Black Bean Burgers

A mainstay of American vegetarian cookouts, black bean burgers turn humble canned beans into smoky, spice-kissed patties. Rolled oats and smoked paprika help them hold together on the grill with hearty, satisfying flavor.

Serves 4

Estimate for one serving

• 420 cal
• 16.5g protein
• 68g carbs
• 11g fat
• 12g fiber

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 2 (15-oz) cans canned black beans
• 1 small (about 1 cup diced) yellow onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/3 cup bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 hamburger buns
• as desired fixings (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard)

Instructions

1. 1Drain and rinse the two cans of black beans. Pat dry with paper towels and spread on a baking sheet to air-dry for 10 minutes while you prep everything else.
2. 2Finely dice the small onion and mince the garlic cloves.
3. 3Pulse the rolled oats in a food processor until they become a coarse flour, about 10 pulses. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
4. 4Add dried black beans to the food processor along with the diced onion, minced garlic, egg, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Pulse 8–10 times until a thick, chunky paste forms. Do not over-process into a purée.
5. 5Scrape the bean mixture into the bowl with the oat flour. Add the remaining whole black beans and the bread crumbs. Mix gently with a spatula until evenly combined. The mixture should be moist but hold together when squeezed; if too wet, stir in an extra tablespoon of bread crumbs.
6. 6Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Form each into a patty about 3/4-inch thick and 4 inches wide. Place patties on a plate, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to firm up.
7. 7Heat a grill or large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Brush the patties lightly with the olive oil on both sides.
8. 8Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side until a deep crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 160 °F. Avoid pressing down on them so they stay juicy.
9. 9Lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in the skillet for 30–45 seconds.
10. 10Assemble burgers with your choice of fixings: lettuce, sliced tomato, onion rings, pickles, ketchup, mustard, or whatever you like. Serve immediately.