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simple black bean burger recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This simple black bean burger recipe is a satisfying and healthy weeknight meal, featuring smoky spices and a gooey, cheesy center. It’s a quick and hearty option perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
Scale
- 15 oz (425 g) canned black beans, rinsed and drained (choose no-salt-added for low-sodium meals)
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
- 0.5 cup (80 g) red onion, finely diced, for aromatic depth
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup (60 g) frozen corn kernels, thawed (adds sweet pops of texture)
- 0.5 cup (60 g) red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 tbsp (10 g) fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten (or 1 flax egg for a vegan simple black bean burger recipe)
- 0.5 cup (60 g) plain breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispness or regular, gluten-free option available)
- 1 tsp (5 mL) ground cumin
- 0.5 tsp (2.5 mL) chili powder
- 0.25 tsp (1.25 mL) ground coriander
- 0.5 tsp (2.5 mL) salt, plus more to taste
- 0.25 tsp (1.25 mL) black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 cup (100 g) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (ensure microbial rennet, cheddar also works beautifully)
- 0.5 fresh jalapeño, seeded and very finely diced
- 0.25 tsp (1.25 mL) smoked paprika, for a smoky depth
- 0.25 cup (60 mL) sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter crema)
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh lime juice
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Lettuce, tomato, and avocado slices for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Beans: Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly. In a large bowl, mash about two-thirds of the beans with a fork, leaving the remaining one-third whole for satisfying texture.
- Saute the Veggies: Heat 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Saute diced red onion for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic, thawed corn, and diced red bell pepper, cooking another 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Remove from heat and let cool slightly (if your veggies still seem too wet, cook them for an extra minute to ensure firmer patties).
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled vegetable mixture, chopped cilantro, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, cumin, chili powder, coriander, salt, and black pepper to the mashed black beans. Mix until well combined (the mixture should feel firm enough to form patties easily).
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, finely diced jalapeño, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly for your flavorful cheese filling.
- Form the Patties: Divide the black bean mixture into 4 equal portions. Flatten one portion into a thin patty. Place about 2 tbsp (25 g) of the cheese filling in the center, leaving a border. Take another portion, flatten it, and carefully place it on top of the cheese filling. Gently press the edges to seal the cheese inside, forming a single, thicker patty. Repeat with the remaining mixture for all four burgers.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat with a thin layer of olive oil until it shimmers. Cook the patties for 5-7 minutes per side, or until deeply golden brown and heated through. Alternatively, bake on a parchment-lined sheet pan at 375F (190C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and firm. Or use an air fryer at 375F (190C) for 15-18 minutes.
- Make the Crema: While the burgers cook, prepare the lime crema. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place a cooked patty on each toasted bun. Add desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, and avocado slices. Drizzle the lime crema generously over the burgers and scatter extra fresh cilantro over and around for vibrant color and aroma.
Notes
For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour. For vegan, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 mins) instead of a regular egg. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (180 g)
- Calories: 550 calories
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg