Looking for a delicious, hearty, and healthy vegetarian burger that satisfies your cravings without the meat? Our vegetarian black bean burger recipe is exactly what you need!
Packed with protein-rich black beans, fresh vegetables, and bold spices, these burgers are a flavorful alternative to traditional beef patties. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for a casual lunch, dinner, or backyard barbecue.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize toppings and seasonings to suit your taste.
What makes these black bean burgers stand out is their perfect texture – crispy on the outside and tender on the inside – and their rich, smoky flavor. You’ll love how easy they are to make from scratch and how satisfying they are.
Dive into this recipe and discover a new favorite that both vegetarians and meat-eaters will enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Our black bean burgers are a fantastic combination of nutrition and taste. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen:
- High in protein and fiber: Black beans provide a nutritious base that keeps you full and energized.
- Easy and quick to prepare: The patties come together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable flavors: Add your favorite spices or veggies to make the burger your own.
- Great for meal prep: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze for quick meals later.
- Perfect texture: Crispy exterior with a soft, flavorful interior that holds together well.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water (flax egg)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
- Burger buns and your favorite toppings (lettuce, tomato, avocado, vegan mayo, etc.)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Skillet or non-stick frying pan
- Spatula
- Small bowl for flax egg
- Knife and chopping board
Instructions
- Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens like an egg substitute.
- Mash the black beans: In a mixing bowl, use a fork or potato masher to mash the black beans until mostly smooth but still a bit chunky for texture.
- Add vegetables and seasonings: Stir in the finely chopped red bell pepper, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Incorporate the flax egg and breadcrumbs: Add the flax egg and breadcrumbs to the mixture. Combine thoroughly until the mixture holds together. If too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a splash of water.
- Shape the patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a round, firm patty about 3/4 inch thick.
- Cook the patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until a crispy crust forms and the patties are heated through.
- Assemble your burgers: Toast the burger buns if desired, then layer with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, and vegan mayo. Place the black bean patty on the bun and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
For extra binding power, you can add 1/4 cup of cooked quinoa or mashed sweet potato to the burger mixture.
Feel free to experiment with spices to suit your flavor preferences. For a Southwestern twist, add chopped jalapeño and a squeeze of lime juice.
If you love Mediterranean flavors, mix in some chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano.
To make these burgers gluten-free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones or crushed gluten-free crackers. For a lower-carb version, use almond flour instead.
Want to bake instead of pan-fry? Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount (per burger) |
---|---|
Calories | 220 |
Protein | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 32 g |
Dietary Fiber | 9 g |
Total Fat | 5 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.7 g |
Sodium | 350 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These vegetarian black bean burgers are delicious on their own, but you can elevate your meal with tasty sides and condiments. Try serving them with:
- Crispy sweet potato fries or baked potato wedges
- A fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette
- Grilled corn on the cob with vegan butter and herbs
- A side of homemade coleslaw or pickled vegetables
- Spicy guacamole or smoky chipotle mayo as burger spreads
For a fun twist, stack your burger with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or vegan cheese slices. And don’t forget to pair your meal with a refreshing drink like iced tea or a sparkling lemonade for the perfect combo.
Conclusion
Making vegetarian black bean burgers at home is a wonderful way to enjoy a nutritious, flavorful, and satisfying meal that everyone will love. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also highly adaptable to suit your personal tastes and dietary preferences.
The combination of black beans, spices, and fresh veggies creates a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking for a healthy dinner option, these black bean burgers are a fantastic choice. They’re packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients that nourish your body and delight your taste buds.
Be sure to try pairing them with some of our other delicious vegetarian dishes like Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or explore more plant-based options such as Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners.
For a soft homemade bread to serve your burger on, check out the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
Enjoy crafting this delectable black bean burger recipe and share it with friends and family to spread the joy of wholesome, vegetarian cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Black Bean Burger
Description: A flavorful and hearty black bean burger that's perfect for a healthy vegetarian meal. Packed with protein and easy to prepare, it's great for grilling or pan-frying.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Mash black beans in a bowl until mostly smooth.
- Add breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, egg, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form mixture into 4 equal patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 5-6 minutes per side until browned and heated through.
- Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 30 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegetarian Black Bean Burger”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and hearty black bean burger that’s perfect for a healthy vegetarian meal. Packed with protein and easy to prepare, it’s great for grilling or pan-frying.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed”, “1/2 cup breadcrumbs”, “1/4 cup finely chopped onion”, “1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper”, “1 large egg”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 teaspoon cumin”, “1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mash black beans in a bowl until mostly smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, egg, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix until well combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Form mixture into 4 equal patties.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook patties for 5-6 minutes per side until browned and heated through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “250 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “30 g”}}