These Chipotle Black Bean Sweet Potato Burgers are packed with flavor! Made from black beans and sweet potatoes, they are both hearty and healthy, perfect for any meal.
One bite and you’ll fall in love with the spicy chipotle kick! I enjoy them with a fresh salad or on a bun with all my favorite toppings. Yum!
Making these burgers is a breeze! Just mash, mix, and cook. They are a great way to impress your friends while keeping things simple and delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potato: A key player here, sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and creaminess to the burgers. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap it with pumpkin puree or even mashed butternut squash for a similar texture.
Black Beans: They provide protein and fiber. Canned black beans are convenient, but you can use cooked dried black beans. If you’re not a fan of black beans, feel free to use canned chickpeas or kidney beans instead.
Oats: Rolled oats help bind the patty together. For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats or almond flour. I often stick with oats because they give a nice texture!
Chipotle Pepper: This brings a wonderful smoky kick. If you prefer less heat, use a mild pepper or just a pinch of smoked paprika instead. Adjust according to what you enjoy!
Onion and Garlic: Freshly chopped onion and minced garlic add depth of flavor. If you want a sweeter option, try using shallots instead of onions.
How Do I Form the Perfect Burger Patties?
Getting the right texture and shape for your patties is essential! When mixing the ingredients, ensure you have everything well combined but don’t over-mix the mixture.
- Start with your mashed sweet potato and beans in a large bowl.
- Gently fold in the oats and seasonings. Aim for a sticky mixture that holds together.
- Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking when shaping the patties. This can really help!
- Form each patty, making them slightly thicker in the center. This allows for even cooking.
Cooking the patties until they are golden crusty outside adds an extra crunch. Enjoy the process, and don’t worry if they’re not perfect!
Chipotle Black Bean Sweet Potato Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 medium sweet potato (about 1 cup mashed)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup rolled oats or oat flour
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from chipotle peppers can)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Assembly:
- Burger buns (preferably whole wheat or brioche)
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomato
- Sliced red onion
- Sliced avocado
- Chipotle mayo or your favorite sandwich spread
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, plus 45 minutes to cook the sweet potato. So, plan for about 1 hour total to make these delicious burgers. You’ll spend a bit of time mixing and shaping, but the results are well worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roasting the Sweet Potato:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Using a fork, pierce the sweet potato several times to let steam escape. Place it on a baking sheet and roast for about 45 minutes, or until it’s very tender. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave the sweet potato until it’s soft. After roasting, let it cool, then peel and mash it in a bowl.
2. Preparing the Black Bean Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, take your drained black beans and mash them with a fork or potato masher. You want it to be mostly smooth but still have some chunky bits for texture.
3. Mixing Everything Together:
Add the mashed sweet potato to the beans along with the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it’s nicely combined and colorful.
4. Forming the Patties:
Gradually stir in the rolled oats (or oat flour). You want the mixture to be sticky enough to hold together. If it feels too wet, feel free to add a little more oats. Now, shape the mixture into 4 evenly sized patties, making them about 1/2 inch thick.
5. Cooking the Patties:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the patties and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and heated through. If you prefer baking, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Assembling Your Burgers:
While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the burger buns. Once they’re ready, spread some chipotle mayo on the bottom bun. Layer on a fresh lettuce leaf, add the warm sweet potato burger patty, and top it with slices of avocado, tomato, and red onion.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the top bun on your burger, and it’s ready to serve! Enjoy your smoky, spicy, and hearty Chipotle Black Bean Sweet Potato Burgers with your favorite sides!
Happy cooking, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bean?
Absolutely! While black beans are delicious in this recipe, you can easily substitute them with canned chickpeas, kidney beans, or pinto beans. Just ensure they’re well-drained and rinsed for the best texture and flavor.
How Do I Make These Burgers Gluten-Free?
To make the burgers gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free oats or substitute regular oats with ground almond flour or gluten-free bread crumbs. This will help bind the mixture together without gluten.
Can I Freeze Leftover Burgers?
Yes, you can freeze these burgers! Let them cool completely, then wrap each patty in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They should last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What Are Some Good Topping Suggestions?
In addition to avocado, tomato, and onion, you can try adding fresh cilantro, jalapeños for extra heat, or even a tangy slaw for crunch! Feel free to customize your toppings to suit your taste!