Easy Black Bean Burger Recipe
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This easy Black Bean Burger recipe is hearty, flavorful, and simple to make, packed with wholesome ingredients and a subtle Southwest flair. Whether you're a longtime fan of homemade bean burgers or just exploring meatless meals, this is a recipe you'll want to make on repeat.
If you love the combination of black beans and Southwest flavors, try this healthy black bean soup or this easy turkey chili crockpot recipe with quinoa and black beans.
Recipe Overview
- Flavor Profile: Smoky, savory, Southwest-inspired
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes (recommended)
- Tools Needed: Skillet, mixing bowl or food processor, baking sheet or skillet
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian, high-protein, can be made gluten-free
What I Love About This Black Bean Burger
These burgers are satisfying without being heavy, filled with smoky chipotle, cumin, and a touch of Worcestershire, adding savory depth.
They're easy to prep ahead, and they cook beautifully in the oven or on the stovetop. Perfect for busy weeknights, summer cookouts, or game day gatherings.
I've always had a soft spot for veggie burgers, especially those made with whole and recognizable ingredients. These black bean burgers are everything I love in a meatless main: hearty and filling, but still light and fresh. The bean texture, depth of flavor from sautéed mushrooms and onions, and a smoky kick from chipotle peppers.
You can bake or pan-fry, making them versatile for each occasion. And the mix of Southwest-inspired spices, like in this quick and easy Southwest chicken salad, makes them a natural fit for your favorite burger toppings-from avocado and pepper jack cheese to crisp lettuce and zesty sauces.
Key Ingredients
- Black Beans: The base of the burger, use canned or home-cooked, and be sure to dry them well with a towel.
- Mushrooms: Finely chopped cremini (or rehydrated dried porcini) add umami and moisture.
- Onion & Garlic: Classic aromatics that boost flavor.
- Chipotle in Adobo: A little goes a long way-smoky, spicy, and delicious!
- Cumin & Smoked Paprika: Warm spices that give these burgers a Southwest flavor.
- Panko or Oat Flour: Helps bind everything together (use GF as needed).
- Eggs: Essential for structure and binding.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds rich umami flavor. Use vegetarian Worcestershire or tamari/soy sauce to keep it vegan-friendly.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley, oregano, or cilantro brighten the mix.
Variations
- Vegan Option: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) in place of regular eggs and swap Worcestershire with tamari or soy sauce for an entirely plant-based burger.
- Add Veggies: Finely grated carrot, zucchini (squeezed dry), or corn can be folded into the mixture.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use oat flour or certified GF breadcrumbs.
- Spice It Up: Add more chipotle or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
- Cheesy Black Bean Burgers: Fold in crumbled feta, shredded cheddar, or pepper jack.
How to Make Easy Black Bean Burgers
These black bean burgers are easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients. While there are a few steps, each one is quick and adds delicious flavor and texture. For example, one optional step is lightly drying the black beans in the oven-it takes just a few minutes and helps prevent soggy patties.
Optional Step: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Spread the drained black beans evenly on a lined baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, just until they look slightly dried but not crispy.
Step 1: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add the mushrooms and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated and they are nicely browned. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: In a large bowl, add two-thirds of the black beans and roughly mash with a fork, or a food processor for a finer texture. Then add the remaining beans, the onion and mushroom mixture, chipotle peppers and their sauce (or water), smoked paprika, cumin, salt, panko, slightly beaten eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper.
Step 3: Stir until the black bean mixture is combined. Scoop out ½ cup and form into patties about ¾ inch thick and place on a parchment-lined tray.
Step 4: Refrigerate the patties for 30 minutes. This helps the binders set and prevent the patties from falling apart.
Cooking the patties
- To bake: Place patties on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (191°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, at about 10 minutes.
- To pan-fry: Heat a tablespoon of oil (like avocado) in a large non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron skillet over medium heat. When hot, place the chilled patties in the pan, leaving space between them to allow for easy flipping. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
- On toasted buns with your favorite toppings: avocado, lettuce, tomato, red onion, spicy mayo, or fresh salsa recipe.
- Wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
- With a side of Healthy Black Bean Soup, Black Bean Chili Cornbread Casserole, or Slow Cooker Turkey Chili with Quinoa and Black Beans for a protein-packed meal.
- Try a burger bar with Cheddar Chicken Burgers, Greek Turkey Burgers, or Firecracker Chicken Burgers for a fun cookout twist!
Storage & Freezing Tips
To Store: Cooked black bean burgers will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them cool completely before storing to avoid condensation and sogginess.
To Freeze (Uncooked or Cooked): Place burgers in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
To Reheat: Reheat from the fridge in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. For frozen patties, bake at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or pan-fry from frozen over medium-low heat until warmed through.
Recipe FAQs
They're made with pantry staples like canned black beans, mushrooms, and spices. Minimal prep, and you can bake or pan-fry them in under 20 minutes.
Absolutely! Prepare the patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. They also freeze well (uncooked or cooked).
Chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold together. Also, using a binder like eggs and panko ensures they stay intact during cooking.
Yes. Layer uncooked patties between parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake or pan-fry time.
Think Southwest: avocado, chipotle mayo, pepper jack cheese, pickled red onions, or even a spoonful of corn salsa.
Drying the black beans in the oven helps remove excess moisture, giving the black bean burgers a firmer texture and preventing them from falling apart during cooking. It's optional-but especially helpful if your beans are extra soft or wet.
Here's what it looks like:
More Burger Recipes to Try
- Easy Grilled Cheddar Chicken Burger
- Firecracker Chicken Burgers
- Greek Turkey Burgers
- Salmon Burgers
- Grilled Beef Burgers Recipe
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Black Bean Burger Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 (14-oz) cans black beans drained, rinsed, and patted dry
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup finely chopped onion like red or yellow (about ½ large onion)
- 4 ounces cremini mushrooms finely chopped (or 4 oz dried mushrooms, soaked)
- 2-3 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo finely minced
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from the can or water
- 3 garlic cloves minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon sea salt or to taste
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs or oat flour
- 2 large eggs see note for vegan substitution
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Optional: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Spread beans evenly onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until slightly dried out.
- Meanwhile, heat a skillet, add olive oil, and sauté onion and garlic over medium heat until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their liquid, most of which has evaporated, and they are nicely browned. These steps bring delicious flavor to the burgers. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl or the bowl of a food processor, add two-thirds of the black beans and roughly mash with a fork, potato masher, or food processor for a finer texture. Then add the remaining whole black beans, the onion and mushroom mixture, chipotle peppers and their sauce (or water), smoked paprika, cumin, salt, panko, slightly beaten eggs, Worcestershire sauce, fresh herbs, and pepper. Stir or pulse the mixture together. (I mix this by hand).
- Form the black bean mixture into patties, each about ½ cup (130g) in size and about ¾ inch thick, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the binders set and prevents the patties from falling apart.
Cook the patties
- To bake: Place patties on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (191°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, at about 10 minutes. To pan-fry: Heat a tablespoon of oil (like avocado) in a large non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron skillet over medium heat. When hot, place the chilled patties in the pan, leaving space between them to allow for easy flipping. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through.
- Serve with your favorite toppings. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Freezing Instructions: Cooked or uncooked black bean burgers freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months. Stack between parchment paper in a freezer container or zipped-top bag. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat to your liking or, if uncooked, cook according to instructions. If desired, you can skip thawing and reheat/cook from frozen for an extra couple of minutes.
- Vegetarian: For vegetarian burgers, substitute Worcestershire sauce for BBQ sauce, soy sauce, or even ketchup.
- Mushrooms: If preferred, you can substitute 4 ounces of dried, stemless porcini. Soak in hot water for 5-10 minutes and then roughly chop before adding to the black bean mixture.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
I love beef burgers, but this is such a great option! The flavors, and texture work so well, Thanks!
This is one of my favorites! Thank you for trying it!