Hearty Black Bean Burgers

Featured in: Bite-Size Snacks

These black bean patties combine mashed black beans, oats, and spices, bound with flaxseed for a tender yet crispy texture. Cooked in oil until golden brown, they deliver a hearty, protein-rich meal that's budget-friendly and satisfying. Customize with gluten-free options or add heat with jalapeño for variety. Serve on buns with fresh toppings for a balanced, flavorful dish that fits vegan and vegetarian diets.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:51:00 GMT
Golden-brown black bean burgers ready to be enjoyed, piled high with fresh, colorful toppings. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown black bean burgers ready to be enjoyed, piled high with fresh, colorful toppings. | funcockts.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.

I first made these black bean burgers for a family cookout and they quickly became a go-to meal for busy weeknights. Served with fresh toppings these patties are always a hit—even among non-vegans.

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
  • Water (egg replacer): 6 tbsp
  • 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 vegetable oil): 2 tbsp
  • Burger buns: 4 whole wheat or gluten-free (optional)
  • Lettuce leaves: to serve (optional)
  • Tomato slices: to serve (optional)
  • Avocado slices: to serve (optional)
  • Vegan mayonnaise or ketchup: to serve (optional)

Instructions

Prepare flaxseed mixture:
In a small bowl mix ground flaxseed with water. Let stand for 5 minutes to thicken.
Mash beans:
In a large bowl mash black beans with a fork or potato masher leaving some texture.
Mix ingredients:
Add oats onion carrot garlic tomato paste soy sauce smoked paprika cumin chili powder salt and pepper to the beans. Stir until well combined.
Add flaxseed mixture:
Stir the flaxseed mixture into the bean mixture making sure everything is mixed thoroughly.
Rest the mixture:
Let mixture rest for 5 minutes to absorb excess moisture.
Shape patties:
Form the mixture into 4 equal patties.
Cook patties:
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook each patty for 5 6 minutes per side until crisp and golden brown.
Serve:
Place patties on buns if desired. Add lettuce tomato avocado and sauce of choice.
Crispy edges and a tender center: imagine these flavorful black bean burgers sizzling in a pan. Save to Pinterest
Crispy edges and a tender center: imagine these flavorful black bean burgers sizzling in a pan. | funcockts.com

My kids love helping shape the burger patties and picking their own toppings at dinner. It always turns into a fun and tasty family meal.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy black bean burgers with sweet potato fries a fresh green salad or tucked inside a pita wrap. They also taste great topped with avocado salsa.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains soy and may contain gluten depending on the oats and buns used. Check labels for safety if you have allergies.

Nutritional Information

Each burger (without bun or toppings) contains about 210 calories 6 g total fat 31 g carbohydrates and 9 g protein.

A close-up of a stack of delicious black bean burgers ready to be served on toasted buns. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a stack of delicious black bean burgers ready to be served on toasted buns. | funcockts.com

Serve these black bean burgers hot and customize your toppings for a delicious filling meal every time.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I achieve a crispy exterior?

Cook the patties in a hot nonstick skillet with olive oil, allowing enough time to form a golden crust on each side without flipping too often.

What binds the black bean mixture?

Ground flaxseed mixed with water acts as an egg replacer, helping the mixture hold together during cooking.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular oats with gluten-free oats and use gluten-free buns to keep the dish gluten-free.

How can I add extra flavor or heat?

Incorporate chopped jalapeños or chipotle powder into the mixture for a spicy twist.

What are good serving suggestions?

Serve the patties on whole wheat or gluten-free buns with lettuce, tomato, avocado, and vegan mayo or ketchup for added freshness and flavor.

Hearty Black Bean Burgers

Flavorful black bean patties with a crispy crust and tender inside, perfect for a nutritious vegan option.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cook Duration
15 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Authored by Funcockts Ethan Miller


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Facts Vegan-Friendly, No Dairy

What You 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 mixed with 6 tbsp water (egg replacer)
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

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 Mixture: In a small bowl, combine ground flaxseed with water and set aside for 5 minutes to thicken.

Step 02

Mash Beans: Using a fork or potato masher, mash black beans in a large bowl, leaving some texture for bite.

Step 03

Combine Ingredients: Add rolled 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.

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 moisture and improve consistency.

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

Cook Patties: Cook each patty for 5 to 6 minutes per side until edges are crisp and exterior is golden brown.

Step 09

Serve: Place cooked patties on buns and garnish with desired toppings such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, and vegan condiments.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review all components for allergens and reach out to a health expert if needed.
  • Contains soy from soy sauce or tamari.
  • May contain gluten if using regular oats or buns.
  • Check food labels for cross-contamination risks if allergic.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrition details are just for reference and can't replace professional medical counsel.
  • Energy (Calories): 210
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Proteins: 9 g