The Best Black Bean Burgers I’ve Ever Had

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These Black Bean Burgers are the ultimate plant-based alternative to a classic burger. Packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for grilling or baking, they are a delicious option for anyone looking to enjoy a meatless meal. Whether you’re serving them at a backyard barbecue or preparing them for a quick weeknight dinner, these homemade black bean burgers are sure to be a hit.

Juicy and Flavorful Black Bean Burgers

When it comes to veggie burgers, texture and flavor can be hit or miss. That’s why I love this recipe—it’s packed with smoky spices, fresh vegetables, and hearty black beans, making for a satisfying burger that’s anything but bland. The key here is balancing moisture while ensuring the patties hold together well, which these burgers do perfectly. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with just the right amount of seasoning.

These burgers are incredibly versatile. Serve them on a bun with your favorite toppings, or get creative with lettuce wraps for a lighter option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan burger that doesn’t fall apart and actually tastes amazing, these black bean burgers are just what you need.

And the best part? They’re so simple to make!

Ingredients for Black Bean Burgers

To create these delicious black bean burgers, you’ll need a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients. These components come together to provide the perfect balance of taste, texture, and heartiness.

• Black Beans – The foundation of these burgers. Use 2 (14-ounce) cans of black beans that are drained, rinsed, and patted dry to remove excess moisture. This helps the patties hold together better.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Adds richness and is used to sauté the vegetables, enhancing their flavors.
• Bell Pepper – Finely chopped bell pepper (¾ cup or 100g) provides a subtle sweetness and a pop of color. Use ½ of a medium pepper.
• Yellow Onion – Adds depth and savory flavor. Use 1 cup (130g) of finely chopped yellow onion, which is about ½ of a large onion.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic is essential for flavor. Use 3 minced cloves (about 1 tablespoon).
• Ground Cumin – Adds warm, earthy undertones. You’ll need 1 ½ teaspoons.
• Chili Powder – For a touch of heat and smokiness, add 1 teaspoon.
• Garlic Powder – Enhances the garlic flavor with a subtle punch. Use ½ teaspoon.
• Smoked Paprika – Brings a rich, smoky element. You only need ¼ teaspoon, but it makes a big difference.
• Bread Crumbs or Oat Flour – Used as a binder to help hold the patties together. You’ll need ½ cup (60g). Oat flour is a great option if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative.
• Feta Cheese (Optional) – For added richness, crumble ½ cup (70g) of feta cheese into the mixture. Skip this if you’re making the vegan version.
• Eggs (or Vegan Substitutes) – Eggs help bind the patties together. If you’re vegan, you can substitute the 2 large eggs with a flax egg or chia egg mixture (2 tablespoons of flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 5 tablespoons of water).
• Worcestershire Sauce – Adds umami and a savory depth of flavor. Use 1 tablespoon. Be sure to choose a vegan version if needed.
• Ketchup, Mayo, or BBQ Sauce – Adds moisture and flavor to the mixture. Use 2 tablespoons of your preferred option.
• Salt and Pepper – A pinch of both to enhance all the other flavors.

How to Make the Best Black Bean Burgers

Making these black bean burgers is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

1. Prepare the Black Beans
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Spread the drained and rinsed black beans evenly onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes to dry them out slightly. This helps the patties hold their shape better.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
   In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped bell pepper, onion, and garlic in olive oil for about 5-6 minutes until softened. Blot out some of the moisture from the veggies to avoid making the patties too wet.
3. Mix the Ingredients
   In a large bowl or food processor, combine the sautéed veggies, spices (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika), bread crumbs, feta cheese (if using), eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, or pulse in the food processor. Add the slightly dried black beans and mash with a fork or pulse to combine, leaving some larger bean pieces for texture.
4. Shape the Patties
   Form the mixture into patties using about ½ cup (130g) of the mixture for each one, shaping them into ¾-inch thick patties. You should get about 4-6 patties, depending on the size.
5. Cook the Burgers
   • To Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C). Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes on each side (20 minutes total), until firm and lightly crispy.
   • To Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 350°F-400°F or 177°C-204°C). Place the patties on greased aluminum foil and grill for 8 minutes on each side.
6. Serve
   Serve the burgers with your favorite toppings like avocado, lettuce, tomato, or pickles, and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

How Long to Cook Black Bean Burgers

Cooking times for black bean burgers will vary slightly depending on whether you’re baking or grilling them. The key is to make sure they hold together well and have a nice, firm texture on the outside while staying tender on the inside. Here’s a quick guide to help you get the perfect cook time for your black bean burgers:

• Baking in the Oven
  If you’re baking your black bean burgers, preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C). Bake them for about 20 minutes total, flipping them halfway through. This means you’ll bake them for 10 minutes on each side to ensure they’re evenly cooked.
  For crispier burgers, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes.
• Grilling
  When grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 350°F to 400°F (177°C – 204°C). Place your black bean patties on greased aluminum foil (to prevent sticking), and grill for 8 minutes on each side.
  As grilling times can vary based on your grill’s heat, keep an eye on the patties to avoid overcooking.

How to Store Black Bean Burgers

Black bean burgers are excellent for meal prepping and can be easily stored for future meals. Follow these simple tips for storing your homemade patties:

• In the Fridge
  Store any cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them in a skillet, microwave, or oven for a quick and easy meal.
• In the Freezer
  If you want to freeze your black bean burgers, place the uncooked or cooked patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. These burgers can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  To reheat, simply bake or grill from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Black Bean Burgers

To get the best results when making black bean burgers, here are a few helpful tips:

• Dry Out the Beans
  Baking the black beans beforehand helps to remove excess moisture, ensuring the burgers hold together and don’t become too mushy.
• Don’t Over-Mash
  When combining the beans with the other ingredients, leave some larger bean pieces for texture. This gives the burgers a meatier bite.
• Add a Binder
  If your patties are falling apart, consider adding an extra binder like more breadcrumbs or a tablespoon of flaxseed meal.
• Let the Patties Rest
  After forming the patties, letting them rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking can help them firm up and hold their shape better during cooking.

With these tips in mind, you’ll get perfectly crispy, flavorful black bean burgers every time!

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