Quick Black Bean Burgers

Name: Quick Black Bean Burgers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 egg, beaten; Olive oil for cooking

Highlighted under: Quick Healthy Recipes

When I first decided to make these Quick Black Bean Burgers, I was looking for a simple yet satisfying meal that fits both my schedule and my craving for something hearty. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to create a delicious, nutritious burger using just a few pantry staples. These black bean burgers are packed with protein and full of flavor, making them a go-to weeknight dinner or a perfect party dish for guests. Plus, you can customize them to suit your taste with various toppings.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T22:37:28.292Z

I love discovering how versatile black beans can be in recipes. When experimenting with these burgers, I found that a perfect blend of spices really elevates their flavor. I also learned to balance the texture by mixing both mashed and whole beans, which gives the burgers a delightful bite and prevents them from being too mushy.

One of my favorite tweaks is adding a bit of smoked paprika, which imparts a delicious, subtle smokiness. I typically serve these burgers with a fresh avocado and a zesty cilantro-lime dressing, which complements the earthiness of the black beans beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to whip up on busy nights
Packed with protein and fiber for a filling meal
Customizable with your favorite toppings and sauces

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of these Quick Black Bean Burgers is, of course, the black beans. They bring not only their earthy flavor but also a substantial amount of protein and fiber. When mashing, be sure to leave some beans whole to add texture to your patties, which can help create a satisfying mouthfeel. The egg acts as a binder, keeping everything together during cooking, while the breadcrumbs enhance the structure of the patties.

Spices play a crucial role in elevating the flavor of these burgers. The cumin adds a warm, nutty note, while smoked paprika introduces a hint of smokiness that can mimic the flavor of grilled meat. If you want to spice things up, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the mixture for a kick.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Patties

When it comes to forming your patties, aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures that they cook evenly and stay juicy. If the mixture feels too wet and difficult to form, simply incorporate additional breadcrumbs little by little until you reach a consistency that holds its shape. It’s important to handle the mixture gently and avoid overworking it, which can result in tough burgers.

Cooking the burgers in a preheated skillet with olive oil helps achieve a golden-brown crust. Heat the skillet over medium heat and keep an eye on the burgers; the ideal cooking duration is about 5 minutes per side. If you notice they are browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly to prevent burning while ensuring they are cooked through.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for your delicious black bean burgers:

Ingredients

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg, beaten
Olive oil for cooking

Now that you've got all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your black bean burgers:

Prepare the Bean Mixture

In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some whole for texture. Add the breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.

Form the Patties

Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a touch more breadcrumbs.

Cook the Burgers

In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the patties and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and heated through.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the black bean burgers on buns with your favorite toppings. I recommend avocado, lettuce, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing touch!

Enjoy your delicious black bean burgers!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, don't hesitate to experiment with different herbs and spices. Jalapeños or corn can also make fantastic additions.

Serving Suggestions

These black bean burgers are incredibly versatile, allowing for endless customization. Serve them on whole-wheat buns for a healthier twist or use lettuce wraps to keep things gluten-free. For toppings, I recommend fresh avocado, crunchy lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime to add brightness. You can also experiment with sauces like chipotle mayo or tahini dressing for added flavor.

For a complete meal, consider pairing your burgers with a side of sweet potato fries or a vibrant salad. The sweet and savory combination complements the hearty flavors of the burgers beautifully. Feel free to prepare a batch of coleslaw or a bean salad as a refreshing side dish.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can easily make these black bean patties ahead of time. Once shaped, they can be refrigerated for up to two days before cooking. Just layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking. If you like, you can also freeze them before cooking; they store well for up to three months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking as directed.

For reheating, allow frozen patties to come to room temperature and then pan-fry them for about 5 minutes on each side until heated through. When stored in the fridge after cooking, they can last for about three days. Reheat in the skillet or oven to maintain their crispy exterior.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these burgers vegan?

Yes! Simply replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) or use a vegan binding agent.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in a skillet or microwave.

→ Can I freeze these black bean burgers?

Absolutely! Freeze the uncooked patties on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with these burgers?

They pair wonderfully with a side salad, sweet potato fries, or a refreshing coleslaw for a complete meal.