A homemade black bean burger does not at all have to be difficult. In just a matter of minutes you’ve got a juicy burger without using any meat! 

A black bean burger on a sesame seed bun. It is dressed with onions, cheese and lettuce.

Black Bean Burger

I’ve know a lot about the Pioneer Woman’s Black Bean Burgers, but I wanted to make my own homemade black bean burger and shhhhh, I ended up liking them even more.

A black bean burger is a meatless burger recipe that uses black beans to mimic the umami flavor of beef. It’s so delicious and even meat eaters find themselves opting for a black bean burger more and more, especially since it’s a healthier burger option.

 

A black bean burger on a sesame seed bun topped with onions, avocado, cheese and lettuce. There is another burger, a bowl of lettuce, a container of onions, a container of mayo and a glass of iced soda in the background.

 

This black bean burger is made with:

  • Black Beans
  • Eggs
  • Bread Crumbs
  • Spices
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Peppers
  • Toppings of Choice

 

A tray of black beans.

A white bowl with chopped onions, and chopped red and green peppers.

A white bowl with bread crumbs, a white bowl with cumin, paprika and chili powder, two white eggs, and a small container of Worcestershire Sauce.

How to Make a Black Bean Burger

  1. Dry out the black beans so that they will stick together in the patty.
  2. Cook the veggies.
  3. Place in a food processor along with other ingredients except the beans to mash.
  4. Add the beans and pulse so not all beans are mashed.
  5. Form into patties.
  6. Allow to rest in the fridge to help the patties stay firmly together.
  7. Cook and grill buns as well.
  8. Prep any toppings like caramelized onions.
  9. Serve!

A food processor with ground black beans and peppers.

 

 

Are Black Bean Burgers Vegan?

These black bean burgers are not vegan because there’s Worcestershire Sauce, eggs and cheese. Those products will have to be changed. Yes, even Worcestershire because it’s often made with seafood such as anchovies.

 

An uncooked black bean burger patty with another patty in the background.

 

How to Make Vegan Black Bean Burger 

If you’re needing to make a vegan black bean burger you’ll need to change the Worcestshire sauce to a vegan version and either leave off the cheese or switch to a vegan cheese.

Additionally, to make them vegan, leave out the eggs, and replace them with 1/3 cup mashed sweet potato. 

I haven’t had a lot of luck finding such a product in our normal stores so you can use this recipe for vegan Worcestershire sauce.

A cooked black bean burger patty on a spatula with a small cup of mayo in the background and a burger on a sesame seed bun dressed with lettuce, cheese, avocado and onions.

What Do Black Bean Burgers Taste Like?

A black bean burger should be moist and meaty with a robust bean flavor, with seasonings that compliment the bean flavor. A homemade black bean burger should never be dry as you are making it fresh.

A close-up of a black bean burger on a sesame seed bun, topped with onions, avocado, cheese and lettuce.

 

What Makes a Black Bean Burger Mushy?

A mushy black bean burger is the result of too many wet ingredients.

It takes some liquid to hold the patty together, but too much will make them mushy.

 

A table top with two black bean burgers on sesame seed buns. The burgers are topped with onions, avocados, cheese and lettuce. There is a bowl of lettuce and a container of oil in the background.

Are Black Bean Burgers Healthy?

Black Bean burgers are much healthier than a traditional beef burger.

Black bean burgers are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals and are much lower in fat and cholesterol than a regular burger.

 

Can You Freeze Black Bean Burgers?

Black bean burgers freeze very well and can be cooked from frozen for a quick meal.

Just place frozen burgers in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat for 14-15 minutes.

Or place on a hot grill, carefully watching and turning when needed.

You can also heat in a skillet on the stove top.

 

What Is The Difference Between Green, Yellow and Red Bell Peppers?

Red and yellow bell peppers are really just green bell peppers that have been allowed to ripen.

Red bell peppers are the ripest, and have the sweetest flavor.

 

A black bean burger on a sesame seed bun topped with onions, avocado, cheese, and lettuce. There is another burger in the background and a bowl of lettuce, a container of oil, a dish of sliced onions, and a container of mayo.

 

What Can You Substitute For Smoked Paprika?

You could use chipotle pepper powder, but it will be much hotter, so you should use less.

Or also substitute sweet paprika plus a little cumin for smoked paprika.

If all else fails, you could also use chili powder.

 

Can You Use White Onion Instead Of Yellow Onion or Red Onion?

White onions are a perfectly appropriate substitution for yellow onions and red onions in this recipe.  

White onions are a little milder and a little crisper than yellow, but can be substituted without being noticeable.

Black Bean Burger

4.56 from 9 votes
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 50 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 58 minutes

Description

Black bean burger is a meatless burger recipe that uses black beans to mimic the flavor of beef.

Ingredients 

  • 2 Cans Beans, 14 oz., black, drained, rinsed and patted dry
  • 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1/4 Bell Pepper, green, minced
  • 1/4 Bell Pepper, Red, minced
  • 3/4 Cup Onion, yellow, chopped
  • 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 3/4 teaspoons Cumin, ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon Paprika, smoked
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1/2 Cup Bread Crumbs, Panko
  • 2 Eggs, large, whisked
  • 1 Tablespoon  Worcestershire Sauce
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

To Serve On Burgers

  • BBQ Sauce
  • Mayo
  • Red Onions,  Caramelized
  • Avocado
  • Lettuce, Butterleaf
  • Cheddar Cheese, White
  • Buns, Buttered and grilled brioche

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325°F. Spread beans evenly onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until slightly dried out.
  • Meanwhile, add olive oil, chopped pepper, onion, and garlic over medium heat until peppers and onions are soft, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Place on a paper towel lined plate and dry gently.
  • Place in a large bowl or in a food processor with the remaining ingredients. Stir or pulse everything together, then add the black beans. Mash with a fork (or pulse) the mixture, leaving some beans whole and intact for texture.
  • Use a 1/3-1/2 cup to scoop into patties
  • Form and set in the fridge to rest for 15 minutes.
  • Place patties on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F  for 10 minutes on each side, 20 minutes total. 

To Grill

  • Place patties on greased aluminum foil and grill at medium heat for 8 minutes on each side, being gently as you turn the. place cheese on the last few minutes to melt slightly.
  • Serve with toppings!

Notes

If you're needing to make a vegan black bean burger you'll need to change the Worcestshire sauce to a vegan version and either leave off the cheese or switch to a vegan cheese.
Additionally, to make them vegan, leave out the eggs, and replace them with 1/3 cup mashed sweet potato. 
I haven't had a lot of luck finding such a product in our normal stores so you can use this recipe for vegan Worcestershire sauce.
Black bean burgers can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Serving: 1PattieCalories: 96kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 123mgPotassium: 128mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 571IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg
Author: Sweet Basil
Course: Main Course, Over 500 Family Dinner Recipes Ideas
Cuisine: American

A black bean burger on a sesame seed bun. It is dressed with onions, cheese and lettuce.