Zesty Black Bean Burgers

Featured in: Meadow-Fresh Everyday Dinners

These zesty black bean burgers offer a tasty vegetarian option packed with bold flavors. The patties combine mashed black beans, aromatic spices like cumin and smoked paprika, and hearty oats and breadcrumbs for structure. Cooking them on a skillet results in a crispy outer layer while maintaining a tender interior. Loaded with creamy avocado slices, fresh lettuce, tomato, and zesty sauce, they come together quickly for a nourishing weeknight meal.

This dish suits a range of diets and can be adapted for vegan needs by substituting egg with flaxseed and using plant-based sauces. It’s a wholesome, protein-rich choice bursting with freshness and satisfying textures in every bite.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 11:41:00 GMT
Zesty black bean burgers sizzling in a pan, ready to be topped with fresh, creamy avocado. Save Pin
Zesty black bean burgers sizzling in a pan, ready to be topped with fresh, creamy avocado. | meadowforks.com

A vibrant, satisfying vegetarian burger bursting with zesty flavors, creamy avocado, and crisp fresh toppings perfect for a quick, wholesome weeknight dinner.

I love making these black bean burgers when I want a delicious vegetarian meal that comes together quickly on busy weeknights.

Ingredients

  • Black Bean Patties: 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)
  • For Serving: 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
Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
Check price on Amazon
A complete Zesty Black Bean Burger with a juicy patty, ripe avocado and crunchy toppings, ready to eat. Save Pin
A complete Zesty Black Bean Burger with a juicy patty, ripe avocado and crunchy toppings, ready to eat. | meadowforks.com

This recipe always brings smiles at our family dinners especially when we gather for busy weeknights.

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)

Close-up of a Zesty Black Bean Burger on a bun, showcasing fresh cilantro and a smear of chipotle mayo. Save Pin
Close-up of a Zesty Black Bean Burger on a bun, showcasing fresh cilantro and a smear of chipotle mayo. | meadowforks.com
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Easily spray or drizzle oil for roasting vegetables, air frying, sautéing, and dressing salads with controlled coverage.
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Enjoy these zesty black bean burgers as a tasty and nutritious weeknight meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Recipe FAQs

How can I make these burgers vegan?

Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) and use vegan mayo or yogurt for the sauce to keep the plant-based integrity.

What helps bind the black bean patties together?

Rolled oats, breadcrumbs, and egg act as binding agents, ensuring the patties hold their shape while cooking.

Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?

Yes, you can form the patties and refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking, which helps save time on busy evenings.

What cooking methods work best for these patties?

Cooking on a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat yields a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.

Are the buns gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free buns and breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

How do I add extra flavor to the patties?

Consider including additional spices like chili powder or smoked paprika, or mix in chopped fresh cilantro for a bright herbaceous note.

Zesty Black Bean Burgers

Delight in zesty black bean patties topped with creamy avocado and fresh, crisp ingredients perfect for a quick dinner.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time in Oven/Pan
15 minutes
Complete Time
30 minutes
Recipe by Meadow Forks Olivia Morgan


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Servings Produced 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

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 gluten-free breadcrumbs
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

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Prepare Black Beans: Mash the black beans in a large bowl using a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Cook Patties: Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat and lightly oil the surface. Cook patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through.

Step 05

Toast Buns: Lightly toast the burger buns, if desired.

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Notice

Always review ingredients for allergens. When unsure, consult your doctor.
  • Contains gluten if using regular breadcrumbs and buns, egg, and dairy if yogurt sauce or cheese is added.
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns for gluten-free diets.
  • For vegan diets, use flax egg and plant-based sauces.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

This nutritional guidance is for informational use only. For personal advice, speak to a healthcare provider.
  • Total Calories: 390
  • Fat Content: 9 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 59 grams
  • Proteins: 16 grams