Best-Ever Black Bean Burgers

Best-Ever Black Bean Burgers are everything you’ve been craving in a hearty, plant-based dinner. Packed with protein, smoky spices, and fresh herbs, these patties are satisfying enough to win over even the most devoted meat lover. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and sturdy enough to hold up beautifully on a grill or stovetop.

Unlike many frozen veggie patties, these homemade black bean burgers are fresh, flavorful, and customizable. You can top them with avocado, lettuce, tomato, or even a tangy chipotle mayo for the ultimate burger experience.

Black beans have long been a staple in Latin American kitchens, celebrated for their rich taste and versatility. Over the years, they’ve made their way into the modern kitchen as a favorite base for healthy, affordable, and filling meals. These burgers are proof that plant-based doesn’t have to mean boring—it can be smoky, savory, and seriously delicious.

Quick to make, endlessly adaptable, and crowd-pleasing, this recipe will be your go-to for weeknights and backyard cookouts alike.

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 egg, lightly beaten
½ cup finely diced red onion
⅓ cup finely grated carrot
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mash the beans:
Place black beans in a large bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, mash until mostly smooth but with a few chunks left for texture.

2. Mix the base:
Add onion, carrot, cilantro, soy sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly combined.

3. Bind the patties:
Stir in the egg and breadcrumbs until the mixture holds together when pressed. If too wet, add more breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon at a time.

4. Shape the patties:
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. With damp hands, shape each into a ¾-inch thick patty. Place on a plate and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up.

5. Cook the burgers:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through (ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C)). Alternatively, grill them on a well-oiled grill pan.

6. Serve and enjoy:
Place burgers on toasted buns and add your favorite toppings such as avocado, lettuce, tomato, pickles, or a smoky aioli.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Chill Before Cooking: Refrigerating patties before cooking helps them hold their shape and prevents crumbling.
• Texture Matters: Don’t over-mash the beans—leaving some whole creates a more “meaty” bite.
• Flavor Boost: Try adding chopped chipotle peppers in adobo or a splash of lime juice for extra depth and a smoky kick.