Epic Black Bean Burger Recipe

Looking for a delicious and healthy vegetarian burger recipe? Try these Epic Black Bean Burgers! Made with protein-packed black beans, crunchy walnuts, and savory cotija cheese, these homemade veggie burgers are perfect for a meatless meal or a tasty plant-based alternative. Packed with bold flavors from cumin, chili powder, and jalapeños, these black bean patties are baked to perfection for a crispy exterior and tender interior.

Ingredients:

• 2 (14-ounce) cans of black beans (28 ounces total), drained, rinsed, and patted dry
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (see Notes)
• ½ cup walnuts
• 2 cups cotija cheese (or feta)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the Beans: Spread the black beans evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until slightly dried. Once done, remove from the oven.
3. Increase the Oven Temperature: If baking the burgers instead of grilling or pan-frying, increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat.
4. Prepare the Walnuts: In a food processor, blend the walnuts until they reach a semi-fine texture.
5. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the avocado oil. Sauté the chopped onions, jalapeños, and garlic for about 5 minutes or until the onions and peppers are softened. Once done, transfer to a bowl and blot with paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Combine the Ingredients: Add the sautéed vegetable mixture (except the black beans) to the food processor with the blended walnuts. Add the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, breadcrumbs, cotija cheese, eggs, mayonnaise, and barbecue sauce. Pulse until just combined. Add the black beans and pulse again, leaving some beans chunky for texture.
7. Form the Patties: Scoop ⅓ cup of the mixture and shape into patties. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Bake the Burgers: Bake the patties in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, flip them, and then bake for another 10 minutes. Alternatively, cook them in an oil-greased skillet for about 10 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
9. Serve: Serve the burgers on brioche buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onions, and spicy mayo.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This black bean burger is a flavorful and satisfying plant-based alternative to traditional burgers. Packed with protein from black beans, walnuts, and cotija cheese, it offers a hearty texture and rich flavor. The addition of cumin, chili powder, and jalapeño gives it a zesty kick, while the combination of mayo and barbecue sauce adds a creamy, smoky finish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ, and it’s customizable for a variety of tastes.

Tips

• Texture: For a firmer patty, make sure to blot the sautéed vegetables with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• Binding: If the mixture seems too loose to form patties, add extra breadcrumbs to help bind it together.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking, making this a great option for meal prep.
• Vegan Option: Replace the eggs and cotija cheese with vegan substitutes like flax eggs and dairy-free cheese.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese: If you don’t have cotija cheese, feta is a great substitute. You can also try mozzarella or a vegan cheese alternative.
• Nuts: Walnuts can be swapped for other nuts like almonds or pecans for a different flavor profile.
• Spices: Adjust the spice level to your taste by adding more jalapeño, chili powder, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Breadcrumbs: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats in place of regular breadcrumbs.

FAQs

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can form the patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This helps the flavors meld and makes meal prep easier.

Can I grill these burgers instead of baking or pan-frying them?
Yes! These burgers can easily be grilled. Just be sure to handle them gently, as they can be a bit more delicate than traditional meat patties.

What can I use if I don’t have mayonnaise or barbecue sauce?
You can substitute mayonnaise with a vegan version or Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor. As for the barbecue sauce, you can swap it with a bit of ketchup or hot sauce for different flavor nuances.

Serving

These black bean burgers are delicious served on toasted brioche buns with your choice of toppings. Add fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions for a classic burger experience, or go for a more adventurous topping like avocado or spicy aioli. Serve with a side of crispy fries, a green salad, or sweet potato wedges for a complete meal.

Suggestions

• Toppings: Consider adding guacamole, grilled pineapple, or a fried egg to elevate the flavor.
• Side Dishes: Pair your burger with coleslaw, grilled veggies, or a light quinoa salad for a healthy and satisfying meal.
• Dips: These burgers also pair wonderfully with dips like spicy ketchup, avocado salsa, or a cool yogurt-based sauce.