Black Bean and Caramelized Burger Vegan Recipe Made Easy

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Looking for a hearty, flavorful burger that’s 100% plant-based and packed with wholesome ingredients? This Black Bean and Caramelized Burger Vegan Recipe is exactly what you need.

It combines the rich, smoky depth of black beans with the sweet, golden flavors of caramelized onions to create a burger that’s juicy, satisfying, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more meatless meals to your rotation, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

These burgers are not only easy to make but also versatile. You can dress them up with your favorite toppings or serve them as is for a simple, protein-packed meal.

Best of all, they’re free from common allergens like dairy and eggs, making them perfect for almost everyone at your table. Ready to dive into this culinary delight?

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan black bean burger recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, the combination of black beans and caramelized onions adds a wonderful balance of savory and sweet flavors that keep each bite interesting and delicious.

The texture is just right—moist and tender inside with a lightly crisp exterior that holds together perfectly on a bun.

Additionally, this recipe uses simple pantry staples, making it accessible and budget-friendly. It’s also highly customizable—swap out spices or add extra veggies based on your preferences.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking for guests, these burgers deliver the kind of flavor and nutrition that will impress everyone.

If you enjoy this, you might also love our Chipotle Black Beans And Rice Recipe for a smoky twist on black beans, or pair this burger with a sweet treat like the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for dessert!

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (use gluten-free if preferred)
  • 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for caramelizing onions)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon maple syrup (for sweeter caramelized onions)
  • Burger buns (vegan-friendly)
  • Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, avocado, vegan mayo, pickles

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Baking sheet or non-stick pan for cooking burgers
  • Food processor or blender (optional, for smoother texture)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are golden brown and sweet. If using, stir in 1 tablespoon maple syrup during the last 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Prepare the black beans: In a mixing bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth but still a bit chunky. This creates a nice texture for the burgers.
  3. Add the dry ingredients: Stir in the rolled oats, ground flaxseed, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and soy sauce. Mix until well combined. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the flaxseed and oats to absorb moisture and bind the mix.
  4. Incorporate caramelized onions: Fold the caramelized onions gently into the black bean mixture, ensuring even distribution without over-mixing.
  5. Form the patties: Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions (depending on your preferred size) and shape each into a burger patty about 3/4 inch thick.
  6. Cook the patties: You can either pan-fry or bake the burgers. For pan-frying, heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook each patty for about 4-5 minutes per side until crisp and heated through. For baking, place patties on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  7. Assemble your burger: Toast your vegan buns if desired, then layer with lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, pickles, or your favorite condiments. Place the black bean patty on the bun and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

“For extra binding, you can add a tablespoon of chickpea flour or breadcrumbs if your mixture feels too wet.”

If you want a smokier flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke or smoked salt to the patty mixture. For a fun twist, mix in finely chopped mushrooms or shredded carrots to boost veggies and moisture.

To make these burgers gluten-free, simply use gluten-free oats and buns. If you prefer a chunkier texture, skip the food processor and mash the beans by hand.

For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the mix. Or top your burger with a slice of vegan cheese for added creaminess.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1 burger patty)
Calories 210 kcal
Protein 10 g
Carbohydrates 30 g
Fiber 8 g
Fat 5 g
Sodium 380 mg

Serving Suggestions

This burger pairs wonderfully with crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad for a light, balanced meal. You can also serve it alongside a bowl of our Clam Chowder San Francisco Recipe (veganized, if you like) or a vibrant side of grilled veggies.

If you want to indulge your sweet tooth afterward, the Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe is an excellent choice for a decadent, vegan-friendly dessert to complete your meal.

Conclusion

Whether you’re aiming to reduce your meat consumption or simply love a good plant-based burger, this Black Bean and Caramelized Burger Vegan Recipe is a fantastic option. It’s packed with flavor, simple to prepare, and offers a satisfying texture that rivals traditional burgers.

The sweetness of the caramelized onions perfectly complements the smoky, spiced black beans, creating a harmonious taste experience.

Beyond being delicious, these burgers are nutritious and suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. They freeze well, making them great for meal prepping or quick weeknight dinners.

Give this recipe a try, and you might find yourself reaching for black beans in a whole new way!

📖 Recipe Card: Black Bean and Caramelized Burger Vegan Recipe

Description: A hearty vegan burger featuring black beans and sweet caramelized onions for a rich, savory flavor. Perfect for a satisfying plant-based meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Burger buns
  • Lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan and caramelize onions over medium heat for 10-12 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, mash black beans until mostly smooth.
  3. Add oats, breadcrumbs, garlic, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper; mix well.
  4. Fold in caramelized onions and combine into a dough-like mixture.
  5. Form mixture into 4 patties.
  6. Cook patties in a non-stick pan over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and firm.
  7. Assemble burgers with buns, lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 45 g

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Marta K

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