If you’ve been searching for a veggie-packed, hearty, and downright delicious option that even meat lovers will adore, you’ve got to try The Best Black Bean Burger Recipe. This crowd-pleaser brings together the creamy tang of feta cheese, the sweet crunch of sautéed peppers and onions, and the satisfying texture of black beans all in a perfectly crisped patty. It’s comfort food with a plant-powered punch, begging to be enjoyed any day of the week. Trust me, once you master this recipe, your burger nights will never be the same!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of The Best Black Bean Burger Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and color. From the black beans that create the base, to the feta adding a creamy zing, every component is essential.
- 2 (15 ounces) cans black beans, rinsed and drained: The hearty foundation packed with protein and fiber.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Adds richness and helps caramelize the veggies and patties.
- 1 medium red onion: Provides a sweet, savory base that softens beautifully when sautéed.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced: Offers a pop of color and sweetness for balance.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: For that essential aromatic punch.
- 1/2 cup crumbly feta cheese: Adds a salty creaminess that makes these burgers unique.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Helps bind the mixture and keeps patties moist.
- 1 whole egg: The perfect binder to hold everything together.
- 3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs: Gives the patties structure with a light crunch.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper: A little heat to balance the other ingredients.
- 6 to 8 hamburger buns: Your vehicle for these glorious patties.
- Optional toppings: Chipotle mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, avocado—feel free to get creative!
How to Make The Best Black Bean Burger Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Beans
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the rinsed and drained black beans in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake them for 20 minutes. This special step softens the beans and helps their skins split, which is key for that perfect burger texture.
Step 2: Cool the Beans
Remove your beans from the oven and let them cool completely. This keeps things safe for handling and ensures your burger mixture won’t be too warm to bind properly.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
While your beans are baking, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your chopped red onion and diced red bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until they’re beautifully softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes to bring out its fragrance. Then transfer all these fragrant veggies to a large bowl.
Step 4: Pulse the Beans and Feta
In a food processor, combine the cooled black beans and crumbly feta cheese. Pulse 15 to 20 times until most beans are broken down but still have some chunkiness—about half the size of a bean. This balance creates a burger that’s both tender and hearty.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Add your bean and feta mixture into the bowl with the sautéed veggies. Toss in the egg, mayonnaise, Panko bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, gently mix everything until combined. Don’t overwork it, or your patties will be too dense.
Step 6: Cook Your Patties
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Shape the mixture into 6 to 8 patties, matching the size of your buns. Cook 3 or 4 patties at a time for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a crisp, browned crust. Add more oil as needed for the remaining patties.
Step 7: Final Touches
At this point, your patties are ready to enjoy immediately on buns or save for later. You can refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze them for future burger nights.
How to Serve The Best Black Bean Burger Recipe
Garnishes
The right toppings take your black bean burger from delicious to unforgettable. I love spreadings like chipotle mayonnaise for smoky heat, or classic ketchup and mustard for that nostalgic comfort. Pile on crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, and creamy slices of avocado. Don’t forget the raw onions for a crisp bite and some extra zing.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides hearty yet fresh. Sweet potato fries or baked potato wedges are perfect crispy companions. A crunchy slaw or bright green salad adds freshness and balance. For a fun twist, try grilled corn on the cob or roasted veggies to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to shake things up, try serving these patties on toasted naan or pita with tzatziki for a Mediterranean flair. You can also make slider-sized versions for parties or stack your burger patty on a bed of greens as a low-carb option. Another idea is to crumble warm patties over grain bowls for a flavorful protein boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, allow your patties to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep wonderfully for up to 3 days without losing flavor or texture, making them a great option for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
The Best Black Bean Burger Recipe freezes beautifully. Simply arrange cooked patties on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll maintain their deliciousness for up to 3 months, ready to thaw and reheat whenever you need a healthy meal in a hurry.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your patties in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and crisp on the outside again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect texture. You can also reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap out the egg for flax or chia eggs, replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo, and use a plant-based cheese alternative instead of feta. The patties will still hold together and taste amazing.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If feta isn’t your thing or you want to reduce dairy, try using finely mashed firm tofu with a pinch of salt or nutritional yeast to add a savory dimension that mimics feta’s tang.
Can I bake the patties instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush lightly with oil, and bake at 375 degrees F for about 15 minutes per side until golden and firm.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
Make sure not to over-process the beans and include enough binding ingredients like egg and Panko crumbs. Cooling the beans well and handling the mixture gently will also help patties keep their shape.
Are black bean burgers gluten-free?
They can be! Just substitute the Panko bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs and serve on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to elevate your plant-based cooking, give The Best Black Bean Burger Recipe a try today. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and always a hit whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself. Once you take that first bite with all the toppings and the perfect bun, you’ll understand why this recipe holds a special place in my heart — and hopefully yours too!
Print
The Best Black Bean Burger Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and hearty black bean burger recipe perfect for a delicious vegetarian meal. These patties combine tender baked black beans, sautéed vegetables, and feta cheese for a unique taste, cooked to crispy perfection in a skillet and served on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 (15 ounces) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 medium red onion
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup crumbly feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 whole egg
- 3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 6 to 8 hamburger buns
Optional Toppings
- Chipotle mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Pickles
- Avocado
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F to prepare for baking the black beans.
- Bake Black Beans: Spread the rinsed and drained black beans in a single layer on a baking sheet, then bake for 20 minutes or until the skins are mostly split open. This helps soften the beans for easier blending.
- Cool Beans: Remove the beans from the oven and let them cool to room temperature before handling.
- Sauté Vegetables: While the beans bake, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped red onion and diced red bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes or until softened, stirring frequently. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Mix Vegetables and Beans: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a large mixing bowl. In a food processor, pulse the cooled black beans and feta cheese about 15 to 20 times until the beans are mostly broken down but still retain some chunkiness.
- Combine Burger Mixture: Add the processed bean mixture, whole egg, Panko bread crumbs, salt, and freshly ground pepper to the bowl with the vegetables. Gently mix everything together by hand to create the burger mixture.
- Prepare Patties: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Shape the mixture into 6 to 8 patties, each sized to fit your hamburger buns.
- Cook Patties: Place 3 to 4 patties in the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes on one side until browned and crisp. Flip and cook the other side for another 5 minutes until cooked through and nicely browned. Repeat with remaining patties and oil.
- Serve or Store: Serve the black bean burgers on buns with your choice of optional toppings such as chipotle mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and avocado. Alternatively, patties can be frozen at this stage or stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Make sure not to over-blend the black beans to keep some texture in the burger.
- The feta cheese adds a salty creaminess; you can omit or substitute with a vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Feel free to customize toppings to your preference for added flavor and texture.
- Patties freeze well—place parchment between patties to prevent sticking when freezing.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture; regular breadcrumbs can be substituted if needed.
