Black Bean Burgers
This flavorful homemade black bean 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!
Coming from 7+ years of experience, a quality black bean burger recipe can be hard to find. So many recipes I tried were a mushy mess with lack of seasoning and crumble the moment I tried to grill them up. My husband and I were so sick of lackluster black bean burgers, I knew I how important it was that my recipe busted all the boring black bean burger myths.
This black bean burger is like no other. It has the perfect ratio of breadcrumbs:beans:veggie so your burgers actually stay together, while having a firm, non-mushy texture. The addition of salsa with spices adds a unique savory, bold flavor you won’t find in other burger recipes. They’re perfect for grilling and pan-frying – crispy on the outside while still tender on the inside – and totally vegan and vegetarian friendly!
Why you’ll love this Black Bean Burger recipe:
Our Favorite
Sandwiches & Wraps
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!
Black Bean Burger Ingredients
- 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 tbsp 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.
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!
▶︎Don’t have black beans? Check out this article that lists easy substitutes for black beans!
How to Make 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.
*You can also top your burger with a flavorful gluten free BBQ sauce! Yum!
Favorite Black Bean Burger Toppings:
- Romaine
- Red Onion
- Tomato
- Burger sauce (see below for ingredients)
- Avocado
- Pistachio pesto
Other:
- Vegan cheese
- Cilantro
- Salsa
▶︎If you want to make this meal even healthier, consider making a vegan burger salad (place this burger on top of greens with delish toppings).
How do I store leftover black bean burgers?
Store the burger patties in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Reheat stovetop or air fryer to regain some crispy outer texture.
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 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro for more flavor.
- Want it spicy? Add in a spicy salsa and some cayenne pepper.
- Add in 1/4 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.
Black Bean Burgers FAQs
Black bean burgers are a healthy option filled with plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins.
The combination of a flax egg and panko bread crumbs helps black bean burgers hold their shape.
You can make the patties and store them in the fridge (covered) for up to 24 hours before cooking.
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 or a salad like this Quinoa Chickpea Salad, Tuscan Pasta Salad or bright Spring Mix salad!
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Homemade Black Bean Burgers
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Ingredients
Southwest Burger Ingredients
- 4 burger buns or gluten-free burger buns
- 2 15 oz cans black beans rinsed, drained, and patted dry
- 1/3 cup chunky salsa (mild or spicy)
- 3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs or gluten-free bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 2 tbsp water)
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 3/4 tsp salt
- Pinch pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Burger Sauce (Optional)
- 1/4 cup non-dairy yogurt unsweetened (such as almond or soy)
- 1 tbsp vegan mayo
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp 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.2 15 oz cans black beans
- In a large bowl combine black beans with the rest of the burger ingredients. Mix until combined.1/3 cup chunky salsa, 3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs, 1/2 cup corn, 1 flax egg, 1 clove garlic, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp oregano, 3/4 tsp salt, Pinch pepper
- 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 with some olive oil for 5 minutes then flip and cook for another 5 minutes until lightly browned on each side.Alternatively, you can bake your burgers at 400 F. On a parchment lined baking sheet, bake burgers for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Burgers should be slightly browned on each side.1 tbsp olive oil
Arrange Burgers
- Arrange burger with romaine, black bean burger burger, red onion, tomato, avocado and burger sauce on top. Enjoy!4 burger buns
Burger Sauce
- Simply mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Store in the fridge for up to 3 cays.1/4 cup non-dairy yogurt, 1 tbsp vegan mayo, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp chili powder, pinch salt
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!)
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.
This is the best plant-based burger ever! Even the kids enjoyed the flavor.
Obsessed with this burger sauce. Never eating another burger again without it whether veg or meat!
I loved this burger the sauce was so tasty!!
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.
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!
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?
I added some diced red pepper for extra crunch, and it worked perfectly. Also the spices really come through, and the texture is perfect!
Thanks JM 🙂
Loved this southwest black bean burger, the sauce on top was amazing!
Thanks Dana!!
These southwest black bean burgers are amazing! Made them for dinner last night, and they were a hit! Love how they’re packed with flavor and super easy to make. Already planning to make them again next weekend! Thanks for the awesome recipe!
This was delicious! We jumped ahead and didn’t let the formed patties sit in the fridge for 10 minutes, and the burgers weren’t as firm (totally our fault). The taste was amazing, and I swear these were super easy to prep. Planning on making these again AND putting them in the fridge!