Hearty Black Bean Veggie Burgers (Printable)
Savory black bean patties with fresh vegetables, oats, and aromatic spices for a hearty meatless meal.
# What you'll need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
02 - 1 medium carrot, grated
03 - 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
→ Beans and Grains
06 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1/2 cup rolled oats
08 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
→ Binders and Seasonings
09 - 2 tbsp ground flaxseed (or 1 egg for non-vegan option)
10 - 3 tbsp water (only if using flaxseed)
11 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
14 - 1/2 tsp salt
15 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ For Cooking
16 - 2 tbsp olive oil
# How to make it:
01 - If using flaxseed, combine the ground flaxseed with water in a small bowl. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes until it thickens into a gel-like consistency.
02 - Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, bell pepper, and garlic, then sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Fold in the spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - Transfer the drained black beans to a large mixing bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, partially mash the beans while preserving some texture for a satisfying bite.
04 - Add the sautéed vegetables, rolled oats, breadcrumbs, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and the prepared flax egg (or regular egg) to the mashed beans. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
05 - Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a firm patty, approximately 3/4 inch thick.
06 - Heat the remaining olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side until both sides are golden brown and the patties are cooked through.
07 - Serve the patties on toasted buns with your preferred toppings such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, or pickles.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The texture actually holds together without turning into mush, which is more than most veggie burgers can promise.
- Smoked paprika and cumin give it a depth that makes even devoted carnivores reach for seconds.
- Everything comes together in about half an hour with ingredients you probably already have tucked in your pantry.
02 -
- Wet hands slightly when shaping the patties because the mixture will stick to dry hands and drive you completely mad.
- Letting the shaped patties rest in the fridge for fifteen minutes before cooking makes them dramatically sturdier in the pan.
03 -
- Taste the mixture before shaping the patties and adjust the salt because canned beans vary wildly in sodium content between brands.
- Do not rush the flip, because patience on the first side creates a crust that holds the whole patty together when you turn it.