Pin Hearty, flavorful black bean burgers with a crispy exterior and tender center—perfect for a budget-friendly, protein-rich vegetarian or vegan meal.
I first made these black bean burgers when searching for a meatless main that everyone in the family would enjoy. The combination of oats and black beans creates a hearty texture that even skeptics love.
Ingredients
- Black beans: 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can, drained and rinsed
- Rolled oats: 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Red onion: 1/2 small, finely chopped
- Carrot: 1 small, grated
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Ground flaxseed: 2 tbsp (or chia seed) + 6 tbsp water (egg replacer)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Soy sauce or tamari: 1 tbsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
- Chili powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp (or other vegetable oil)
- Burger buns: 4 whole wheat or gluten-free (optional)
- Lettuce leaves: (optional)
- Tomato slices: (optional)
- Avocado slices: (optional)
- Vegan mayonnaise or ketchup: (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare flaxseed mix:
- In a small bowl, mix ground flaxseed with water and set aside for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Mash beans:
- Mash black beans in a large bowl with a fork or potato masher, keeping some texture.
- Add vegetables & flavorings:
- Add oats, onion, carrot, garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the beans and mix well.
- Combine binders:
- Stir in the flaxseed mixture thoroughly and let rest for 5 minutes to absorb moisture.
- Shape patties:
- Divide the mixture and shape into 4 equal patties.
- Cook patties:
- Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook each patty for 5 minutes per side until crisp and golden brown.
- Assemble burgers:
- Serve patties on buns with desired toppings.
Pin My kids love helping mash the beans and shape the burger patties. It always turns into a fun kitchen activity and brings everyone together for dinner.
Serving Suggestions
These burgers pair perfectly with sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad, or roasted veggies. Add your favorite sides for a balanced meal.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Store cooked patties in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
Allergen & Nutrition Info
Contains soy if using soy sauce. Choose gluten-free oats and buns if needed. Each patty (without bun or toppings): 210 calories, 6 g fat, 31 g carbs, 9 g protein.
Pin Try these black bean burgers for your next meatless meal—they're hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
Recipe FAQ
- → What binds the black bean patties together?
Ground flaxseed mixed with water forms a gelatinous binder that holds the patties without eggs, ideal for vegan cooking.
- → Can these burgers be made gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free oats and buns along with tamari instead of soy sauce to avoid gluten contamination.
- → How do I achieve a crispy crust on the patties?
Cook the patties in a hot nonstick skillet with olive oil, allowing 5–6 minutes per side for a golden, crispy exterior.
- → What spices enhance the flavor in these patties?
Smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and garlic add depth and a subtle smoky warmth to the bean mixture.
- → Are there suggestions to increase heat in the patties?
Adding chopped jalapeño or chipotle pepper provides a spicy kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- → How can texture variations be adjusted?
Chilling the patties for 30 minutes before cooking firms them up, making grilling easier and enhancing texture.