The BEST Black Bean Burgers

Black bean burger served in a hamburger bun topped with sauce, tomato and avocado.Our homemade Black Bean Burger recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and on the table in just 30 minutes. Best of all, it’s so flavorful and good, you wont miss the meat. Want more vegetarian recipes? Try Pupusas, Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers, Veggie Enchiladas, or a Buddha Bowl! How to Make Black Bean Burgers: Chop Vegetables:…

Black bean burger served in a hamburger bun topped with sauce, tomato and avocado.

Our homemade Black Bean Burger recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and on the table in just 30 minutes. Best of all, it’s so flavorful and good, you wont miss the meat.

Want more vegetarian recipes? Try Pupusas, Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers, Veggie Enchiladas, or a Buddha Bowl!

The BEST Black Bean Burger on a hamburger bun with chipotle mayo, lettuce, tomato, and avocado.

The best Black Bean Burgers you’ll ever make.

I’ve had my share veggie burgers and I can promise you this Black Bean Burger has it all; flavor packed, holds together like a regular burger, affordable, and easy to make. Plus each patty has 12 grams of protein, plenty of fiber, and is much lower in fat and cholesterol than your traditional ground beef burger.

How to Make Black Bean Burgers:

Chop Vegetables: use a food processor to very finely mince the bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Transfer veggie mixture to a fine mesh strainer then press out as much excess liquid as possible.

Mash Beans: Drain and rinse black beans then blot with paper towel to remove extra water. Mash well with fork.

Two images showing green bell pepper, onion, and garlic finely chopped in a food processor, then black beans mashed in a glass mixing bowl.

Form Patties: Add veggie mixture to bowl with black beans and mix in spices and beaten egg. Stir in breadcrumbs. Divide mixture into 4 or 5 portions and form into patties.

Two images showing all the ingredients in a bowl for homemade Black Bean Burgers before and after they are combined.

To Grill: Oil your grill then add the black bean burger patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side.

To cook in Oven: bake on a lined baking sheet, at 375 degrees F for 10 minutes on each side.

To cook on Stovetop: cook patties in a greased grill pan or skillet over medium heat, for 4-5 minutes on each side.

Two images showing simple black bean burgers being grilled, then after it's on a hamburger bun with toppings, with the top bun removed to show the toppings.

Serve: on a hamburger bun or in a lettuce wrap with chipotle mayo and your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, avocado, onion, sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, or pickles.

Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions:

To Make Ahead: Assemble black bean burger patties and keep covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

To Freeze: Place raw or cooked black bean burger patties flat inside a freezer safe bag or container with parchment paper in between the layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before cooking, or cook from frozen, over medium heat.

Serve With:

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The BEST Black Bean Burger on a hamburger bun with chipotle mayo, lettuce, tomato, and avocado.
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The BEST Black Bean Burger

This homemade Black Bean Burger recipe is packed with protein and fiber, and on the table in just 30 minutes. They're inexpensive and absolutely delicious.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Vegetarian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 5
Calories 365kcal
Cost 5

Ingredients

Black Bean Burger:

  • 15 ounce can black beans , drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 green bell pepper
  • 1/2 small onion
  • 2 cloves garlic , peeled
  • 1 large egg *, beaten
  • 2/3 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 1 Tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • desired burger toppings: lettuce, tomato, etc.

Chipotle Mayo Sauce:

Instructions

  • Black Beans: Place rinsed and drained black beans in a bowl. If needed, blot them with a paper towel to remove extra moisture. Place in a large bowl and mash well with a fork.
  • Veggies: Use a food processor to mine the bell pepper, onion and garlic. Transfer veggies to a fine mesh strainer and use the back of a spoon to press out excess moisture. (If it's too wet, the burger wont hold together as well.)
  • Combine: Add the strained vegetable mixture to the bowl with the black beans. Add the chili powder, cumin and salt and pepper and stir to combine. Add beaten egg and mix. Stir in bread crumbs.
  • Form Patties: scoop mixture into 4 even sized patties, forming them and pressing flat with your hands.

Cook on Grill, Stove or Oven:

  • To Grill: Cook on well oiled grill over medium heat, for 4-5 minutes on each side.
  • To Cook on Stove: Cook over medium heat in a greased grill pan or skillet for 4-5 minutes on each side.
  • To Cook in Oven: Bake at 375 degrees F on a lightly oiled baking sheet, for 8-10 minutes on each side.
  • Assemble: Serve burgers on a bun or lettuce wrap and top with a spoonful of chipotle mayo, lettuce, tomato, cheese, avocado, or any desired toppings!
  • Chipotle Mayo Sauce: Add all the ingredients to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Video

Notes

Nutritional information is for burger patty only. 
Make Ahead Instructions: Assemble black bean burger patties and keep covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Freezing Instructions: Place raw or cooked black bean burger patties flat inside a freezer safe bag or container with parchment paper in between the layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before cooking, or cook from frozen, over medium heat.
Vegan Black Bean Burger: Use a flax egg (1 Tbsp flax meal mixed with 3 Tbsp hot water) instead of egg.
Spicy Black Bean Burger: If you love extra heat, I love adding a little dash of cayenne along with the other spices. Take it to the next level and also whip up some chipotle mayo and top with jalapeños!
Adapted from All Recipes.

Nutrition

Calories: 365kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 1603mg | Potassium: 415mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 622IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 5mg

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I first shared this recipe March 2016. Updated June 2019, June 2022 and June 2024.

Classic Hamburger Recipe

A juicy hamburger recipe with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and red onions ready to enjoy.Our delicious Hamburger recipe is restaurant-worthy, and so easy to make from home using a simple burger seasoning and piled high with your favorite toppings. We never get sick of making different kinds of burgers, like our Greek Burgers with Feta Aioli, French Onion Burgers, Quinoa Burger, and the Best Black Bean Burger. How to…

A juicy hamburger recipe with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and red onions ready to enjoy.

Our delicious Hamburger recipe is restaurant-worthy, and so easy to make from home using a simple burger seasoning and piled high with your favorite toppings.

We never get sick of making different kinds of burgers, like our Greek Burgers with Feta Aioli, French Onion Burgers, Quinoa Burger, and the Best Black Bean Burger.

A juicy homemade hamburger recipe with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and red onions, ready to enjoy.

These Burgers are Bangin’!

When it comes to making a killer homemade Hamburger there are a few simple tricks that make all the difference. The quality and fat content of the meat, the seasonings used, and how the patties are formed and cooked are all essential (and easy!), and when done correctly, you’ll look like a grill master.

Serve the hamburgers traditional style, or over a salad like my favorite Cheeseburger Salad. And be sure to pair with some delicious sides, like Grilled Corn on the Cob, Watermelon Salad, Macaroni Salad, or Baked Beans.

How to Make a Perfect Hamburger:

Make Seasoning by mixing all dry spices in a small bowl. Set aside.

Form Patties: Divide ground chuck into 6 equal portions and form into ½ inch thick patties that are wider than the burger buns (they will shrink). Don’t over handle the meat. Touching the meat too much will make it tougher. Be very gentle shaping them, and be careful not to flatten them. Use your thumb to press an indentation into the center of each patty. Cover and set aside.

Two images showing all the ingredients for the best hamburger recipe for grilling then uncooked patties with the best burger spices.

Grill: Just before cooking, sprinkle seasoning over the patties, then place on hot grill, indent-side up. Close grill lid and cook for 3-4 minutes (for medium rare), until the bottom of the burger is seared and juices are accumulating on top of the burger. Flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes or until the beef reaches 160 degrees F. If adding cheese, place cheese slices on burgers during the last minute of cooking.

Two images showing homemade burger patties being grilled then the burger all assembled and ready to eat.

Serve: Place patties on a plate and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving in a bun, with toppings, and your favorite condiments like ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, Thousand island dressing, Ranch dressing, or homemade Chick-fil A Sauce.

Make Ahead And Freezing Instructions:

To Make Ahead: Place parchment paper between raw burger patties and refrigerate for 1-2 days ahead, depending on freshness of the meat.

To Freeze: Store raw burger patties in an air-tight container and freeze for up to 3 months, with parchment paper between layers. Thaw completely before grilling.

Follow me for more great recipes

A juicy hamburger recipe with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and red onions ready to enjoy.
Print

Hamburger recipe

An easy Hamburger recipe that is juicy, tender, and restaurant-worthy! It's made with ground chuck and has the best burger seasoning, piled high with your favorite toppings. Check out all my tips for the perfect burgers!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 497kcal
Cost 10

Ingredients

Toppings:

  • 6 hamburger buns , toasted, if desired
  • 6 slices American cheese* , or your favorite cheese
  • 6 lettuce leaves
  • 1 beefsteak tomato , thinly sliced
  • ½ of a red or white onion , thinly sliced
  • 6 Pickle slices
  • Other topping ideas: sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, jalapeños, bacon, onion rings
  • Condiments: ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, Thousand island dressing, Ranch dressing, or homemade Chick-fil A Sauce.

Instructions

  • Make burger seasoning by combining all spices in a bowl. Set aside.
  • Form Patties: Divide ground chuck into 6 equal portions and gently form into ½ inch thick patties that are wider than the burger buns, since the meat will shrink as it cooks. (Don't over-handle the meat, or it will make it tough).
  • Indent: Use your thumb to press a gentle indentation into the center of each patty, which will help them cook evenly and not puff up in the center. Cover and set aside while preheating grill. (Ice cube trick: Some chefs will put an ice cube on top of each indentation on the patties until they’re ready to cook, so they don't dry out.)
  • Grill: Preheat grill to medium high heat. Just before cooking, sprinkle burger seasoning over the patties, then place on hot grill, indent-side up. Close grill lid and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the bottom of the burger is seared and juices are accumulating on top of the burger. Flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the beef reaches 160 degrees F.
  • Add cheese on top of burger patties during the last minute of cooking. Remove to a plate and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving on a bun, with desired toppings.

Video

Notes

Meat: Choose ground chuck over ground beef, if possible, or a combo of 60% ground chuck and 40% brisket. If using ground beef, make sure it’s at least 20% fat, or for lean ground beef, add some chopped bacon or a tablespoon of olive oil to the meat.
Cheese: American Cheese is traditional for hamburgers because it melts so well. Be sure to get it sliced fresh from the deli counter, and not “Kraft” singles “American cheese” squares. 
To cook on the stove: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add enough oil to thinly coat the bottom of the pan. Once hot, add the burger patties and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until 160 degrees F.
Cooking Time: 160 degrees F for medium doneness (about 3-4 minutes on each side), or a few minutes less for medium rare, or more for well done.
Make Ahead Instructions:form burger patties and place parchment paper between patties, to separate them. Cover and store in fridge for 1-2 days, depending on freshness of the meat. 
Freezing Instructions: Raw burger patties can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place parchment paper between patties and store in an airtight container. Thaw completely before grilling. 

Nutrition

Calories: 497kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 854mg | Potassium: 587mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2798IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 225mg | Iron: 4mg

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I originally shared this recipe June 2020. Updated May 2024.