Zesty Black Bean Burgers

Featured in: Easy Whisk-Friendly Dinners

Enjoy a vibrant blend of black beans, spices, and fresh ingredients coming together to create flavorful patties, crisp toppings, and creamy avocado slices. These easy-to-make burgers are perfect for a quick weeknight meal, packed with protein and zesty notes from lime, cumin, and smoked paprika. Toasted buns and a zesty yogurt or chipotle sauce complement each bite, delivering satisfying texture and taste in under 30 minutes.

Updated on Sun, 07 Dec 2025 14:37:00 GMT
Zesty black bean burgers sizzling on a grill, topped with fresh avocado and vibrant garnishes. Save
Zesty black bean burgers sizzling on a grill, topped with fresh avocado and vibrant garnishes. | birchwhisk.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 became a fast favorite in my household for busy weeknights when we want something delicious and nutritious without much fuss.

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

Mash Beans:
In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture.
Mix Ingredients:
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.
Form Patties:
Divide the mixture into 4 portions and shape into burger patties.
Heat Pan:
Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly oil the surface.
Cook Patties:
Cook the patties for 4 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through.
Toast Buns:
Toast the burger buns lightly, if desired.
Assemble 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.
Serve:
Serve immediately with lime wedges and a side salad, if desired.
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Making these burgers instantly brings my family together for a cozy, delicious meal where everyone can customize toppings to their liking.

Recipe Variations

Try adding grated carrot or corn to the patties for added texture and flavor variations.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad, sweet potato fries, or a tangy coleslaw for a complete meal experience.

Storage Tips

Leftover patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.

A close-up shot of a juicy zesty black bean burger on a toasted bun with creamy avocado slices. Pin it
A close-up shot of a juicy zesty black bean burger on a toasted bun with creamy avocado slices. | birchwhisk.com

These burgers are a flavorful, hearty meal that comes together quickly to brighten any weeknight dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the patties hold together?

Using rolled oats and breadcrumbs combined with an egg binds the black bean mixture, helping the patties hold their shape while cooking.

Can I make these patties gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular breadcrumbs and buns with gluten-free alternatives to keep the patties gluten-free without compromising texture.

What spices add the zesty flavor to the patties?

Ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and fresh lime juice contribute layers of zesty, smoky, and bright flavors in the patties.

How should I cook the patties for best texture?

Cook on medium heat in a lightly oiled nonstick skillet or grill pan for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and firm, ensuring even cooking.

What fresh toppings pair well with these black bean patties?

Slices of ripe avocado, shredded lettuce, tomato, and thinly sliced red onion provide crisp and creamy contrasts to the savory patties.

Zesty Black Bean Burgers

Delicious black bean burgers with creamy avocado and zesty fresh toppings for a quick wholesome meal.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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 if needed)
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

Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Toast Buns: Lightly toast burger buns if desired.

Step 07

Assemble Burgers: Spread zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayo on the bottom bun. Layer with lettuce, black bean patty, tomato, red onion, and avocado slices. Top with the bun lid.

Step 08

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (if using regular breadcrumbs and buns), egg, and dairy (if using yogurt sauce or cheese).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 390
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 59 g
  • Protein: 16 g