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    Home » Recipes » Handheld Meals

    Vegan Black Bean Burgers

    Published: June 11, 2018 Updated: June 30, 2020 / By: Dawn | Girl Heart Food 46 Comments

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    Black bean burger with toppings.

    These vegan black bean burgers are made with pantry staples and are totally delicious! Garnish these easy veggie patties to taste for one satisfying meatless dinner. Sure to be the best black bean burger recipe you’ll try!

    Black bean burger with toppings.

    Hi everyone! How was your weekend? Doesn’t it always go a little too fast? We ordered a new exercise bike (a spin cycle) which is arriving today.

    I plan on mixing up my exercise regime with a circuit kinda thing, some treadmill, rowing and then cycle. Maybe some squats in between. I’m actually looking pretty forward to it!  What do you like to do?

    I love to work out because I also love to eat (story of my freakin’ life, lol). Gotta have balance, am I right? 

    Did ya indulge too over the past couple of days? Tell me I’m not the only one. 

    Get yourself back on track with these easy vegan black bean burgers. They always hit the spot (especially paired with homemade baked fries).

    Fan of bean patties? Check out these pinto bean fritters!

    Ingredients for Vegan Black Bean Burgers

    I opted to keep these black bean burgers on the easy side. They are simply made with a few pantry staples, like:

    • Black beans (of course)
    • Lots of seasonings to amp up the flavour
    • Hidden veggies, like green onion and bell pepper
    • Lime juice to brighten
    • Oats to bind these bean burgers together
    Ingredients for a vegan black bean burger recipe.

    Why We Love Black Beans

    • Black beans taste delicious!
    • Black beans are loaded with fibre and protein.
    • They are super versatile!  They can be used for burgers (like this vegan black bean burger recipe), and in black bean sweet potato soup, black bean dip, and lettuce wraps.
    • Like most beans, they are pretty inexpensive (woot woot).
    Bowl of canned black beans.

    How To Make Them

    Full details are in the recipe card below, but here are the basics:

    1. To food processor, add well-drained black beans (reserve some for later), lime juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt and pepper.
    2. Process until combined, but still some visible beans left.
    3. Remove the mixture from the processor and add to a bowl along with reserved beans, green onion, oats and bell pepper. Stir to combine.
    4. Form into patties (use an ice cream scoop or grab some and form with your hands).
    5. Place patties onto a wax paper-lined sheet pan and freeze for a little (this makes them easier to handle when cooking).
    6. Fry in a greased skillet.
    7. Flip to cook other side.
    8. Place each cooked black bean patty on a burger bun and garnish to taste.
    Collage of steps to make black bean burgers.

    How To Make Veggie Burgers That Won’t Fall Apart

    Veggie burger mixture too wet

    If your bean patty mixture is too wet, add a little more oats (about a tablespoon or so at a time) until they easily form into patties.

    Veggie burger mixture too dry

    If your veggie burgers are too dry, make a flax egg (mix 1 tablespoon of flax meal with 2 to 3 tablespoons of water and let sit 5 minutes before adding to the mix).

    Alternatively, you can mix in a tablespoon or so of mayo (vegan, if that’s what you prefer), ketchup (vegan again, if that’s what you prefer) or your favourite BBQ sauce.

    Can I Make the Burgers Without a Food Processor?

    Yep! The food processor is ideal and makes preparing the burger patties extra easy. However, if you don’t have a food processor, no worries!

    Place the burger patty ingredients into a large mixing bowl and use a potato masher in conjunction with a spoon to combine everything. You may have to use a little elbow grease to break everything down, but it will work!

    Burger Topping Ideas

    • Sliced avocado or guacamole
    • Sliced tomato
    • Thinly sliced red onion
    • Lettuce (leaves or shredded)
    • Pickle slices
    • Cheese slices (whatever variety you like best)
    • BBQ Sauce
    • Vegan mayo mixed with sriracha (yum) or adobo sauce (equally yum)
    • Mustard

    Tips for Making This Recipe

    • Ensure that the black beans are well drained and even patted dry of excess moisture before using in this recipe.
    • Don’t overly process the beans. You don’t want them too mushy.
    • Want more texture? Stir in up to ½ cup of chopped walnuts when adding oats.
    • Like it a little spicier? Add a little more heat cayenne pepper to the mix! You do you!
    • Don’t want to enjoy these as a burger? They are delicious fried up with a poached egg on top for breakfast.
    Two hands holding one half of black bean burger with toppings.

    If you’re looking to round things out with sides, try pesto potatoes or quinoa salad.

    If you make these vegan black bean burgers, be sure to leave a comment below!

    Black bean burger with toppings.

    Vegan Black Bean Burger

    Dawn | Girl Heart Food
    These vegan black bean burgers are made with pantry staples and are totally delicious! Garnish these easy veggie patties to taste for one satisfying meatless dinner. Sure to be the best black bean burger recipe you'll try!
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 18 mins
    Freezing Time 45 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 13 mins
    Course Main Course
    Servings 6 burgers
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 (19-ounce) cans no salt added black beans, rinsed, drained and patted dry
    • 2 to 3 tablespoons lime juice, from about 1 lime
    • 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika, or chipotle powder
    • 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 2 stalks green onion, chopped
    • ¼ cup gluten-free rolled oats, or gluten-free quick oats
    • ½ bell pepper, small dice (about ½ cup)
    • ½ cup chopped walnuts, optional
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    • 6 burger buns, use vegan and gluten free if needed (also, cut buns in half horizontally if not already precut)

    Instructions

    • Ensure beans are rinsed, drained well and patted dry. Reserve ½ cup black beans and set aside.
    • Add remaining beans to a food processor, along with lime juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt and black pepper. Process until mixture comes together, but there are still some visible beans left. Once done, transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
    • To bean mixture, add reserved half cup of beans, green onion, oats and bell pepper (if you want more texture, also stir in up to ½ cup chopped walnuts). Stir until everything is well combined. (If needed, see text in body of post about troubleshooting if mixture is too wet or too dry). 
    • Using a round standard ice cream scoop, form into patties, with each patty being about a scoop and half (roughly).
    • Place patties onto a wax paper-lined baking tray and freeze for 45 minutes.  
    • Remove patties from freezer. 
    • To cook burgers, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat.
    • Season burgers with a little extra salt (if desired). Cooking two burgers at a time, cook about 3 minutes per side or until heated through. Remove. Cook remaining batches (replacing oil in the pan between batches). 
    • Serve the burgers on hamburger buns with your favourite burger toppings. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Ensure that the black beans are well drained and even patted dry of excess moisture before using in this recipe.
    • Don’t overly process the beans. You don’t want them too mushy.
    • If your bean patty mixture is too wet, add a little more oats, about a tablespoon or so at a time until they are easy to form into patties.
    • Want more texture? Stir in up to ½ cup of chopped walnuts when adding oats.
    • I always prefer to use a cast iron pan when cooking these black bean burgers.
    • Fry these black bean burgers in batches (two at a time) and add a little oil for each batch.
    • If you like, you can add a little more seasoning (salt and pepper) before you fry these burgers.
    • Like it a little spicier? Add a little more heat cayenne to the mix! You do you!

    A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.

    Keyword easy black bean burgers

    Tried this recipe?

    If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!

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    © Girl Heart Food Inc. All photographs and content are COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. faniy

      April 15, 2019 at 1:50 pm

      A bit fragile when cooking but next time I would add some flour oatmeal. I put the burger set in the fridge instead. I added red quiona and add more or less some spices i also add nutrional yeast. It’s was very good burger with homemade McDonald’s sauce ! I did the sauce vegan or sometime vegetarian ! Next time in the burger mixture i will add sliced mushrooms.

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        April 16, 2019 at 8:54 am

        So happy to hear that you enjoyed them, Faniy! Thanks for letting me know 🙂 If you added quinoa you would definitely be adding to the moisture level of the burgers and would need to add a little more oats. Freezing also works best before cooking. Hope you have a wonderful week!!

        Reply
    2. Karen (Back Road Journal)

      June 21, 2018 at 11:04 am

      Wow, that is some exercise regime you’ve got…that is terrific. I like the idea of serving these without the bun and topping with a poached egg.

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        June 22, 2018 at 9:17 am

        Thanks Karen! Gotta work out if I want to enjoy alllll the good food 😉

        Reply
    3. Eileen Kelly

      June 18, 2018 at 11:23 pm

      5 stars
      I am always looking for new black bean burgers. These are absolutely wonderful. You have made these so easy and delicious to make and I’m making a few to freeze.

      Reply
    4. Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness

      June 18, 2018 at 11:29 am

      5 stars
      I love black bean burgers!! But for some reason, I have never made them myself. I am drooling here!!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        June 18, 2018 at 4:23 pm

        You need to! Super easy and tasty! Thanks Cathleen 🙂

        Reply
    5. Heather

      June 18, 2018 at 8:39 am

      5 stars
      Beautiful burgers!! I love black bean burgers and these are seasoned perfectly. Such a great meal to sneak some healthy into your week. Also love that these freeze well so you can always have them on hand.

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        June 18, 2018 at 9:29 am

        Thanks Heather! It’s always nice to have meals prepped and ready to go for busy weeknights 🙂

        Reply
    6. Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life

      June 18, 2018 at 6:13 am

      I love beans and I’m always looking for more ways to add vegetarian dishes to our menu. Can’t wait to give this a try. I’m sure it’ll be a huge hit in our household!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        June 18, 2018 at 9:28 am

        I do too! Thanks Claire! Enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    7. Sam | Ahead of Thyme

      June 18, 2018 at 4:51 am

      I love me a good bean burger!! This looks amazing and so thick!! Pinning to try soon!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        June 18, 2018 at 9:28 am

        Same here! Thanks Sam 🙂 Hope you like these!

        Reply
    8. Leslie

      June 17, 2018 at 7:10 pm

      I’ve had some preeeeeeetty terrible black bean burgers in the past. I think it’s time I make my own so I KNOW it’s going to be good!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        June 18, 2018 at 9:28 am

        Homemade is always the best 😉

        Reply
    9. Sara

      June 17, 2018 at 6:24 pm

      I NEED black bean burgers in my life! Yours look absolutely awesome! We eat a lot of red meat around here, so I’m always looking for great alternatives. Can’t wait to try!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        June 18, 2018 at 9:24 am

        You do!! Thank you Sara! They are a nice alternative to meat!

        Reply
    10. Marisa Franca

      June 17, 2018 at 6:01 pm

      5 stars
      I love having a variety of sandwich fillings! And I agree black beans are sooo good for you. It’s a shame that sometimes they’re only an afterthought or just as a side. I can’t wait to try them in a sandwich.

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        June 18, 2018 at 9:23 am

        Totally! Thanks Marisa 🙂

        Reply
    11. Anne Murphy

      June 17, 2018 at 5:40 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve never been that fond of burgers, but I have to break down and try some of these bean burgers! (I am fond of beans… LOL) The seasoning in these sounds so good.

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        June 18, 2018 at 9:23 am

        You do! They are pretty delicious! We have them often around here 🙂 Hope you like them too!

        Reply
    12. Kitty

      June 17, 2018 at 12:18 am

      Guurrrrllll!!!! Your burgers are killing me! I want to eat them all! I guess I can call this one healthy because it’s black bean and vegan? LOL! #needtoexcercise #noimpulsecontrol!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        June 17, 2018 at 10:34 am

        Hahaha! Thanks Kitty!! I think you can 😉 I’ve definitely eaten more than one 🙂

        Reply
    13. Anne|Craving Something Healthy

      June 13, 2018 at 3:51 pm

      Holy Moses! These look so amazingly delicious! I’ll admit I’m always too lazy to make my own veggie burgers but I’m definitely trying these soon. I love your idea about the egg on top 🙂

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        June 16, 2018 at 3:26 pm

        Thank you Anne! They’re super easy to put together 🙂

        Reply
    14. David @ Spiced

      June 13, 2018 at 3:37 pm

      I love black beans…they have so much flavor, and they’re one of my favorite ingredients in a good quesadilla. I’m pretty partial to beef burgers, but I can do a tasty black bean burger on occasion, and I’m thinking I need to get this one onto the grill soon! I love all of those seasonings in there! 🙂

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        June 16, 2018 at 3:26 pm

        We love ’em around here too! So tasty and versatile! Hope you get a chance to try this one, David! Thanks 🙂

        Reply
    15. Kevin O'Leary

      June 13, 2018 at 12:00 pm

      I LOVE black bean burgers! Such a healthy alternative. 🙂

      Reply
    16. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen

      June 11, 2018 at 7:23 pm

      I feel so much better enjoying a burger when it’s a black bean burger Dawn! And these look awesome! I love freezing them too so I’ve got them when the craving hits! Pinned!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        June 12, 2018 at 11:48 am

        I hear ya!! Thank you Mary Ann! Enjoy, my friend 🙂

        Reply
    17. Gloria

      June 11, 2018 at 6:20 pm

      5 stars
      You can never have too many burger recipes. Although we are “meat eaters”….we do have a few “meat free” days a week. This would be perfect for one of those days.

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        June 12, 2018 at 11:48 am

        I agree, Gloria!! Thanks so much – hope you enjoy these as much as we do 🙂

        Reply
    18. Leanne | Crumb Top Baking

      June 11, 2018 at 12:22 pm

      5 stars
      I’m on a huge black bean kick lately, and I was just saying to my husband the other day that I wanted to make black bean burgers! (I’ve also been on a burger kick lately!!). I guess I don’t need to look any further for the recipe! I’ll be bookmarking this one to make soon. Thanks Dawn! Happy Monday!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        June 11, 2018 at 5:20 pm

        We love black beans in our home and we go through them like crazy!! And you can never go wrong with a burger, especially thing time of year 🙂 Hope you enjoy this one, Leanne! Let me know if you try it out! Happy Monday to you too, my friend.

        Reply
    19. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen

      June 11, 2018 at 11:40 am

      You’re killing it with the process shots! For real, they’re awesome :). Also awesome are these burgers. I loooove a veggie burger and these sound totally perfect. Have a great week, Dawn!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        June 11, 2018 at 5:17 pm

        Thanks a million, Kelsie!! Hope you have a wonderful week too 🙂

        Reply
    20. Denise

      June 11, 2018 at 11:31 am

      5 stars
      I have always wanted to try to make a burger like this. I had one at a picnic a few years ago and I was hooked. Definitely going to give this a try because it looks so good!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        June 11, 2018 at 5:16 pm

        Thank you so much, Denise! Hope you enjoy it as much as we do 🙂

        Reply
    21. [email protected]

      June 11, 2018 at 11:07 am

      5 stars
      I did indulge a little 😉 over the weekend, but Friday night I did have a black bean burger and it was so good, I said Dom, I really need to make these at home! And here you are!! It’s like you were sitting at the table with us! This looks magnificent, my friend! Love it with all those toppings!! Have a great day!! XOXO

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        June 11, 2018 at 5:16 pm

        Haha! That’s so funny!! Aren’t black bean burgers delicious and you know I’m alllll about the garnish 🙂 Thanks Annie! Have a great day too! XOXO

        Reply
    22. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop

      June 11, 2018 at 10:42 am

      5 stars
      These black bean burgers look absolutely delicious! I love that crust you get when using a cast iron skillet. It adds such great flavor!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        June 11, 2018 at 5:15 pm

        Thank you Kathy!! The cast iron skillet really does wonders 🙂

        Reply
    23. Milena

      June 11, 2018 at 10:10 am

      5 stars
      I wouldn’t care one bit that these are vegan! Scrumptious eating here my friend! Looks way too inviting for me to resist biting into this burger! You do know how to do black beans! Pinned.

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        June 11, 2018 at 5:15 pm

        Woo hoo!! Thank you so much, Milena!! You’re so kind 🙂

        Reply
    24. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers

      June 11, 2018 at 9:24 am

      5 stars
      Such a great healthy alternative to the classic burger. Will be sending this on to my daughter, as well. She will love it too!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        June 11, 2018 at 5:14 pm

        Thank you Jennifer! It sure is 😉 Hope she does! Have a wonderful week!

        Reply

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