Easy Healthy Black Bean Burger Recipe

This healthy black bean burger is packed with flavor and so easy to make! With black beans, spices, and oats, it’s a tasty treat for any meal.

I love how these burgers are not only good for you but also fun to customize. Topping them with avocado or salsa is my favorite—yum! 😋

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Black Beans: The star of the show! Canned black beans are super convenient. If you’re feeling adventurous, try cooking dried beans from scratch, but it takes longer. Pinto or kidney beans also work well if you’re out of black beans.

Rolled Oats: These give the burger a nice texture and help bind everything. If you need gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats. Quinoa or breadcrumbs can be good substitutes too, just adjust the quantity.

Onion & Garlic: Fresh minced garlic and onions create a flavorful base. Red onions add a nice crunch, but feel free to use yellow or white onions. If you prefer less intense flavor, sauté them first before adding to the mixture.

Spices: Cumin, paprika, and chili powder add lots of warmth and depth. You can adjust these based on your spice preference. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper boosts the heat if you like it spicy!

Flaxseed: This is optional but great for binding. You can replace it with an egg if you’re not vegan. Just mix one egg into the patty mixture to help hold everything together.

How Do I Get the Perfect Patty Shape?

Shaping the patties is important for cooking evenly. Here’s how to do it well:

• After mixing the ingredients, divide the mixture into four equal portions. A kitchen scale helps if you’re precise.
• Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking when forming patties.
• Press firmly to create a patty that’s about 3/4 inch thick. This thickness allows for a good crust while cooking.
• Make a small indent in the middle of each patty with your thumb. This prevents them from puffing up and helps them cook evenly.

Follow these tips, and your patties will cook perfectly every time! Enjoy making and eating these tasty burgers. 😊

Easy Healthy Black Bean Burger

Ingredients:

For the Burgers:

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (or quick oats)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed (optional, for binding)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• 4 whole wheat or brioche burger buns
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced pickles
• Sliced red onions
• Vegan or regular cheese slices (optional)

For the Sauce (Spicy Mayo Style):

• 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise or regular mayo
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp hot sauce or chipotle in adobo sauce (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, totaling around 25 minutes. In no time, you’ll have delicious, healthy black bean burgers ready to enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Black Bean Mixture:

In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher. Aim for mostly smooth with some chunks—this gives the burger a good texture!

2. Mix in the Ingredients:

Add the rolled oats, chopped red onion, minced garlic, ground flaxseed (if using), soy sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

3. Let it Bind:

Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes. This way, the oats and flaxseed can soak up some moisture and help hold the burger together when you cook it.

4. Form the Patties:

Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts. With wet hands, shape each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick. This thickness is perfect for achieving a nice crust while cooking.

5. Cook the Patties:

In a non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook each patty for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they have a golden crust and are heated through.

6. Prepare the Sauce:

While the patties are cooking, mix the vegan mayo, ketchup, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust if you want a little more kick!

7. Toast the Buns:

Lightly toast the burger buns in the skillet or toaster for added crunch.

8. Assemble Your Burgers:

Take the bottom bun and spread a generous amount of sauce on it. Layer on a lettuce leaf, the cooked black bean patty, cheese slice if you want, pickles, and sliced red onions. Add more sauce if you like, then place the top bun on.

9. Serve & Enjoy:

Serve your tasty black bean burgers right away, accompanied by sweet potato fries or a refreshing salad for a delightful meal!

Enjoy your delicious and healthy black bean burger that’s full of flavor and texture!

FAQ about Easy Healthy Black Bean Burger

Can I Use Different Types of Beans?

Absolutely! While black beans are the star in this recipe, you can also use pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly depending on the bean you choose.

How Can I Store Leftover Black Bean Burgers?

Leftover black bean burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until heated through. You can also microwave them if you’re short on time—just make sure to cover them to retain moisture!

Can I Make the Burgers Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze uncooked patties. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked straight from frozen—just add a few minutes to the cooking time!

What Can I Use Instead of Oats?

If you don’t have oats on hand, you can substitute breadcrumbs or cooked quinoa. Adjust the quantity as needed since the absorption will be different, and make sure the mixture still holds together when forming patties.