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Healthy Black Bean Burgers

Hearty, protein-packed black bean burgers that are quick to prepare and easy to customize.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 15 oz cans black beans drained well
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3-4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3/4 cup instant oats pulsed in blender (or use breadcrumbs, almond flour, or flour of choice)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese of choice
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha or ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro lightly packed, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2-4 tablespoons spicy mayo optional

Instructions

  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender, then add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute. Remove from heat and let cool 2–4 minutes.
  • Drain and rinse the black beans, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess water. Place beans in a large bowl and gently mash with a fork until mostly chunky.
  • Add the pulsed instant oats, eggs, shredded cheese, sriracha, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro to the mashed beans. Stir until evenly combined.
  • Cover the mixture and refrigerate 15–20 minutes to allow the oats (or breadcrumbs) to absorb moisture and firm up.
  • Divide the chilled mixture into 8 even portions and shape each into a patty.
  • Stovetop: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high and cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until crispy and set.
  • Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place patties on a lined baking sheet and bake 15–20 minutes until cooked through and slightly crispy.
  • Grill: Place patties on greased foil and grill 7–9 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
  • Air fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and air fry patties about 15 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
  • Serve the burgers on buns with spicy mayo or your preferred toppings.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula
  • food processor or blender
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking Sheet
  • Air Fryer

Notes

  • Pulse oats 5–10 seconds until they resemble a coarse flour.
  • You can substitute breadcrumbs, almond flour, or other flours if preferred.
  • Chilling the mixture helps the patties hold together while cooking.
  • Adjust sriracha or ketchup to taste for spice level.