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Hearty Black Bean Burgers

Featured in: Savory Vibes

These black bean burgers combine mashed black beans, oats, and spices to create a hearty, protein-rich patty with a crispy exterior and tender interior. Using flaxseed mixed with water as a binder adds moisture and texture without eggs. The mixture is shaped into patties and pan-fried until golden brown. Serve on your choice of buns with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, and avocado for a satisfying and nutritious meal perfect for vegan and vegetarian diets.

With simple ingredients such as red onion, garlic, and smoked paprika, this dish offers bold flavors and a balanced texture. The use of rolled oats helps bind the mixture while keeping it light and flavorful. For added variation, incorporate spices like chili powder or try grilling the patties. These burgers make a budget-friendly, easy-to-make main dish ideal for any occasion.

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Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:23:00 GMT
Golden brown black bean burgers, perfectly seasoned and cooked, served with fresh tomato slices and lettuce. Save
Golden brown black bean burgers, perfectly seasoned and cooked, served with fresh tomato slices and lettuce. | lickjoke.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.

When I first made these black bean burgers, I was amazed at how simple and tasty they turned out. The mixture comes together quickly using basic pantry ingredients and cooks up with a delicious crispy finish on the outside.

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): 2 tbsp + 6 tbsp water (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 (whole wheat or gluten-free): 4 (optional)
  • Lettuce leaves: as desired (optional)
  • Tomato slices: as desired (optional)
  • Avocado slices: as desired (optional)
  • Vegan mayonnaise or ketchup: as desired (optional)

Instructions

Prepare flaxseed mixture:
In a small bowl, combine ground flaxseed and water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Mash beans:
In a large bowl, mash black beans with a fork or potato masher, keeping some texture.
Add 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.
Incorporate flaxseed mixture:
Stir the thickened flaxseed mixture into the bean mixture and combine thoroughly.
Rest mixture:
Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to absorb excess moisture.
Shape patties:
Divide mixture and form into 4 equal patties.
Cook burgers:
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 5–6 minutes per side until crisp and golden brown.
Serve:
Enjoy on buns with your favorite toppings.
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| lickjoke.com

My family loves these burgers topped with avocado and vegan mayo, especially on busy weeknights when we want something hearty and homemade without much fuss.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, fork or potato masher, nonstick skillet, spatula, measuring spoons and cups

Allergen Information

Contains soy if using soy sauce. Contains gluten if using regular oats or buns. Check all labels for cross-contamination risks.

Nutritional Information

Per burger (without bun or toppings): Calories: 210, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 31 g, Protein: 9 g

A close-up of a delicious homemade black bean burger, ready to be enjoyed with all the tasty toppings. Save
A close-up of a delicious homemade black bean burger, ready to be enjoyed with all the tasty toppings. | lickjoke.com

This is the ultimate weeknight veggie burger—simple, hearty, and perfect for any occasion.

Recipe Guide

→ How do I bind the black bean patties without eggs?

Ground flaxseed mixed with water works as an effective egg replacer, providing structure and moisture to hold the patties together.

→ Can I make these burgers gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free rolled oats and gluten-free buns to keep the dish free from gluten while maintaining texture and flavor.

→ What spices give the burgers their flavor?

Smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic, and soy sauce combine to create a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor profile.

→ How should I cook the patties for best texture?

Pan-fry the patties in olive oil over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden and crispy on the outside.

→ Can these patties be grilled?

Yes, chilling the formed patties for 30 minutes before grilling helps them hold together and develop a firmer texture on the grill.

→ What toppings pair well with these black bean patties?

Classic toppings include lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, and vegan mayonnaise or ketchup for added creaminess and flavor.

Hearty Black Bean Burgers

Flavorful black bean patties with a crispy crust and tender center, rich in protein and plant-based ingredients.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Hannah Brooks


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition guidelines Plant-based, No dairy

Components

Beans & Grains

01 1 can (15 oz) 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

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Flaxseed Binder: Combine ground flaxseed with water in a small bowl and set aside for 5 minutes to thicken.

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Combine Ingredients: Add oats, chopped onion, grated carrot, minced garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the mashed beans. Mix thoroughly.

Phase 04

Incorporate Binder: Stir the thickened flaxseed mixture into the bean mixture until fully combined.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

Cook Patties: Place patties in the skillet and cook 5 to 6 minutes on each side until crisp and golden brown.

Phase 09

Serve: Serve patties on buns with optional lettuce, tomato, avocado, and condiments as desired.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains soy from soy sauce or tamari.
  • Contains gluten if regular oats or buns are used.
  • Check labels for cross-contamination risks.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Proteins: 9 g