Finely chopped for a pop of fresh flavor and color.
  • Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Garlic cloves: Minced for that classic savory kick.
  • Ground cumin: One of the key spices to bring smokiness and warmth.
  • Chili powder: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
  • Garlic powder: Enhances garlic flavor even more without overpowering.
  • Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky undertone that makes all the difference.
  • Bread crumbs or oat flour: Helps hold the burger together—oat flour works great for a gluten-free version.
  • Feta cheese: Adds creaminess and a salty bite; optional if you want vegan.
  • Eggs: The best binder to keep everything together; check recipe notes for vegan swaps.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Deepens savory flavor—can be swapped for a vegan/vegetarian option easily.
  • Ketchup, mayo, or BBQ sauce: Provides moisture and a touch of tangy sweetness.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to balance the flavors.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Ultimate Black Bean Burgers Recipe is—you can easily tailor it to suit your dietary needs or just shake things up depending on what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

  • Vegan version: Swap eggs with flax eggs or mashed avocado, omit feta, and use vegan Worcestershire sauce for a plant-based delight.
  • Spice it up: Add a diced jalapeño or sprinkle in extra chili powder if you like a bit more heat—my husband loves the kick this brings!
  • Grain boost: Mix in cooked quinoa or brown rice for extra fiber and a heartier texture.
  • Cheesy twist: Try swapping feta for shredded sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a different cheesy profile.

How to Make Ultimate Black Bean Burgers Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Dry Out Your Beans

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Spread the drained and rinsed black beans evenly on a lined baking sheet and bake them for about 15 minutes. This drying step helps your burgers from becoming too watery—a trick I discovered after some early batches were too soft for flipping!

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies

While the beans bake, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, until everything softens and the flavors melt together nicely. Then, gently blot any excess moisture with a paper towel—too much liquid can make forming patties tricky.

Step 3: Combine and Mash

Place sautéed veggies and all the spices, bread crumbs (or oat flour), feta cheese, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper into a large bowl or food processor. Stir or pulse to combine. Then add in the slightly dried beans. Mash everything together with a fork or pulse a few times in the processor, making sure to leave some chunks for texture—you don’t want a black bean puree.

Step 4: Shape Your Patties

Divide the mixture into about 6 to 7 patties, each using roughly 1/2 cup (130g) of the mix, and shape them to around 3/4-inch thick. This thickness keeps them juicy but sturdy enough to grill or bake without falling apart.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

For baking: Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (191°C) for 10 minutes on each side, a total of 20 minutes. For grilling: Place them on greased aluminum foil and grill about 8 minutes per side over medium-high heat (350°F to 400°F). I find grilling adds a beautiful slight char and extra flavor, but baking is easier on busy weeknights.

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Pro Tips for Making Ultimate Black Bean Burgers Recipe

  • Dry Beans Thoroughly: Pat your beans dry before baking to prevent sogginess and help the patties hold better.
  • Don’t Overprocess: Leaving some black bean chunks adds texture and keeps the burgers from getting mushy.
  • Careful Sauté: Blotting moisture from the sautéed veggies ensures your burger mix isn’t too wet to shape.
  • Test Patty First: Cook one smaller patty to test seasoning and texture before shaping the rest.

How to Serve Ultimate Black Bean Burgers Recipe

A close-up image of a sandwich held by two woman's hands with light-colored nail polish, showing four layers inside a soft, brown whole wheat bun. The bottom layer is green leaf lettuce, followed by a thick, dark brown veggie patty with a coarse, chunky texture. On top of the patty is a slice of pale yellow cheese partially melted, then a layer of chunky green guacamole with a creamy texture partly mixed with bright red tomato salsa. The top bun is slightly squished down over the layers. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Ultimate Black Bean Burgers, Black Bean Burgers, Vegetarian Burger Recipe, Healthy Veggie Burgers, Easy Black Bean Patties

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for classic toppings with these black bean burgers—crisp lettuce, fresh tomato slices, red onion rings, and avocado for creaminess all work beautifully. A spread of chipotle mayo or smoky BBQ sauce takes it to the next level. You can’t go wrong with pickles for a little tang either.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are oven-baked sweet potato fries or a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Sometimes I’ll whip up some grilled corn on the cob, which pairs so well with the smoky spices in the burger. For a cozy meal, roasted veggies or a warm quinoa salad complement the flavors wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love turning my Ultimate Black Bean Burgers into sliders served on mini brioche buns with blue cheese crumbles and caramelized onions. They make great party appetizers and impress guests with big flavor in a small package. Sometimes, I skip the buns entirely and serve the patties on a bed of greens with dollops of tangy yogurt sauce for a lighter option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay tasty for up to 5 days. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before refrigerating so they don’t get soggy from condensation.

Freezing

These burgers freeze beautifully! After shaping the patties, freeze them individually on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen solid, transfer to a zip-top bag. This way, you can pull out just how many you need and cook from frozen or thawed without a mess.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming them in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil to bring back that slightly crisp edge. The microwave works in a pinch but sometimes makes them a bit soft. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for even better results.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the Ultimate Black Bean Burgers Recipe vegan?

    Yes! Simply replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg, let sit for 5 mins) or mashed avocado, skip the feta cheese, and use a vegan Worcestershire sauce. These swaps keep the patties binding well and flavorful.

  2. How do I prevent my black bean burgers from falling apart?

    Drying the beans in the oven, sautéing and blotting excess moisture from the veggies, and not overprocessing the mixture are key steps I follow to make sure the burgers hold together nicely. Using bread crumbs or oat flour also helps bind the patties.

  3. Can I cook these burgers on the stovetop?

    Absolutely! Heat a non-stick skillet with a little oil over medium heat, and cook the patties about 5 minutes per side or until golden and heated through. Just be gentle when flipping them to keep their shape.

  4. What’s the best way to add variety to the burgers?

    Try mixing in different spices like smoked chipotle powder or oregano, adding shredded veggies like zucchini or carrots, or topping with creative sauces like avocado crema, pesto, or spicy aioli to keep things interesting.

Final Thoughts

This Ultimate Black Bean Burgers Recipe has truly become one of my kitchen favorites because it’s just so adaptable and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a meatless Monday meal, a crowd-pleasing BBQ option, or a cozy comfort food fix, these burgers never disappoint. I’m confident once you try them, your whole family will go crazy for these too. So grab your skillet or fire up the grill, and let’s make some unforgettable black bean burgers!

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Ultimate Black Bean Burgers Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 61 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 30 min
  • Cook Time: 15 min
  • Total Time: 45 min
  • Yield: 6-7 burgers
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

These black bean burgers are the best I’ve ever had, featuring a flavorful blend of black beans, bell pepper, onion, and spices. They are easy to prepare and can be baked or grilled to perfection, offering a delicious vegetarian option that’s hearty and satisfying. The recipe includes tips for vegan substitutions and customizable toppings.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 (14-ounce) cans black beans, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
  • 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 cup (100g) finely chopped bell pepper (1/2 of a pepper)
  • 1 cup (130g) finely chopped yellow onion (1/2 of a large onion)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 Tablespoon)
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup (60g) bread crumbs or oat flour
  • 1/2 cup (70g) feta cheese (skip if vegan)
  • 2 large eggs (see note for vegan substitution)
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (see note for vegan & vegetarian version)
  • 2 Tablespoons ketchup, mayo, or BBQ sauce
  • Pinch salt + pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat and dry beans: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Spread the drained and rinsed black beans evenly on a lined baking sheet. Bake them for 15 minutes to slightly dry them out, which helps achieve the perfect burger texture.
  2. Sauté vegetables: While the beans bake, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped bell pepper, yellow onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Blot some moisture out gently, then transfer the vegetables to a large bowl or food processor.
  3. Combine ingredients: Add ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, bread crumbs or oat flour, feta cheese (if using), eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup (or mayo/BBQ sauce), salt, and pepper to the sautéed vegetables. Stir or pulse to combine well.
  4. Add and mash beans: Add the baked black beans to the mixture. Mash the beans with a fork or pulse briefly in the food processor, leaving some chunks for texture.
  5. Form patties: Shape the mixture into 6-7 patties, each about 1/2 cup (130g) and 3/4-inch thick.
  6. Cook patties (baking option): Place the patties on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake in the oven at 375°F (191°C) for 10 minutes on each side, totaling 20 minutes, until firm and lightly browned.
  7. Cook patties (grilling option): Alternatively, place patties on greased aluminum foil and grill over medium-high heat (350°F – 400°F / 177°C – 204°C) for about 8 minutes on each side.
  8. Serve: Serve the black bean burgers with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, or sauces. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • These black bean burgers are the best I’ve ever tried, favored across homemade, restaurant, and store-bought versions.
  • The recipe is not vegan or vegetarian due to eggs, feta cheese, and Worcestershire sauce. For vegan substitution, replace eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, omit feta cheese, and use vegan Worcestershire sauce.
  • You can customize sauces (ketchup, mayo, or BBQ) depending on your taste preference.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to 5 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 burger (approx. 130g)
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
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Hey, I'm Emily! I'm a home cook with a passion for fun, real recipes that make my kitchen my happy place. Dive in and share the flavor of my everyday foodie adventures!

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