Hearty Black Bean Burgers

Featured in: Wholesome Treats

These black bean patties combine mashed beans, oats, and savory spices to create a crispy exterior and soft, flavorful center. Ground flaxseed acts as a binder, while smoked paprika and cumin add a smoky depth. Simple to prepare in around 30 minutes, they offer a budget-conscious protein boost. Serve them warm on buns with fresh veggies and sauces for a satisfying main course that's vegan, vegetarian, and dairy-free.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:32:00 GMT
Golden-brown, crispy black bean burgers served on a toasted bun with fresh tomato slices and avocado. Save
Golden-brown, crispy black bean burgers served on a toasted bun with fresh tomato slices and avocado. | sugarprairie.com

Hearty, flavorful black bean burgers with a crispy exterior and tender center—perfect for a budget-friendly, protein-rich vegetarian or vegan meal.

I first made these black bean burgers on a weekend with friends, and we were amazed by how quick they came together and how much everyone enjoyed their rich flavor and texture.

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 (egg replacer)
  • Water: 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, tomato slices, avocado slices, vegan mayonnaise or ketchup: (optional for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the flaxseed mix:
In a small bowl, mix ground flaxseed with water and set aside for 5 minutes to thicken.
Mash the beans:
In a large bowl, mash black beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture.
Add vegetables and seasonings:
Add oats, onion, carrot, garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the beans and mix well.
Incorporate binder:
Stir in the flaxseed mixture to combine thoroughly.
Rest the 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, then cook patties for 5–6 minutes per side until crisp and golden brown.
Serve:
Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
A delicious, close-up shot of homemade black bean burgers, ready to be enjoyed with friends. Save
A delicious, close-up shot of homemade black bean burgers, ready to be enjoyed with friends. | sugarprairie.com

Every time these burgers hit our table, my family gathers eagerly, customizing toppings and sharing smiles as we savor a healthy, filling meal together.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, fork or potato masher, nonstick skillet, spatula, measuring spoons and cups

Allergen Information

Contains soy if using soy sauce or tamari and gluten if using regular oats or buns. Always check labels for cross-contamination.

Nutritional Information

Per burger (without bun or toppings): 210 calories, 6 g total fat, 31 g carbohydrates, 9 g protein

Chewy and flavorful, these perfectly cooked black bean burgers are a satisfying vegetarian dinner option. Save
Chewy and flavorful, these perfectly cooked black bean burgers are a satisfying vegetarian dinner option. | sugarprairie.com

These black bean burgers deliver outstanding taste and nutrition in just 30 minutes—enjoy them any night of the week for a satisfying meal!

Kitchen Help

What ingredient helps bind the patties without eggs?

Ground flaxseed mixed with water forms a gel-like binder that keeps the patties together while cooking.

Can the patties be made gluten-free?

Yes, using gluten-free oats and buns ensures the patties are suitable for a gluten-free diet.

How do I achieve a crispy exterior on the patties?

Cooking the patties in a hot nonstick skillet with a bit of olive oil for 5–6 minutes per side creates a golden, crispy crust.

What spices enhance the flavor of these patties?

Smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder add warmth and depth, enhancing the overall taste.

Are these patties suitable for vegans?

Yes, all ingredients used are plant-based, making the patties fully vegan and dairy-free.

Hearty Black Bean Burgers

Hearty black bean patties with a crispy crust and tender inside, ideal for a plant-powered main dish.

Setup duration
15 min
Heat duration
15 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Molly Evans

Classification Wholesome Treats

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition guidelines Plant-Based, No dairy

Components

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) 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 (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

Method steps

Phase 01

Prepare Flaxseed Mixture: In a small bowl, combine ground flaxseed with water and let thicken for 5 minutes.

Phase 02

Mash Beans: In a large bowl, mash black beans with a fork, retaining some texture.

Phase 03

Combine Ingredients: Add oats, onion, carrot, garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the mashed beans. Mix thoroughly.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

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

Phase 09

Serve: Place patties on buns and serve with preferred toppings.

Kitchen tools needed

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

Dietary concerns

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains soy (from soy sauce or tamari).
  • Contains gluten if using regular oats or buns; verify labels for potential cross-contamination.

Dietary breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Proteins: 9 g