Hearty Flavorful Black Bean Burgers

Featured in: Quick Comfort Meals

These black bean burgers combine mashed black beans, oats, and flavorful spices like smoked paprika and cumin to create a protein-rich, vegan-friendly patty with a crispy exterior and tender interior. Ground flaxseed works as a binder, and cooking in olive oil achieves a golden crust. Serve on whole wheat or gluten-free buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, and avocado for a wholesome main dish. Variations include grilling and adding jalapeños for heat. Perfect for a quick, budget-conscious meal packed with flavor and texture.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 08:01:00 GMT
Golden-brown black bean burgers ready to be piled high with fresh toppings for a delightful veggie meal. Save
Golden-brown black bean burgers ready to be piled high with fresh toppings for a delightful veggie meal. | freshyforks.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. These patties offer great taste and are ideal for anyone seeking a meatless main dish that doesn&t compromise on satisfaction.

The first time I made these black bean burgers, I was impressed by how easy and quick they came together. Each bite offered a satisfying crunch outside and a tender, flavorful center that everyone at the table enjoyed.

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: 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.
Combine ingredients:
Add oats, onion, carrot, garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the beans. Mix well.
Add flaxseed mixture:
Stir in the flaxseed mixture thoroughly.
Rest mixture:
Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to absorb excess moisture.
Form 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.
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My family always asks for these burgers for weekend lunches, especially when serving them with all the classic fixings. They're a real highlight during summer get-togethers.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls are essential for combining ingredients, while a fork or potato masher helps achieve the perfect bean texture. Using a nonstick skillet and spatula ensures the burgers cook evenly, and measuring spoons and cups maintain accuracy.

Allergen Information

The burgers contain soy from soy sauce or tamari, and may contain gluten if regular oats or buns are used. Always check labels for cross-contamination risks if you have allergies.

Nutritional Information

Each black bean burger without bun or toppings offers approximately 210 calories, 6 g total fat, 31 g carbohydrates, and 9 g protein.

A close-up shot of crispy black bean burgers sizzling in a pan, infused with savory spices. Save
A close-up shot of crispy black bean burgers sizzling in a pan, infused with savory spices. | freshyforks.com

Enjoy these burgers fresh from the pan, with vibrant toppings and a side of sweet potato fries or crisp green salad. They're sure to become a staple on your table.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What binds the black bean patties together?

Ground flaxseed mixed with water acts as an egg replacer, providing a firm texture that holds the patties together during cooking.

Can these patties be grilled instead of pan-fried?

Yes, chilling the patties for 30 minutes before grilling helps them maintain their shape and firmness on the grill.

How can I make the burgers gluten-free?

Use gluten-free oats and buns, and replace soy sauce with tamari to avoid gluten.

What toppings complement these burgers well?

Fresh lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, and vegan mayonnaise or ketchup add flavor and texture to the burgers.

Can I add heat to these patties?

Yes, including chopped jalapeño or chipotle adds a spicy kick to the black bean burgers.

Hearty Flavorful Black Bean Burgers

Hearty black bean patties with a crispy crust and tender inside, rich in protein and full of vibrant spices.

Prep time
15 minutes
Time to cook
15 minutes
Time required
30 minutes
Recipe by Freshyforks Lena Brooks


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 4 Number of servings

Diet Details Vegan-friendly, No dairy

What You'll 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
02 6 tbsp water
03 2 tbsp tomato paste
04 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
05 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 1/2 tsp ground cumin
07 1/2 tsp chili powder
08 1/2 tsp salt
09 1/4 tsp black pepper

To Cook

01 2 tbsp olive oil or other 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

Directions

Step 01

Prepare flaxseed egg substitute: Combine ground flaxseed and water in a small bowl, then set aside for 5 minutes until thickened.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Combine vegetables and spices: Add rolled oats, finely chopped onion, grated carrot, minced garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the mashed beans and mix thoroughly.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

Cook patties: Fry patties for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until crisp and golden brown.

Step 09

Serve: Place cooked patties on buns and top as desired with lettuce, tomato, avocado, and condiments.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy info

Review ingredients for allergens. Reach out to medical experts if you're not sure.
  • Contains soy from soy sauce or tamari
  • Contains gluten if using regular oats or buns
  • Check labels for cross-contamination if allergic

Nutritional breakdown (each serving)

This nutritional data guides only—don't treat as medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 210
  • Lipids: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 31 grams
  • Proteins: 9 grams