This flavorful southwest black burger is made with spices, salsa, and sweet corn with a creamy mouthwatering burger sauce on top. It's a delicious burger you can make in less than 30 minutes!

Who doesn't love a giant flavorful burger? I love that this southwest black bean burger is packed with tasty spices and flavor. It is a hearty, filling dinner- that's also healthy! This is great for a grill-out or weeknight meal. This burger is also tasty on top of a salad for added protein.
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Hungry for more? Try out these other delicious recipes!
If you have extra black beans, you need to try my Tofu Black Bean Tacos with chipotle seasoning!
Ingredients for Southwest Black Bean Burgers

- Black beans: Canned black beans work great for quick black bean burgers but you can make your own from dried black beans.
- Salsa: This will add great flavor to your burger! Choose based on your spice preference.
- Flax egg: This will bind the burgers. It's a combination of ground flax with 2 tablespoon of water (let sit for a few minutes).
- Panko bread crumbs: This also helps bind the burgers. You can also use traditional bread crumbs if you don't have panko.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano
- Sweet corn: You can use it from a can or frozen.
Burger sauce Ingredients:
- Non-dairy yogurt: unsweetened, plain such as soy or almond
- Vegan mayo: This will give it more creaminess.
- Spices: Smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, garlic powder
- Maple syrup: A touch of sweetness gives depth of flavor to this sauce
- Lemon juice: Use fresh if possible
Want a spicy sauce for this burger? Try out Dragon Sauce or Pineapple Habanero Sauce that is a delicious sweet and spicy addition to veggie burgers and more!

FAQs
How to make southwest black bean burgers
- Start by pulsing your black beans in the food processor (5-7x) until partially blended but not mashed.

2. In a large bowl combine black beans with the rest of the burger ingredients. Mix until combined.

3. Form into 4 large burger patties for 6 smallers patties. (FYI burgers will not shrinks when cooked so form them to the size of your liking) Place in fridge for 10 minutes. Meanwhile make burger sauce by mixing the ingredients in a small bowl. Begin heating olive oil over the stovetop.

4. Cook black bean burgers in pan or grill pan over medium heat for 5 minutes then flip and cook for another 5 minutes until lightly browned on each side.

5. Arrange burger on toasted bun with toppings and sauce.

Favorite Southwest Black Bean Burger Toppings:
- Romaine
- Red Onion
- Tomato
- Burger sauce (see below for ingredients)
- Avocado
Other:
- Vegan cheese
- Cilantro
- Salsa

Pro Tips
SUBSTITUTIONS
- Panko Bread Crumbs: Swap with regular bread crumbs or gluten-free bread crumbs.
- Salsa: Dice up the equivalent amount of tomato
ADDITIONS
- Consider adding ¼ cup of chopped cilantro for more flavor.
- Want it spicy? Add in a spicy salsa and some cayenne pepper.
- Add in ¼ cup diced onion and/or red pepper for more veggies.
- Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
OTHER TIPS:
- Instead of grilling with oil, you can bake your burger for 20 minutes in the oven at 400F, flipping halfway through.
- If your southwest black bean burgers seems too wet when you are forming the patties, add in more bread crumbs.
- This recipe can make 4 LARGE burgers but if you want smaller burgers just make ~6 patties.
- Avoid flipping the southwest black bean burgers multiple times while cooking. Over handling the burgers risks them falling apart.
Looking for some delicious sides? Try out this Checkers Fries Air Fryer recipe (they're crispy and seasoned fries!) Pair this comfort food with a slice of vegan flatbread pizza!
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Southwest Black Bean Burgers with Burger Sauce
Ingredients
Southwest Burger Ingredients
- 4 burger buns or gluten-free burger buns
- 2 15 oz cans black beans rinsed, drained, and patted dry
- ⅓ cup chunky salsa (mild or spicy)
- ¾ cup Panko bread crumbs or gluten-free bread crumbs
- ½ cup corn
- 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 2 tablespoon water)
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- Pinch pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Burger Sauce
- ¼ cup non-dairy yogurt unsweetened (such as almond or soy)
- 1 tablespoon vegan mayo
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- pinch salt
Optional Toppings
- romaine
- tomato sliced
- red onion sliced
- avocado sliced
Instructions
- Start by pulsing your black beans in the food processor (5-7x) until partially blended but not mashed. You want some chunks of black beans and not a paste.*You can alternatively mash with a potato masher or fork.
- In a large bowl combine black beans with the rest of the burger ingredients. Mix until combined.
- Form into 4 large burger patties or 6 smallers patties. Place in fridge for 10 minutes. Meanwhile make burger sauce by mixing all the ingredients in a small bowl. Begin heating olive oil over the stovetop in a large pan or grill pan.
Grilled Burgers
- Cook black bean burgers in pan or grill pan over medium heat for 5 minutes then flip and cook for another 5 minutes until lightly browned on each side.
Bake Burgers
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- On a parchment lined baking sheet, bake burgers for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Burgers should be slightly browned on each side.
Arrange Burgers
- Arrange burger with romaine, burger, red onion, tomato, avocado and burger sauce on top. Enjoy!
Notes
-
- If your burgers seems too wet when you are forming the patties, add in more bread crumbs.
- Want it spicier? Use spicy salsa and add in some cayenne pepper.
- This recipe can make 4 LARGE burgers but if you want smaller burgers just make ~6 patties.
- Toast your burger buns before arranging burger (it makes a difference!)
John says
This is the best black bean wfpb burger I have made to date. This will be on a regular rotation for me and my family. It has a ton of flavor and holds together better than any other burger. Simple and great for meal prep. Highly recommend them.
Lisa says
This is the best plant-based burger ever! Even the kids enjoyed the flavor.
Gina says
Obsessed with this burger sauce. Never eating another burger again without it whether veg or meat!
Zach says
I loved this burger the sauce was so tasty!!
Rini says
This is the easiest burger recipe that I have ever made. It took almost zero effort to make. It was very dense but in a good way and it was also moist. My friend at it on a burger bun and I ate in a lettuce leaf. They were both delicious. Will definitely make it frequently.
Janice says
This is the best black bean burger I've ever tried. The ingredients really complement each other well, and when I made it for our family gathering, it was a hit! Such a delicious recipe to try!
jennifer says
We loved these! Easy enough to make and I like all the plant-power! Are they freezable -- would you freeze raw patties or freeze cooked?