Black Bean Burgers: 10 Mouthwatering Recipes to Try Tonight

Tired of bland vegetarian options that leave you unsatisfied? Black bean burgers are the answer to your dinner dilemma! These protein-packed patties deliver rich flavor and hearty texture that even meat lovers can’t resist. Our collection of 10 black bean burger recipes transforms simple pantry staples into crave-worthy meals that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a long-time vegetarian or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your rotation, these recipes offer something for every taste preference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through selecting the perfect ingredients, preparation techniques, cooking methods, and serving suggestions to create black bean burgers that truly satisfy.

Why These Black Bean Burger Recipes Work

• Uses affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients you likely already have
• Ready in under 30 minutes for quick weeknight meals
• Freezer-friendly for meal prep convenience
• Customizable with endless flavor combinations
• Perfect for vegetarians, vegans (with simple substitutions), and meat-eaters alike
• Higher in fiber and lower in fat than traditional beef burgers
• Kid-friendly when shaped into sliders or fun shapes

Choosing the Right Black Bean Burger Ingredients

Best Beans for Black Bean Burgers

While canned black beans offer convenience, dried beans provide superior texture when properly cooked and drained. Either option works well, though canned beans require thorough rinsing and draining to remove excess moisture. For texture variation, consider combining black beans with pinto beans or chickpeas in some recipes.

Binding Agents

The perfect black bean burger needs proper binding to hold together during cooking. Eggs work wonderfully as a binder, but for vegan black bean burgers, flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or commercial egg replacers perform excellently. Other effective binders include breadcrumbs, oats, or cooked quinoa.

Flavor Boosters

Transform basic black bean burgers into flavor explosions with ingredients like:

• Aromatics: Onions, garlic, shallots
• Fresh herbs: Cilantro, parsley, basil
• Spice blends: Taco seasoning, Cajun spice, curry powder
• Umami enhancers: Soy sauce, nutritional yeast, mushrooms

Ingredients & Prep for Black Bean Burgers

Black Bean Burger Base Ingredients

The foundation of any great black bean burger includes:

• 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
• ¼ cup finely diced onion
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Flavor Variations (Choose one):

• Southwest:

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ cup corn kernels
  • ¼ cup diced bell pepper

• Mediterranean:

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ cup chopped olives
  • 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes

• Asian-Inspired:

  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Bean Preparation Essentials

The key to non-mushy black bean burgers is proper bean preparation. For optimal texture:

1. Drain and rinse beans thoroughly
2. Pat dry with paper towels or clean kitchen towel
3. Partially mash beans, leaving some whole for texture
4. Sauté aromatics (onions, garlic) before adding to mixture for better flavor

Step-by-Step Black Bean Burger Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cooking Black Bean Burger Prep

1. In a large bowl, mash about 2/3 of the black beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some beans whole for texture.
2. Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add sautéed mixture to the beans, along with egg, breadcrumbs, and chosen seasonings.
4. Mix thoroughly and let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes to allow breadcrumbs to absorb moisture.
5. Form into 4-6 patties, about ½-inch thick. Create a slight dimple in the center of each patty to prevent bulging during cooking.

Black Bean Burger Cooking Methods

Stovetop Method:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side until crisp and heated through.

Oven Method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake for 10 minutes, flip, then bake another 10 minutes.

Grilling Method:

1. Freeze patties for 30 minutes before grilling to help them hold together.
2. Preheat grill to medium heat and oil the grates.
3. Grill patties 4-5 minutes per side, handling carefully.

Doneness Check for Black Bean Burgers

Unlike meat burgers, black bean burgers don’t require specific internal temperatures. Instead, look for:

• Firm exterior with slight resistance when pressed
• Golden brown crust on both sides
• Heated throughout

Resting Black Bean Burgers

Allow cooked patties to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This helps them set and makes for easier handling when building your burger.

Pro Tips for Perfect Black Bean Burgers

Avoiding Crumbly Black Bean Burgers

• Don’t over-process the beans—leave some texture
• Add enough binding ingredients (eggs, breadcrumbs)
• Chill formed patties for 30 minutes before cooking
• Handle gently during flipping

For more creative burger ideas and cooking tips, check out our Pinterest collection of burger recipes where you’ll find endless inspiration for your next meal!

Tool Recommendations

• Food processor (for controlled pulsing of ingredients)
• Measuring cups with straight edges (for packing and leveling ingredients)
• Heavy-bottomed skillet (for even cooking)
• Wide, thin spatula (for easier flipping)

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate cooked patties for up to 3 days
• Freeze uncooked patties with parchment paper between layers
• Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or in a skillet with a splash of water and covered lid

Black Bean Burger Flavor Variations

Spicy Black Bean Burgers

Add one or more of these ingredients to create burgers with a kick:

• 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat)
• 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Hot sauce to taste

Vegan Black Bean Burgers

• Replace egg with flax egg or ¼ cup mashed avocado
• Use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor
• Add extra herbs and spices for flavor depth

Global Black Bean Burger Flavors

Serving Suggestions for Black Bean Burgers

Classic Burger Build

• Toasted burger bun (brioche works beautifully)
• Fresh lettuce or arugula
• Sliced tomato
• Red onion rings
• Avocado slices or guacamole
• Your favorite sauce (chipotle mayo, sriracha aioli, etc.)

Side Dishes

Pair your black bean burgers with:

• Sweet potato fries
• Crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette
• Corn and bean salsa
• Roasted vegetables
• Quinoa salad

Beverage Pairings

• Craft IPAs or amber ales
• Sparkling water with lime
• Iced tea with fresh mint
• Fruit-forward lemonades or aguas frescas

FAQs About Black Bean Burgers

Can I freeze black bean burgers?
Yes! Form patties, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Cook frozen patties by adding 2-3 minutes to cooking time.

Why do my black bean burgers fall apart?
This usually happens when there’s too much moisture or not enough binding agent. Make sure to drain beans thoroughly, sauté any vegetables to remove moisture, and use sufficient egg and breadcrumbs.

How can I make my black bean burgers firmer?
Refrigerate formed patties for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Adding 1-2 tablespoons of flour or ground oats can also help absorb excess moisture.

Are black bean burgers healthier than beef burgers?
Black bean burgers typically contain fewer calories, less fat, no cholesterol, and more fiber than beef burgers. However, nutritional content varies by recipe.

How do I get a crispy exterior on my black bean burgers?
Ensure your cooking surface is hot before adding patties, use enough oil, and resist the urge to flip too early. A cast-iron skillet works particularly well for achieving a nice crust.

Conclusion

Black bean burgers offer endless possibilities for creative, satisfying meals that won’t leave you missing meat. From quick weeknight dinners to impressive backyard barbecues, these versatile patties can be customized to suit any taste preference or dietary need. The key is balancing texture, moisture, and flavor to create burgers that hold together beautifully while delivering delicious results every time.

Ready to expand your vegetarian recipe collection? Try experimenting with different beans, grains, and seasonings to create your own signature burger. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—you might just convert a few meat-lovers along the way!

For more plant-based inspiration, explore our complete recipe collection featuring dozens of vegetarian and vegan options for every meal of the day.