Zesty Black Bean Burgers

Featured in: Weekend Homestyle Favorites

These zesty black bean burgers bring vibrant flavors to your weeknight table. Combining mashed black beans with warm spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder, the patties are packed with texture from oats and breadcrumbs. Topped with creamy avocado, fresh tomato, lettuce, and a tangy yogurt or chipotle sauce, they offer a satisfying, balanced bite. Cooking takes just 15 minutes, making this dish an easy, wholesome option any day.

Updated on Sun, 07 Dec 2025 08:40:00 GMT
Close-up of a plated Zesty Weeknight Black Bean Burger, showcasing fresh avocado and toppings. Pin It
Close-up of a plated Zesty Weeknight Black Bean Burger, showcasing fresh avocado and toppings. | sweetcairn.com

A vibrant, satisfying vegetarian burger bursting with zesty flavors, creamy avocado, and crisp fresh toppings perfect for a quick, wholesome weeknight dinner.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite on busy weeknights and never fails to impress guests with its bold flavors.

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans: drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 red onion: finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic: minced
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats:
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: use gluten-free if needed
  • 1 large egg:
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice:
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin:
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika:
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder:
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt:
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper:
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional):
  • 4 whole-wheat burger buns: or gluten-free alternatives
  • 1 ripe avocado: sliced
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce:
  • 1 large tomato: sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion: thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayo: see Notes
  • Lime wedges: for garnish

Instructions

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Step 1:
In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture.
Step 2:
Add the red onion, garlic, rolled oats, breadcrumbs, egg, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Step 3:
Divide the mixture into 4 portions and shape into burger patties.
Step 4:
Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly oil the surface.
Step 5:
Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through.
Step 6:
Toast the burger buns lightly, if desired.
Step 7:
Assemble the burgers Spread a dollop of zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayo on each bun base Top with lettuce a black bean patty tomato red onion and avocado slices Add the bun top.
Step 8:
Serve immediately with lime wedges and a side salad if desired.
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Blend smoothies, sauces, and shakes quickly for easy breakfasts, snacks, and meal prep.
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Blend smoothies, sauces, and shakes quickly for easy breakfasts, snacks, and meal prep.
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Golden-brown Zesty Weeknight Black Bean Burgers ready to eat, served with vibrant fresh garnishes. Pin It
Golden-brown Zesty Weeknight Black Bean Burgers ready to eat, served with vibrant fresh garnishes. | sweetcairn.com

This recipe sparks joyful family dinners and has become a beloved quick meal everyone looks forward to.

Notes

Try adding grated carrot or corn to the patties for added texture. For a homemade zesty yogurt sauce mix 1/4 cup Greek yogurt with 1 teaspoon lime juice 1/2 teaspoon cumin and a pinch of salt.

Required Tools

Large bowl Fork or potato masher Nonstick skillet or grill pan Spatula Knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains Gluten (if using regular breadcrumbs and buns) Egg Dairy (if using yogurt sauce or cheese) For gluten-free use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns For vegan use flax egg and plant-based sauces Always check labels for potential allergens.

Deliciously stacked Zesty Weeknight Black Bean Burgers with layers of flavor, perfect for a quick, wholesome meal. Pin It
Deliciously stacked Zesty Weeknight Black Bean Burgers with layers of flavor, perfect for a quick, wholesome meal. | sweetcairn.com
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Enjoy these flavorful black bean burgers as a wholesome weeknight dinner they come together quickly and delight every time.

Recipe FAQs

How do I keep the black bean patties from falling apart?

Ensure to mash the beans but leave some texture. Using binding ingredients like eggs and oats helps hold the patties together during cooking.

Can I make these burgers vegan?

Yes, replace the egg with a flax egg and use vegan mayonnaise or yogurt for the sauce to keep it plant-based.

What cooking method works best for these patties?

Cooking in a lightly oiled nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat until golden brown on both sides yields the best texture and flavor.

Are there gluten-free options for this dish?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns to accommodate gluten-free diets without compromising taste.

What toppings complement these black bean patties?

Fresh sliced avocado, tomato, shredded lettuce, red onion, and a tangy zesty yogurt or chipotle sauce enhance the patties with creamy and crisp flavors.

Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate or freeze them; just cook them fresh before serving for optimal texture.

Zesty Black Bean Burgers

Savor zesty black bean patties with creamy avocado and fresh, crisp toppings for a quick wholesome meal.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
15 minutes
Time Needed
30 minutes
Recipe by Hunter Phillips


Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Notes Suitable for Vegetarians

Ingredient List

Black Bean Patties

01 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
02 1/2 red onion, finely diced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1/2 cup rolled oats
05 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
06 1 large egg
07 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
08 2 teaspoons ground cumin
09 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
11 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

For Serving

01 4 whole-wheat burger buns or gluten-free alternatives
02 1 ripe avocado, sliced
03 1 cup shredded lettuce
04 1 large tomato, sliced
05 1/4 cup zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayo
06 Lime wedges for garnish

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Combine Ingredients: Add diced red onion, minced garlic, rolled oats, breadcrumbs, egg, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro; mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Heat Pan: Preheat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat and lightly oil the surface.

Step 05

Cook Patties: Cook patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through.

Step 06

Toast Buns: Lightly toast the burger buns if desired.

Step 07

Assemble Burgers: Spread zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayo on the bun base, then layer lettuce, a black bean patty, tomato slices, red onion, and avocado. Top with the bun crown.

Step 08

Serve: Serve immediately with lime wedges and an optional side salad.

Equipment Needed

  • Large bowl
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Nonstick skillet or grill pan
  • Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Info

Look through each ingredient for allergens and check with a healthcare provider if you’re uncertain.
  • Contains gluten if using regular breadcrumbs and buns.
  • Contains egg and dairy when using egg and yogurt-based sauces.

Nutrition Info (each serving)

Figures are for reference only—always seek medical advice when needed.
  • Caloric Value: 390
  • Fats: 9 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 59 grams
  • Proteins: 16 grams