I Need a Recipe

Weeknight • Vegetarian

Spicy Black Bean Burgers

These homemade black bean burgers are packed with flavor and have a satisfying texture, perfect for a meatless meal.

Prep
20 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Spicy Black Bean Burgers

Ditch the store-bought patties and whip up these incredible Spicy Black Bean Burgers! They're hearty, ridiculously flavorful, and completely customizable to your taste. With a hint of spice and a satisfying texture that won't fall apart, these veggie burgers are a delicious option for grilling, pan-frying, or baking any night of the week. Get ready to impress your tastebuds!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, rinsed and drained well
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 1/2 small onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving

  • Burger buns
  • Lettuce, tomato, avocado, red onion
  • Your favorite burger condiments (mayo, hot sauce, etc.)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pat the rinsed and drained black beans very dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some whole for texture.

  2. Step 2

    Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

  3. Step 3

    Add the cooked vegetables, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the mashed black beans. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be firm enough to form patties.

  4. Step 4

    Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties, about 3/4-inch thick. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs. If too dry, add a tiny bit of water or another egg white.

  5. Step 5

    To cook: Pan-fry: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through. Bake: Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until firm and lightly browned.

  6. Step 6

    Serve on burger buns with your favorite toppings and condiments.

Tips

  • Ensuring your black beans are very dry is key to a good patty texture.
  • Feel free to adjust the cayenne level to your preference for spice.
  • These patties can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to 1 month (thaw before cooking).

More recipes you'll love

Creamy Tomato Chickpea Curry
Weeknight•35 min
Creamy Tomato Chickpea Curry

A rich and fragrant vegetarian curry packed with chickpeas and tomatoes in a luscious, spiced coconut sauce.

Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
Easy•20 min
Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas

Flavorful black beans and sweet corn are layered with melty cheese in crispy tortillas for a quick, satisfying meal.