Easy Black Bean Burgers

Hearty, simple and full of flavor, these Easy Black Bean Burgers are a satisfying alternative to traditional meat burgers. They're so simple and delicious, you'll put them on the menu every week!

Give me all these black bean burgers please!

I want to start by saying that I am not a vegetarian by any stretch of the imagination, but if I had to be, I'd eat these at least three times a week.

No foolin'

I looooovvve burgers. All kinds.

I also love trying meat alternative recipes. I guess I'm just so curious about them!

...and I love the fact that they make me feel less guilty about slathering them in condiments and eating an entire helping of fries too.

My family and I never really ate meat growing up--aside from chicken, turkey, and fish--so a beef burger has never been a craving for me.

But if I'm being honest, I never ate veggie burgers growing up either. But for one reason or another, I'm fascinated by them.

I've tried a bunch over the years-- from the pre-made frozen ones at the grocery store to the "housemade" veggie burgers at restaurants. The restaurant ones are great, but I wanted this experience at home too.

The grocery store ones were just too thin and tiny for my liking.

When it comes to a burger, I want something substantial.

That's where these burgers come in!

Not only are these burgers delicious, but they are so easy to make it's silly.

Guess what's even better? I'm willing to bet that all the ingredients are sitting in your pantry right now!

Seriously! Go look! I'll wait...

See? Told you!

Another bonus is that these burgers don't require any special equipment--no mixer, no food processor, and no magic wand needed!

All you need is a potato masher (but you can always use a fork if you don't have one), a can opener, and a "can do" attitude!

The attitude part is optional, but I have noticed a positive one will definitely make your burgers taste better.

Why do we love these black bean burgers?

First off, the ingredients are super simple. They're mostly made of pantry items, most of which you have lying around right now.

That also makes these burgers extremely budget friendly, which is always a good thing. With that being said, I definitely recommend making a big batch and freezing the patties to have on hand for quick and hearty weeknight dinners!

The second reason why we love these burgers is that they can be extremely versatile!

Like things a little spicy? Toss in some hot peppers if you have them.

Have a bit of frozen corn that you can't find a use for? Throw it in sis!

Carrots or a green pepper on its way out? Dice them small, cook them til soft and throw them in!

I promise these burgers can handle it and they'll always be delicious!

Ok, so the final reason why these burgers are great is that THEY STAY TOGETHER. Nothing gives me a case of the grumps more than food I can't get to the plate in one piece.

Ain't nobody got time for that.

They stay intact fabulously and truly make for an enjoyable sandwich experience.

Wait! LAST THING. One more thing I forgot to dote on...

These babies freeze like a dream.

That's right! You can freeze these meatless marvels and have dinners on hand for weeks! I have the instructions listed below.

The best part is when you're ready to cook burgers, you don't even have to thaw them first. Just throw them right in a frying pan over a medium to medium-low heat and just cook until they're heated through. EASY PEASY.

How to make Easy Black Bean Burgers:

Makes 10 burger patties

• 2- 15.5 oz cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ of a small red or yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 ¼ cup of seasoned breadcrumbs (panko works too in a pinch)
• ¼ cup of salsa, whatever kind you like
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 2 eggs
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Using a fork or potato masher, mash beans almost completely, but make sure to leave a few beans still whole.

Add in red onion, breadcrumbs, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salsa, salt and pepper. Mix with a spoon or your hands, until all ingredients are just combined. Add in eggs and mix until fully incorporated.

Your mixture should be able to hold its shape when scooped into a ball.

If the mixture is too wet, add additional breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon at a time until it can hold its shape.

If the mixture is too dry, add a little water or more salsa, 1 tablespoon at a time until the burger mix is sticking together and able to be formed into patties.

Scoop bean mixture into mounds with a cookie scoop or measuring cup (a ⅓ cup size) and flatten into a patty. I try to make the patties the same size as the burger buns I'm using and about ¾" thick. 

Lightly grease a skillet or cast iron pan with olive oil or cooking spray and heat at medium low. 

Cook your black bean patty over medium-medium low heat for 5 minutes on each side. The patty is done when it's well browned and firmed up enough that it won't fall apart when you put it on the bun.

Serve on a hearty whole wheat bun with your favorite condiments and some salty fries.

Making these ahead and freezing:

To make ahead, you'll want to mix all the ingredients together as stated above and form the patties.

At this point you can put sheets of parchment paper in between each patty and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple days.

OR

After forming, put the patties on a parchment lined sheet pan in a single layer and freeze them.

Once frozen, remove patties from the sheet pan, put a layer of parchment paper in between each patty and store in an airtight container in the freezer until ready to use.

When you're ready to cook the burgers, heat a frying pan or skillet with some olive oil or cooking spray. Cook frozen black bean patty over medium low for about 15 minutes or until cooked through.

Ways to serve up your burger:

My favorite way to enjoy these burgers is to melt some provolone cheese over them,  slather the top AND bottom of a toasted whole wheat bun with bbq sauce, and finish with a healthy dollop of guacamole. 

Here are some other fabulous ways to serve up these black bean beauties:

• Make it traditional and adorn with lettuce, tomato and onion.
• Throw some bacon on there!
• Melt some pepperjack cheese over the patty and top with grilled pineapple and peppers or Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Pepper Jam
• Top with salsa and taco cheese for some south of the border zip.

You may also like:

Easy Cauliflower Pizza Crust

One Pot Chili Mac

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

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