This easy homemade black bean burger is packed with flavor and goodness! Made with tasty black beans, veggies, and spices, it’s both healthy and fulfilling.
These burgers are super fun to make, and they’re great for grill parties. I love adding a slice of cheese and some avocado on top—it’s like a party on a bun! 🌱
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: These are the star of the show! They provide a meaty texture and are packed with protein. If you don’t have black beans, feel free to use canned kidney beans or pinto beans instead.
Bell Pepper & Onion: The bell pepper adds sweetness and crunch, while onion gives depth of flavor. If you’re in a hurry, onion powder can be a quick alternative for fresh onions, but fresh is always better!
Egg: The egg helps bind the mixture. If you want to make this vegan, swap it out for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce.
Breadcrumbs: They add texture and help hold everything together. You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed or crushed cornflakes for a fun crunch!
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Black Bean Burgers?
The trick to a great black bean burger is in the mashing and mixing. You want a good amount of black beans to remain chunky for texture, so use a fork to mash them gently. It’s also important to make sure your mixture isn’t too wet. If it feels loose, add breadcrumbs little by little until it holds together well.
- After mixing in the veggies and spices, let the burger mixture rest for a few minutes. This helps it firm up!
- When forming the patties, make them about 1/2 inch thick for even cooking. Press them tightly so they won’t crumble.
Cooking them in a preheated skillet with a bit of oil adds a nice crispiness to the outside while keeping the inside moist. Enjoy your flavorful burgers!
Easy Homemade Black Bean Burger Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion (red or yellow)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon Thai chili sauce or hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 4 whole wheat hamburger buns
- 4 leaves of lettuce
- 4 slices of cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup guacamole or sliced avocado
- Sliced tomato, ketchup, mustard, or other toppings as desired
- Olive oil or vegetable oil (for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a perfect quick meal option. Total time is around 30-35 minutes. You’ll spend time mashing, mixing, and frying the patties to golden perfection—easy and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Black Bean Mixture:
In a medium bowl, use a fork to mash the black beans until they are mostly smooth, leaving some chunky bits for texture. This balance gives your burger great mouthfeel!
2. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Mix in the finely chopped green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. It’s best to incorporate these veggies while the beans are still warm—they’ll enhance the flavors!
3. Spice It Up:
Add the egg, chili powder, cumin, and hot sauce (if you’re using it). Stir everything together well until it’s nicely combined. The egg helps the burger stick, while spices add flavor.
4. Incorporate Breadcrumbs:
Mix in the breadcrumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together well. If the mixture feels too wet, sprinkle in more breadcrumbs little by little until it firms up.
5. Form the Patties:
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties about 1/2 inch thick. Make sure to pack them tightly so they hold together during cooking.
6. Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add just enough oil to coat the bottom. This will give the patties a nice golden crust!
7. Cook the Patties:
Carefully place the patties in the skillet and cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and heated through. Flip them gently with a spatula.
8. Melt the Cheese:
If you’re adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt beautifully.
9. Toast the Buns:
If you like a bit of crunch, lightly toast the hamburger buns in a separate pan or on a grill until they’re golden.
10. Assemble the Burgers:
Start with a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, add the black bean patty, then pile on guacamole or avocado and other toppings like sliced tomato, ketchup, and mustard. Top with the bun to finish!
11. Serve and Enjoy!
Your delicious black bean burgers are ready to enjoy! Serve them warm with your favorite sides. Enjoy the flavors and the satisfaction of having made it yourself!
This easy homemade black bean burger is hearty, tasty, and perfect served with your favorite burger fixings!
FAQ: Easy Homemade Black Bean Burger Recipe
Can I Use Canned Black Beans Instead of Dried?
Absolutely! In fact, this recipe calls for canned black beans for convenience. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before mashing to reduce excess sodium.
How Can I Make These Burgers Vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This will help bind the burger together!
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed cornflakes or oats. Just pulse them in a blender for a finer texture, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need a gluten-free option.
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
Leftover cooked black bean burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Enjoy them on another day!
