Zesty Black Bean Burgers

Featured in: Rustic Weekend Comfort Recipes

These vibrant black bean burgers blend a mix of black beans, spices, and oats to create a hearty and flavorful patty. Cooked in a skillet until golden, they're topped with creamy avocado, fresh tomato, and crunchy lettuce, complemented by a tangy, zesty sauce. Perfectly suited for a wholesome weeknight meal, they come together quickly using simple ingredients and techniques, delivering satisfying textures and vibrant tastes with minimal effort.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 08:22:00 GMT
Stacked high: a delicious Zesty Black Bean Burger with avocado, ready for a satisfying vegetarian meal. Save
Stacked high: a delicious Zesty Black Bean Burger with avocado, ready for a satisfying vegetarian meal. | saffronbrook.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 has become a staple in my weeknight dinners because it's both flavorful and nutritious without requiring much time.

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.
Product image
Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.
Check price on Amazon
Save
| saffronbrook.com

This burger brings my family together around the table, enjoying healthy ingredients and vibrant flavors.

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.

Nutritional Information

Calories 390 Total Fat 9 g Carbohydrates 59 g Protein 16 g per serving

Golden-brown Zesty Black Bean Burgers feature creamy avocado slices, fresh toppings, and a perfect toasted bun. Save
Golden-brown Zesty Black Bean Burgers feature creamy avocado slices, fresh toppings, and a perfect toasted bun. | saffronbrook.com
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This recipe is sure to become a family favorite thanks to its simplicity and bold flavors.

Saffron Brook Recipe Q&As

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

Ensure the beans are mashed but still retain some texture. Use rolled oats and breadcrumbs as binders along with an egg or flax egg to hold the mixture firm during cooking.

Can I make these patties vegan?

Yes, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) and use plant-based options for the mayo or yogurt sauce.

What is the best cooking method for the patties?

Cooking on a lightly oiled nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat until golden brown ensures even cooking and a crisp outer layer.

How can I add extra flavor or texture to the patties?

Try incorporating grated carrot or corn for added texture, or spice blends like smoked paprika and chili powder to deepen flavor.

What accompaniments work well with these burgers?

Fresh toppings like sliced avocado, tomato, red onion, and zesty yogurt or chipotle mayo add creaminess and tang, while lime wedges provide a bright finish.

Zesty Black Bean Burgers

Flavorful black bean burgers topped with avocado, fresh tomato, and zesty sauce for a quick satisfying dinner.

Prep time
15 mins
Cook time
15 mins
Time required
30 mins
Created by Ariana Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serves 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 breadcrumbs (gluten-free optional)
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 red onion, thinly sliced
06 1/4 cup zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayo
07 Lime wedges, for garnish

How to Make

Step 01

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

Step 02

Combine Pattie Ingredients: Add red onion, 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 mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Toast Buns: Optionally, lightly toast burger buns.

Step 07

Assemble Burgers: Spread zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayo on bun bases; top with lettuce, black bean patty, tomato, red onion, and avocado slices; finish with bun tops.

Step 08

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

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy advice

Review ingredients for potential allergens and reach out to a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Contains gluten (when using traditional buns and breadcrumbs), egg, and dairy (with yogurt sauce or cheese).
  • Gluten-free and vegan alternatives are available.

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are for reference only and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Energy: 390
  • Total fat: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 59 g
  • Proteins: 16 g