These Black Bean Burgers are hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein for a delicious meatless meal. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they’re perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner!
Black beans are a versatile and budget-friendly ingredient that can be used in everything from creamy, flavorful hummus to quick and easy fajita pasta. Whether blended into dips, tossed into pasta, or formed into burgers, they add protein, fiber, and rich flavor to countless dishes without breaking the bank!
If you're looking for a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious meatless meal, these Black Bean Burgers are a must-try. Made with a blend of black beans, nuts, seeds, and bold spices, they’re packed with protein and a deliciously smoky flavor. The crispy exterior and tender inside make them a satisfying alternative to traditional burgers, and they come together with minimal effort. Whether grilled, pan-seared, or baked, these burgers are an easy and tasty way to enjoy a plant-based meal!
Reasons you'll ♡ this recipe
- Packed with Protein & Nutrients – Made with black beans, nuts, and seeds for a hearty, nutritious meal.
- Smoky & Flavorful – Bold spices give them a delicious, smoky taste without the meat.
- Easy & Versatile – Simple to make and perfect for grilling, pan-searing, or baking!
Ingredient notes
- Walnuts and Sunflower Seeds - hey help bind the mixture together while providing a satisfying crunch and a boost of healthy fats and protein for a more balanced and hearty burger.
- Garlic and Onion - adds depth and flavor.
- Black Beans - they must be drained, rinsed and patted dry.
- Spices - sea salt, onion powder, paprika (or smoked paprika).
- Worcestershire sauce: this adds that great umami flavor that makes the burgers irresistible.
- Breadcrumbs - you can use regular or gluten-free.
- Eggs - this is the binder that keeps the burgers together. I have not tested this recipe without an egg.
Step by step directions
- Preheat & Prep – Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Optionally, brush with olive oil for crispier patties.
- Blend Ingredients – In a food processor, pulse walnuts and sunflower seeds until finely chopped. Add onion and garlic, pulse again, then add black beans, Worcestershire sauce, salt, onion powder, paprika, breadcrumbs, and eggs. Pulse until a thick, chunky paste forms.
- Form Patties – Transfer mixture to a bowl, mix, then form ½-cup patties, about 1 inch thick. Place on the baking sheet and brush tops with olive oil if desired.
- Bake – Bake for 10 minutes, flip, then bake 15 more minutes. For a firmer burger, reduce heat to 300°F and bake an additional 20 minutes.
- Cool & Serve – Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
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FAQ
Make sure to drain and dry the beans well; use a binder like nuts, seeds, or breadcrumbs, and chill the patties before cooking.
Yes! You can substitute black beans with kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas for a different texture and flavor. Just be sure to drain and dry them well to prevent a mushy burger.
Each type of bean will bring a unique taste. Kidney beans add a hearty bite, pinto beans create a creamier texture, and chickpeas give a slightly nutty flavor!
Yes, pan-fry them in a little oil over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side to create a golden, crispy exterior.
Storage + reheating
- Fridge: Store black bean burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, bake at 350°F for 8-12 minutes, or microwave for 30-60 seconds until heated through.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen or thaw before cooking.
Serve
What is a burger without a side of crispy, salty fries? These potato wedges are also delicious.
Some other easy sides include:
- Kale Caesar Salad
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- A dollop of this Cashew Queso on this burger is unreal!
More Black Bean recipes
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Easy Black Bean Burgers
Ingredients
- ¼ cup walnuts (35 grams)
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds (37 grams)
- 2 garlic cloves , finelysliced
- ½ medium onion (90 grams after peeled, roughly chopped)
- 2 (14 oz) cans black beans; drained, rinsed and patted dry
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil optional
Instructions
- Before you begin, you must drain, rinse, and pat DRY the black beans.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Optionally, brush with olive oil for crispier patties.
- In a food processor, pulse walnuts and sunflower seeds until finely chopped. Add onion and garlic, pulse again, then add black beans, Worcestershire sauce, salt, onion powder, paprika, breadcrumbs, and eggs. Pulse until a thick, chunky paste forms.
- Scrape down the edges of the bowl so everything is combined. Form heaping ½-cup patties, about 1 ¼ inch thick.
- Place on the baking sheet and brush tops with olive oil if desired.
- Bake for 10 minutes, flip, then bake 15 more minutes. For a firmer burger, reduce heat to 300°F and bake an additional 20 minutes.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
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