Black Bean Burger

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Vegetarian chili
• Black bean mango salad
• Quinoa salad
• Mexican Rice
• Mediterranean salad
• Microwave sweet potato
• Breakfast burrito
• Sweet potato hash

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!