Hearty Black Bean Burgers

Featured in: Smoky Sandwiches & Burgers

This dish features hearty black bean patties combining mashed beans, oats, and aromatic spices for a protein-packed, plant-based option. The mixture is shaped into patties and cooked until golden and crisp on the outside, while remaining tender inside. Flaxseed acts as a binder, replacing eggs, making it suitable for vegan diets. Serve on your choice of buns with fresh toppings for a satisfying meal that’s quick and budget-friendly.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:18:00 GMT
Golden, crispy black bean burgers on a toasted bun, perfect for a summer cookout meal. Save
Golden, crispy black bean burgers on a toasted bun, perfect for a summer cookout meal. | grilto.com

Hearty, flavorful black bean burgers with a crispy exterior and tender center are perfect for a budget-friendly, protein-rich vegetarian or vegan meal.

I first made these black bean burgers when searching for a delicious alternative to traditional patties, and they quickly became a weeknight favorite in our home.

Ingredients

  • Black beans: 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can, drained and rinsed
  • Rolled oats: 1/2 cup (60 g)
  • Red onion: 1/2 small, finely chopped
  • Carrot: 1 small, grated
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Ground flaxseed (or chia seed) + water: 2 tbsp flaxseed (or chia seed) + 6 tbsp water, as egg replacer
  • Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
  • Soy sauce or tamari: 1 tbsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
  • Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
  • Chili powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Olive oil (or other vegetable oil): 2 tbsp
  • Burger buns: 4 whole wheat or gluten-free buns (optional)
  • Lettuce leaves: (optional)
  • Tomato slices: (optional)
  • Avocado slices: (optional)
  • Vegan mayonnaise or ketchup: (optional)

Instructions

Prepare flaxseed mixture:
In a small bowl, mix ground flaxseed with water and set aside for 5 minutes to thicken.
Mash beans:
In a large bowl, mash black beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture.
Mix vegetables and seasonings:
Add oats, onion, carrot, garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the beans. Mix well.
Combine everything:
Stir in the flaxseed mixture to combine thoroughly.
Rest mixture:
Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to absorb excess moisture.
Shape patties:
Shape the mixture into 4 equal patties.
Cook patties:
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until crisp and golden brown.
Serve:
Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
A close-up of a flavorful black bean burger, showing the tender, textured patty inside. Save
A close-up of a flavorful black bean burger, showing the tender, textured patty inside. | grilto.com

These burgers sparked so much laughter at the dinner table when we each tried different toppings and made a contest out of it.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these black bean burgers with sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, or your favorite chips for a complete meal.

Allergen Information

Contains soy if using soy sauce. Contains gluten if using regular oats or buns. Always check labels to avoid cross-contamination if you have allergies.

Nutrition Facts

Each burger (without bun or toppings) contains: 210 calories, 6 g fat, 31 g carbohydrates, and 9 g protein.

Delicious vegan black bean burgers, served with fresh avocado and tomato slices for a flavorful bite. Save
Delicious vegan black bean burgers, served with fresh avocado and tomato slices for a flavorful bite. | grilto.com

Enjoy these hearty black bean burgers with your favorite toppings, and share them with friends or family for a satisfying meal everyone will love.

Recipe Help & Answers

How do I make the patties hold together without eggs?

Ground flaxseed mixed with water acts as an effective egg replacer, binding the ingredients together for firm patties.

Can I use canned black beans for this dish?

Yes, canned black beans work well; just be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before mashing.

What is the best cooking method for a crispy crust?

Cooking the patties in a hot nonstick skillet with a bit of oil creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

Are there gluten-free options for this dish?

Yes, using gluten-free oats and buns ensures the dish remains gluten-free without compromising taste.

Can I add extra spices for more heat?

Definitely; chopped jalapeños or chipotle peppers can be incorporated for a spicier flavor profile.

Hearty Black Bean Burgers

Flavorful black bean patties with a crispy exterior and tender center, rich in protein and easy to make.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
15 min
Complete Time
30 min
From grilto Jake Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style American

Serves 4 Portions

Diet Details Plant-based, No Dairy

What You Need

Beans & Grains

01 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
02 1/2 cup rolled oats

Vegetables

01 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
02 1 small carrot, grated
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Binders & Flavorings

01 2 tbsp ground flaxseed (or chia seed) mixed with 6 tbsp water
02 2 tbsp tomato paste
03 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
04 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 1/2 tsp ground cumin
06 1/2 tsp chili powder
07 1/2 tsp salt
08 1/4 tsp black pepper

To Cook

01 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil

To Serve (optional)

01 4 whole wheat or gluten-free burger buns
02 Lettuce leaves
03 Tomato slices
04 Avocado slices
05 Vegan mayonnaise or ketchup

How-To

Step 01

Prepare Flaxseed Mixture: Combine ground flaxseed with water in a small bowl and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.

Step 02

Mash Black Beans: In a large bowl, mash black beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture.

Step 03

Combine Ingredients: Add oats, red onion, grated carrot, minced garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the mashed beans. Stir until evenly mixed.

Step 04

Add Flaxseed Binder: Incorporate the thickened flaxseed mixture into the bean mixture and blend thoroughly.

Step 05

Rest Mixture: Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes to absorb moisture.

Step 06

Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty.

Step 07

Heat Oil: Warm olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Step 08

Cook Patties: Fry patties for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until crisp and golden brown.

Step 09

Assemble and Serve: Place patties on buns and top with preferred lettuce, tomato, avocado, and condiments.

Essentials

  • Mixing bowls
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Nonstick skillet
  • Spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Allergy Advisory

Review every component for allergens. Reach out to a health pro if you’re concerned.
  • Contains soy from soy sauce or tamari.
  • Contains gluten if using regular oats or buns.
  • Verify labels for possible cross-contamination.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Facts listed here are for your info, not medical advice. Always double-check if needed.
  • Energy: 210
  • Lipids: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Proteins: 9 g