Zesty Weeknight Black Bean Burgers

Featured in: Simple Rustic Skillet Dishes

This dish offers hearty black bean patties infused with ground cumin, smoked paprika, and a hint of chili powder. The burgers are cooked to golden brown perfection, nestled in toasted whole-wheat buns and layered with fresh tomato, shredded lettuce, and creamy avocado slices. A zesty yogurt or chipotle mayo adds a tangy finish, while lime wedges provide a fresh citrus touch. Ideal for a quick, satisfying weeknight meal packed with texture and bold flavors.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:47:00 GMT
Golden-brown Zesty Black Bean Burgers topped with creamy avocado and fresh tomato, ready for a delicious bite. Pin It
Golden-brown Zesty Black Bean Burgers topped with creamy avocado and fresh tomato, ready for a delicious bite. | olivecinder.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 on busy weeknights when I want something delicious and healthy in minutes.

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

Mash Beans:
In a large bowl mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher leaving some texture.
Mix Ingredients:
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.
Shape Patties:
Divide the mixture into 4 portions and shape into burger patties.
Heat Pan:
Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat Lightly oil the surface.
Cook Patties:
Cook the patties for 4 5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through.
Toast Buns:
Toast the burger buns lightly if desired.
Assemble 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.
Serve:
Serve immediately with lime wedges and a side salad if desired.
Pin It
| olivecinder.com

These burgers have become a favorite in my family especially on casual weekend dinners when everyone wants something tasty and nourishing.

Preparation Tips

Make sure not to over mash the beans to maintain a good texture in the patties.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp side salad or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

A close-up of a stacked Zesty Black Bean Burger with vibrant toppings, hinting at zesty flavors and textures. Pin It
A close-up of a stacked Zesty Black Bean Burger with vibrant toppings, hinting at zesty flavors and textures. | olivecinder.com

Enjoy crafting these flavorful black bean burgers for a quick nutritious meal your whole family will love.

Recipe FAQs

How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Ensure the mixture has enough binder like eggs or flax egg and breadcrumbs. Press firmly when shaping patties and chill before cooking for better hold.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use vegan mayo or yogurt for the sauce to keep it plant-based.

What sides pair well with these burgers?

Serve with a fresh side salad, sweet potato fries, or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.

How spicy are these burgers?

The spices add a gentle warmth but not overpowering heat. Adjust chili powder to your preference for more kick.

Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?

Yes, patties can be shaped and refrigerated for up to a day or frozen for longer storage before cooking.

Zesty Weeknight Black Bean Burgers

Vibrant black bean burgers with creamy avocado and fresh zesty toppings for a wholesome meal.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Recipe by Owen Barnes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Vegetarian

What You'll Need

Black Bean Patties

01 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
02 ½ red onion, finely diced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 ½ cup rolled oats
05 ½ cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if required)
06 1 large egg
07 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
08 2 teaspoons ground cumin
09 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 ½ teaspoon chili powder
11 ½ teaspoon salt
12 ¼ 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 ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
06 ¼ cup zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayo
07 Lime wedges, for garnish

Directions

Step 01

Mash Black Beans: In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture.

Step 02

Combine Ingredients: Add the red onion, garlic, rolled oats, breadcrumbs, egg, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro to the mashed beans. 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

Heat Skillet: Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat and lightly oil the surface.

Step 05

Cook Patties: Cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and thoroughly heated.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Assemble Burgers: Spread zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayo over the bottom bun, then layer with shredded lettuce, a black bean patty, sliced tomato, red onion, and avocado slices. Top with the bun crown.

Step 08

Serve: Serve immediately garnished with lime wedges and accompanied by a side salad if preferred.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Advice

Make sure to review every ingredient for allergens and check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains gluten (if using standard breadcrumbs and buns), eggs, and dairy (if yogurt sauce or cheese is included).
  • For gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns.
  • For vegan preparation, replace egg with flax egg and dairy-based sauces with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Details here are just for reference and not a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 390
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 59 g
  • Proteins: 16 g