Black Bean Burger

Name: Black Bean Burger
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans (or 3 cups cooked black beans); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (pressed); 1 or more jalapeños (chopped); 4 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp chipotle powder (substitute 1 teaspoon smoked paprika + ¼ teaspoon chili powder); 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 large egg; ¾ cup feta cheese (crumbled); ½ cup breadcrumbs; 1 tsp salt (or more to taste + black pepper to taste); 4 burger buns

This easy black bean burger recipe is a healthy, high-protein vegetarian dinner packed with flavor and perfect for meal prep or weeknight meals.

If you like this, you might also like our black bean salad, black bean soup, and tostadas with refried beans.

The Best Homemade Black Bean Burgers

These black bean burgers are everything we want in a homemade veggie burger: hearty, flavorful, satisfying—and irresistibly messy (if you like them that way) 🍔.

They’re inspired by the bold, earthy flavors of Southern and Mexican cooking, packed with protein-rich black beans, and balanced with smoky spices, tangy feta, and a touch of heat.

At home, these are a weeknight favorite. I love stacking mine high with chipotle sauce, creamy guacamole, crunchy lettuce, and quick-pickled onions—so good they drip down your hands. Louise? She skips the bun and eats hers naked, on a bed of salad or warm grain bowl. Either way, they’re a hit.

You can pan-fry, air-fry, or grill them—perfect for meal prep, cookouts, or a wholesome, feel-good dinner. Serve them with roasted sweet potato wedges and some tortilla chips dipped in pico de gallo for a flavorful combo.

These patties share the same vibrant, wholesome spirit as our quinoa salad, lentil chili, and black bean soup—all packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and bold spices.

Vegetarian by default, with easy vegan swaps listed below.

Ingredients

Find complete ingredient list, quantities, and substitutions in the recipe box at the bottom of the page.

Black beans – canned or home-cooked; here’s how to cook black beans from scratch.
Olive oil – for sautéing the flavor base.
Onion – adds sweetness and depth.
Garlic – for aromatic richness.
Jalapeños – for a mild kick (optional if you prefer less heat).
Tomato paste – boosts umami and ties the flavor base together.
Ground cumin – brings warm, earthy flavor.
Chipotle powder – for smoky heat; or substitute with 1 tsp smoked paprika + ¼ tsp chili powder.
Balsamic vinegar – adds umami and balance; substitute with soy sauce or tamari if needed.
Egg – helps bind the patties; substitute with flax egg or flour for a vegan option.
Feta cheese – adds creaminess and flavor; use vegan feta (like Vio Life) for a dairy-free version.
Breadcrumbs – regular, panko, or gluten-free all work.

Variations

Vegan Black Bean Burgers: Omit the egg and use a flax egg or 2 tablespoons of flour. Swap feta with a vegan alternative (like Vio Life) or add 1–2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for umami.

Spicy Chipotle Burgers: Add extra chipotle powder or a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky heat punch. Great with avocado and lime crema.

Southwest-Style Burgers: Mix in corn kernels, chopped red bell peppers, and cilantro. Serve with guacamole, salsa, and crunchy lettuce on a corn bun or wrap in a tortilla.

Mediterranean Black Bean Burgers: Swap cumin and chipotle for oregano, thyme, lemon zest, and a pinch of cinnamon. Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and top with vegan tzatziki or hummus.

How to make black bean burgers

Step 1: Dry the Black Beans

Preheat the oven to 360°F (180°C). Drain and rinse the black beans, then spread them out on a baking tray in a single layer. You can use canned or home-cooked beans. Bake for 20 minutes to dry them out while you prepare the flavor base.

Black beans dried in the oven on a baking tray.

Step 2: Make the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes, until soft and translucent.

Stir in the grated garlic, chopped jalapeños, tomato paste, ground cumin, and chipotle powder. Season with salt and black pepper. Sauté for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Flavor base with cumin, tomato paste, onion, and garlic.

Step 3: Make the Patties

Transfer half of the baked black beans and the flavor base to a food processor. Add balsamic vinegar, one large egg, and breadcrumbs.

Pulse just a few times—do not over-blend. You want a slightly chunky texture.
Scoop the mixture into a bowl, then fold in the remaining black beans and crumbled feta.

Form into 4 to 6 patties using your hands or a burger press. Place on a plate or tray.

Steps showing how to shape mixture into burger patties.

Step 4: Cook the Patties

PAN-FRY: Cook in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-low heat for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and slightly charred.
AIR-FRY: Brush with oil and air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
GRILL: Preheat to 400°F (200°C), oil the grates and patties. Grill for 5–8 minutes, flip gently, then cook for 3–5 minutes more.
OVEN-BAKE: Place on a parchment-lined tray, brush with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Burger

Serve your black bean burgers with chipotle sauce or sriracha + mayo, lettuce, guac, pickled onions, and tomato.

Pair with roasted sweet potatoes, roasted veggies, or corn on the cob. For a fresh side, try coleslaw, healthy broccoli salad, pineapple cucumber salad, or dill potato salad.

The best black bean burger with guacamole, chipotle sauce, and buttered buns.

Tips

Dry the beans: Baking black beans removes excess moisture and improves texture, essential for patties that hold together.
No chipotle? Use 1 tsp smoked paprika + ¼ tsp chili powder for a similar smoky flavor.
Fix the texture: Too wet? Add breadcrumbs. Too dry? Add a splash of water, vinegar, or oil.
Brush with oil: It boosts browning and prevents sticking. If the patties stick when flipping, give them more time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my black bean burgers fall apart?

This usually happens if the mixture is too wet or not blended enough. Make sure to dry the beans, pulse the mixture just enough to bind it, and chill the patties if needed before cooking.

Can I freeze black bean burgers?

Absolutely. Freeze them raw or cooked with parchment between each patty. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

How do I keep black bean burgers from being mushy?

Dry the beans in the oven, avoid over-blending, and cook until a crust forms. Adding breadcrumbs or rolled oats can help firm up the mix.

Do I need a food processor to make them?

It helps with texture and binding, but you can mash the ingredients with a fork or potato masher. Just be sure to mix well for even distribution.

Are black bean burgers healthy?

Yes, especially when made from whole food ingredients like beans, onions, and spices. They’re high in fiber, protein, and low in saturated fat—great for heart health.

How do I store them?

Store uncooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them with parchment paper between each patty for up to 3 months.

Store cooked patties in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pan-fry, air-fry, or bake until warmed through and crispy on the edges. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture.

More Easy Black Bean Recipes

If you tried this Black Bean Burger recipe or any other recipe on our blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how it goes in the comments. We love hearing from you!

The Best Homemade Black Bean Burgers

Ingredients

Variations