Black bean burgers are a delicious and satisfying vegetarian alternative to traditional meat burgers. Packed with protein and fiber these burgers are flavorful, hearty, and easy to make. With a combination of spices, vegetables, and binding agents, black bean burgers offer a tasty and nutritious option for those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. Let’s get started!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Burger buns and toppings of your choice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly mashed with some whole beans remaining for texture.
- Add the bread crumbs, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), ketchup, soy sauce, chopped cilantro or parsley, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the mashed beans.
- Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. If the mixture seems too wet, add a little more bread crumbs to help bind it.
- Divide the mixture into patties of desired size, usually about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
- Heat a lightly greased skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the black bean patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until heated through and nicely browned.
- Toast the burger buns if desired and assemble the black bean burgers with your favorite toppings such as microgreens, tomato, avocado, onion, and condiments.
Notes
Do make sure to thoroughly drain and rinse the black beans to remove excess moisture. Adding bread crumbs helps absorb any remaining wetness and provides structure to the burgers. For added flavor, you can customize the spices according to your preference. If you want a smoky taste, for instance, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika. Serve the black bean burgers with your favorite sides and enjoy!
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg







