Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Vegan Black Bean Burger is a hearty, satisfying alternative to traditional meat burgers. Packed with protein-rich black beans, fresh vegetables, and flavorful spices, these patties hold together beautifully and offer a smoky, savory bite. They’re perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing and make a delicious plant-based option for lunch, dinner, or summer cookouts.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

black beans (canned or cooked and drained)rolled oatsoniongarlicclovesbell pepper (any color)ground cuminpaprikachili powdersoy saucesalt and pepperolive oil (for cooking)optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, avocado, vegan mayo, pickles, burger buns

directions

Mash the black beans in a large bowl using a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth with some texture remaining.

Finely dice the onion, garlic, and bell pepper.

In a skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper in a little olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Add the sautéed vegetables, oats, soy sauce, and spices (cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper) to the mashed beans. Mix until well combined.

Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the oats to absorb moisture and help bind the patties.

Form the mixture into equal-sized patties, about 4–6 depending on size preference.

Cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through. Alternatively, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings and serve on toasted buns.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4–6 patties.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 10–20 minutesTotal time: 25–35 minutes

Variations

Add corn kernels for sweetness and texture.

Use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavor boost.

Add cooked quinoa or rice for extra bulk and texture.

Replace oats with breadcrumbs if preferred.

Make it spicy by adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix.

storage/reheating

Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.For longer storage, freeze the uncooked or cooked patties between layers of parchment paper for up to 2 months.Reheat in a skillet, oven, or microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I grill these black bean burgers?

Yes, but it’s best to chill them first so they hold together better on the grill.

Do I need a food processor?

No, mashing with a fork and mixing by hand works fine, but a food processor can speed things up.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free oats and soy sauce (or tamari).

Why are my burgers falling apart?

Be sure the mixture isn’t too wet; add more oats if needed and chill before cooking.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Absolutely—baking is a great hands-off method that still yields a crispy exterior.

What toppings go best?

Avocado, lettuce, tomato, vegan cheese, and red onion are all delicious choices.

Can I use other beans?

Yes, kidney beans or chickpeas can be used, but black beans have the best texture and flavor.

Are these good for meal prep?

Yes, they’re perfect for batch cooking and freeze well.

Do they taste like meat?

No, but they have a rich, umami-packed flavor and satisfying texture.

Can I make sliders instead?

Yes, just form smaller patties and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Vegan Black Bean Burgers are a flavorful, nutritious, and easy-to-make plant-based meal that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply cutting back on meat, these burgers are sure to impress with their bold flavor, satisfying bite, and customizable toppings. Great for meal prep or a weekend barbecue, they’re a must-try for any burger lover.