This easy black bean burger is packed with flavor and good-for-you ingredients! Made with black beans, spices, and veggies, it’s a tasty option for a meal or snack.
I love how simple it is to whip up—just mash, mix, and cook! Pair it with your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a delicious burger that feels great to eat. Yum! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: The star of this burger! They provide protein and a meaty texture. If you’re out of canned beans, you can use cooked dry beans, just make sure they’re well-prepared and seasoned.
Bell Pepper: Green bell pepper adds crunch and flavor. If you don’t have it, try red or yellow bell peppers for sweetness, or even chopped mushrooms for an earthy taste.
Onion: I prefer yellow onion for its flavor, but feel free to use red onion for a sharper bite or even green onions for a milder taste.
Egg: This acts as a binder. For a vegan option, chia or flaxseed eggs work nicely—just mix 1 tablespoon of seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens.
Breadcrumbs or Oat Flour: These help the burgers hold together. Gluten-free folks can use almond flour or crushed cornflakes as a substitute. I often go with oats for added fiber.
How Do I Get Perfectly Shaped Burger Patties?
Shaping your black bean patties can be tricky! The key is to keep the mixture moist but not too wet. Here’s how to shape them effectively:
- Use wet hands when forming patties to prevent sticking.
- Press the mixture firmly to compact it, ensuring the patty holds together.
- Make the patties about 1/2 inch thick for even cooking.
This technique helps prevent them from falling apart during cooking. And remember, letting them rest for a few minutes before cooking can help them firm up even more!
Easy Healthy Black Bean Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger Mixture:
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg (or a flax egg for vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon Thai chili sauce or hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs or oat flour (for gluten-free)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking & Serving:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking
- 4 whole wheat burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced cheese (optional, e.g., pepper jack or cheddar)
- Sliced grilled onions
- Guacamole or smashed avocado
- Ketchup or preferred burger condiments
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to have delicious, healthy black bean burgers ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mash the Beans:
Begin by placing the rinsed and drained black beans into a large bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the beans until they’re mostly smooth but still a bit chunky. This gives your burger a great texture!
2. Combine Vegetables:
Add the finely chopped green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the mashed beans. Mix everything together well until it’s nicely combined.
3. Add Flavor:
Stir in the egg (or flax egg), chili powder, cumin, optional hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is incorporated. You want your mixture to be flavorful!
4. Form the Patties:
Gradually add the bread crumbs or oat flour, stirring until the mixture holds together well enough to shape into patties. It should be moist but not overly wet. Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts and shape each into a burger patty.
5. Cook the Patties:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side. You want them to develop a nice golden crust and be heated through.
6. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you’d like cheese, place a slice on each patty in the last minute of cooking, then cover the skillet to help the cheese melt.
7. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, lightly toast your whole wheat burger buns until golden brown. This adds a nice crunch!
8. Assemble Your Burgers:
Now it’s time to build your burger! Start with a bun, layer on some lettuce, followed by the black bean patty, sliced grilled onions, and a generous scoop of guacamole. Add your favorite condiments, like ketchup, and top with the other half of the bun.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious, homemade black bean burgers right away and enjoy a wholesome meal. They’re tasty, filling, and perfect for lunch or dinner!
This recipe makes 4 hearty black bean burgers, a fantastic option for a nutritious and satisfying meal!
FAQ for Easy Healthy Black Bean Burger
Can I Use Canned Black Beans?
Absolutely! Canned black beans are perfect for this recipe. Just make sure to rinse and drain them well before mashing to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid.
How Can I Make These Burgers Vegan?
You can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the egg with a flax egg. To do this, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
Can I Freeze Leftover Patties?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties! Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Can I Use Instead of Bread Crumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use rolled oats, crushed cornflakes, or almond flour. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on the consistency of your mixture, aiming for a firm, but not dry, texture.
