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Weeknight • Vegetarian

Savory Black Bean & Sweet Potato Burgers

These hearty and flavorful homemade veggie burgers are made with simple ingredients and are incredibly satisfying.

Prep
20 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Savory Black Bean & Sweet Potato Burgers

Looking for a delicious plant-based meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or texture? These Savory Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burgers are exactly what you need! They're packed with wholesome ingredients, easy to make, and perfect for grilling or pan-frying. Say goodbye to dry, bland veggie burgers and hello to your new favorite!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 medium sweet potato (about 1.5 cups mashed)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan: 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
  • Burger buns and desired toppings (lettuce, tomato, avocado, etc.)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce sweet potato several times with a fork and roast directly on the oven rack for 40-50 minutes, or until very soft. Let cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh and mash well. You'll need about 1.5 cups.

  2. Step 2

    While sweet potato roasts, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add red onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using), and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.

  3. Step 3

    In a large bowl, mash the drained black beans roughly with a fork, leaving some whole for texture.

  4. Step 4

    Add the mashed sweet potato, sautéed onion mixture, breadcrumbs, egg (or flax egg), salt, and pepper to the bowl with the black beans. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until well combined and the mixture holds together. If it's too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs; too dry, add a tiny bit of water.

  5. Step 5

    Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties, about ¾ inch thick.

  6. Step 6

    To cook: You can pan-fry them in a lightly oiled non-stick skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through. Alternatively, bake on a lightly oiled baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes per side.

  7. Step 7

    Serve on burger buns with your favorite toppings!

Tips

  • For best results, make sure your sweet potato is well-mashed and the black beans are mostly broken down to help the patties hold together.
  • If the mixture feels too wet, don't hesitate to add a tablespoon or two more breadcrumbs until it's easily formable.
  • These burgers can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen (uncooked) for up to a month. Thaw before cooking.

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