Looking for a good tasting healthy food option that doesn’t skimp on comfort and flavor? You’re going to love these Black Bean Burgers — hearty, filling, totally satisfying, and 100% plant-based. Whether you’re aiming to eat less meat, boost your plant-based protein intake, or explore family friendly vegan dinners, this recipe is a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make solution.
Homemade black bean burgers are the perfect alternative to store-bought options like Beyond Burger recipes, but with less processing and more control over the ingredients. Plus, they’re made from pantry staples, so you can whip them up anytime.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything: ingredients, step-by-step instructions, pro cooking tips, topping ideas, variations, storage, and meal prep — all while including popular search-friendly keywords like oatmeal burger recipes, recipe for black beans, and more.
Why Make Black Bean Burgers from Scratch?
You might be wondering why you should bother making your own when there are many frozen or pre-made veggie burgers on the market. The answer? Control, flavor, nutrition, and cost.
- Control: You choose every ingredient. No preservatives or unnecessary fillers.
- Flavor: Homemade patties can be tailored to your taste — spicier, smokier, more savory.
- Nutrition: These burgers are full of fiber, plant protein, and complex carbs from black beans and oats.
- Cost-effective: Canned beans and rolled oats are some of the cheapest pantry staples.
If you’re inspired by Joyful Healthy Eats recipes, you’ll love the customizable, nutrient-dense profile of these burgers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These black bean burgers are loaded with nourishing ingredients you likely already have on hand:
Base Ingredients
- 2 cans black beans (or 3 cups cooked from scratch)
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup rolled oats (the base of most oatmeal burgers recipes)
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated carrot (optional, adds natural sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (or ketchup)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Binding & Flavor Enhancers
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Dash of hot sauce or chipotle powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Dry the Beans
A key secret to preventing mushy burgers is removing excess moisture. After rinsing and draining the canned black beans, spread them on a clean towel and pat dry thoroughly.
For even better results, roast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes. This step improves texture and enhances their rich, nutty flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Veggies
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until softened and slightly golden, about 5 minutes. Add the bell peppers and carrots, and cook for another 3–4 minutes. Let the vegetables cool.
This step adds depth and removes excess water from the vegetables — a must for achieving that perfect Beyond Burger recipe texture at home.
Step 3: Mash and Mix
In a large mixing bowl or food processor:
- Add the cooled beans, sautéed vegetables, tomato paste, soy sauce, spices, and any optional ingredients.
- Pulse or mash until combined. You want a mix of textures — not a paste.
- Stir in oats and flaxseed meal if using. The oats act as a binder and also give the burger chew and bite.
Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes so the oats can absorb moisture. This will help you form firm patties.
Step 4: Form Patties
Using your hands, divide the mixture into 6–8 equal parts. Form into burger-sized patties about 3/4 inch thick.
Tip: If the mix feels too wet, add a bit more oats. If too dry, mix in 1–2 teaspoons olive oil or ketchup.
Step 5: Cook the Burgers
You can either pan-fry or bake these black bean burgers.
Pan-Fry Method:
- Heat a skillet with a light coating of oil over medium heat.
- Cook each patty for about 4–5 minutes per side, until browned and crispy on the outside.
Oven Method:
- Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Either way, you’ll get a burger with crispy edges and a firm, satisfying center — the hallmark of all great black bean dishes.
Burger Assembly Ideas & Topping Combos
Once your patties are cooked, it’s time for the fun part: building your burger! The toppings can make or break your creation. Here are some mouthwatering black bean burger toppings to inspire you:
Classic
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Red onion
- Pickles
- Mustard and ketchup
Tex-Mex
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
- Salsa
- Pickled jalapeños
- Vegan sour cream
Smoky BBQ
- Caramelized onions
- BBQ sauce
- Vegan cheese
- Sliced grilled mushrooms
Gourmet
- Roasted red peppers
- Garlic aioli
- Microgreens
- Balsamic glaze
Pro tip: Use a toasted whole grain bun, lettuce wrap, or gluten-free bun to suit dietary needs.
What to Serve With Black Bean Burgers
Complete your family friendly vegan dinner with one or two of these healthy, satisfying sides:
- Sweet potato fries
- Roasted corn on the cob
- Baked zucchini chips
- Chopped kale salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Vegan potato salad
- Cucumber-tomato salad
These burgers also pair beautifully with a refreshing lemonade or fruit-infused mocktail.
How to Store & Reheat
These burgers store and reheat exceptionally well, making them ideal for meal prep and weeknight meals.
Refrigerator:
Store cooked or uncooked patties in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
To freeze, layer patties between parchment paper and seal in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat:
- From fridge: Reheat in a skillet for 3–4 minutes per side or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- From frozen: Thaw overnight or bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
Recipe Variations: Customize Your Way
These burgers are a great base for creativity. Try any of the following for a unique spin:
1. Mushroom Black Bean Burgers
Add 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms for extra moisture and umami.
2. Spicy Jalapeño Burger
Mix in diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and top with pepper jack-style vegan cheese.
3. Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers
Replace half the beans with mashed sweet potato for sweetness and added nutrients.
4. Caribbean-Inspired Burger
Season with allspice, thyme, and scallions. Top with grilled pineapple and spicy slaw.
5. Turkey Veggie Burger Hybrid
Mix black beans with lean ground turkey for a turkey veggie burger recipe variation that’s hearty and protein-rich — great for omnivores seeking balance.
Black Beans: A Superfood Worth Highlighting
Black beans are more than a meat alternative. They’re a nutritional powerhouse.
- Rich in fiber — great for digestion and satiety
- High in plant-based protein
- Loaded with antioxidants, especially anthocyanins
- Excellent for heart health due to their magnesium and potassium content
If you’re researching a recipe for black beans, this burger version is one of the most creative and enjoyable ways to use them.
Black Bean Burger vs. Beyond Burger
While the Beyond Burger offers a meaty texture and is widely available, it’s also more processed. This homemade black bean burger is:
- Made from whole foods
- Customizable to your taste
- Lower in sodium and saturated fat
- Easier on the wallet
Homemade wins in both flavor and nutrition — especially when you add your favorite black bean burger toppings.
Why This Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation
These burgers are ideal for anyone looking to eat more plants without sacrificing taste. They’re also:
- Kid-friendly
- Nut-free and soy-free (if you omit soy sauce)
- Gluten-free adaptable
- Meal-prep friendly
- Freezer-friendly
They’re the kind of Joyful Healthy Eats recipe you’ll make once and then on repeat every week.
Final Thoughts: The Best Black Bean Burgers Are Homemade
Whether you’re new to meatless eating or a long-time vegan, this black bean burger recipe brings bold flavor, texture, and nutrition to the table. It’s a recipe that checks all the boxes: affordable, delicious, easy to make, and crowd-pleasing.
If you’re searching for oatmeal burger recipes, turkey veggie burger recipes, or plant-based twists on classic comfort food, this recipe fits right into your collection of good tasting healthy food.
Share and Inspire!
Tried this recipe? Snap a photo and share it using #JoyfulHealthyEats on Instagram or Pinterest. And don’t forget to pin this for your next meal prep day — these burgers make fantastic leftovers and are perfect for family friendly vegan dinners.
Ready to try it? Grab your black beans, roll up your sleeves, and build the best black bean burger of your life.
