Easy Black Bean Burger Recipe

Master this homemade black bean burger recipe with simple pantry ingredients for the best meat-free alternative to traditional burgers. This easy baking recipe creates perfectly firm patties that don't fall apart, featuring a flavorful blend of beans, spices, and vegetables that even carnivores will love.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Serves:

4 burgers

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 (400g) cans black beans, drained and rinsed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small red onion, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 red bell pepper, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g rolled oats</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g breadcrumbs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg (or 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water for vegan option)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for cooking</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp cumin</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp chili powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g fresh coriander, chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 burger buns, for serving</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 245 calories

🥑 Fat: 6 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 1 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 36 g

🍭 Sugar: 2 g

🍗 Protein: 12 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 45 mg

🧂 Sodium: 380 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Food processor or potato masher</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking sheet</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This preparation ensures your burgers will bake evenly and won't stick to the tray.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Spread the drained black beans on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. This crucial step removes excess moisture from the beans, preventing your burgers from becoming mushy. You'll know they're ready when the beans start to split and the skins begin to peel.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>While the beans are drying in the oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This pre-cooking of vegetables releases their moisture and intensifies their flavors.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Place the dried black beans in a food processor and pulse several times until roughly chopped – not puréed. You want to maintain some texture for the perfect burger consistency. If you don't have a food processor, use a potato masher to achieve a similar texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped beans, sautéed vegetables, oats, breadcrumbs, egg (or flax egg), remaining olive oil, and all the spices. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be moist but hold together when pressed – if it's too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a splash of olive oil.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties about 2.5cm thick. Press firmly while shaping to ensure they hold together. Place the formed patties on the parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the ingredients to bind together, reducing the chance of crumbling during cooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Brush the patties lightly with olive oil on both sides, which will help them develop a beautiful crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then carefully flip and bake for another 10 minutes until firm and lightly browned on both sides.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>While the burgers are baking, prepare your buns by lightly toasting them. Once the patties are done, let them rest for 5 minutes before serving – this final rest allows them to set completely and firm up. Assemble your burgers with your favorite toppings and enjoy!</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Easy Black Bean Burger Recipe?

This recipe uses black beans, red onion, garlic, red bell pepper, rolled oats, breadcrumbs, egg (or flax egg for vegans), olive oil, spices (cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder), fresh coriander, salt, and pepper. Serve on burger buns with your favourite toppings.

How to cook Easy Black Bean Burger Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Easy Black Bean Burger Recipe by first drying black beans in the oven, sautéing vegetables, pulsing beans for texture, and mixing with oats, breadcrumbs, and spices. Shape into patties, refrigerate to set, then bake until firm with a crispy exterior. The result is a delicious meat-free burger that holds together perfectly.

How do you prevent black bean burgers from falling apart when cooking?

The key is removing moisture by baking the beans first, using binding agents like oats, breadcrumbs and egg, properly sautéing vegetables to remove their moisture, and crucially, refrigerating the formed patties for at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow ingredients to bind together.

Can you freeze homemade veggie burgers for later use?

Absolutely! Once shaped, place uncooked patties on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen by adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time, or thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

What are the best toppings for homemade black bean burgers?

Complement the savoury flavour with creamy avocado slices, zesty lime-infused mayo, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, pickled jalapeños for heat, or a fresh salsa. Chipotle mayo, sliced red onions, and fresh coriander particularly enhance the Tex-Mex profile of these burgers.

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