Zesty Black Bean Burgers

Featured in: Simple Pan & Skillet Suppers

These zesty black bean burgers combine mashed black beans, red onion, garlic, oats, and spices for a flavorful patty. Cooked on a skillet until golden brown, they're paired with creamy avocado slices, fresh lettuce, tomato, and a zesty chipotle mayo or yogurt sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy dish offers a satisfying vegetarian option packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, ideal for a quick weeknight meal.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:31:00 GMT
Close-up of a zesty black bean burger with fresh avocado, ready to be devoured with lime wedges. Pin it
Close-up of a zesty black bean burger with fresh avocado, ready to be devoured with lime wedges. | meadowspoon.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 burgers for a fast weeknight meal that still feels special and healthy.

Ingredients

  • 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
  • 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

Step 1:
In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture.
Step 2:
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.
Step 3:
Divide the mixture into 4 portions and shape into burger patties.
Step 4:
Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly oil the surface.
Step 5:
Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through.
Step 6:
Toast the burger buns lightly, if desired.
Step 7:
Assemble the 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.
Step 8:
Serve immediately with lime wedges and a side salad, if desired.
Golden-brown black bean burgers are stacked high with toppings, a delicious vegetarian meal for weeknights. Pin it
Golden-brown black bean burgers are stacked high with toppings, a delicious vegetarian meal for weeknights. | meadowspoon.com

This recipe always brings the family together for a delicious and healthy meal.

Notes

For a homemade zesty yogurt sauce Mix 1/4 cup Greek yogurt with 1 teaspoon lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and a pinch of salt

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains Gluten if using regular breadcrumbs and buns Egg Dairy if using yogurt sauce or cheese For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns For vegan, use flax egg and plant-based sauces Always check labels for potential allergens

A vibrant plate showcases a delicious zesty black bean burger, perfect with creamy avocado slices. Pin it
A vibrant plate showcases a delicious zesty black bean burger, perfect with creamy avocado slices. | meadowspoon.com

A perfect combination of flavors that will become a weeknight favorite.

Recipe FAQ

How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Ensure the mixture is well combined and slightly firm. Adding oats and breadcrumbs helps bind the patties, while gently pressing them before cooking maintains shape.

Can I make these burgers vegan?

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

What cooking method works best for the patties?

Pan-frying on a nonstick skillet over medium heat produces a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.

Are there gluten-free options available?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns to make the dish suitable for gluten-free diets.

How can I add more texture to the patties?

Incorporate grated carrot or corn into the black bean mixture for added crunch and variety.

Zesty Black Bean Burgers

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

Prep time
15 minutes
Cook time
15 minutes
Overall time
30 minutes
Recipe by Jack Henderson


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet preferences Vegetarian-friendly

What You'll Need

Black Bean Patties

01 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
02 1/2 red onion, finely diced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1/2 cup rolled oats
05 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
06 1 large egg
07 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
08 2 teaspoons ground cumin
09 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
11 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 1/4 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 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
06 1/4 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 red onion, garlic, rolled oats, breadcrumbs, egg, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro; 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

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

Step 05

Cook Patties: Cook patties for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and heated through.

Step 06

Toast Buns: Lightly toast the burger buns if desired.

Step 07

Assemble Burgers: Spread zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayo on the bottom bun; layer with shredded lettuce, black bean patty, tomato slices, red onion, and avocado slices; top with the bun lid.

Step 08

Serve: Serve immediately with lime wedges and optionally a side salad.

What You’ll Need

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

Allergy details

Review every ingredient for allergen risks and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains gluten (if using standard breadcrumbs and buns), egg, and dairy (if using yogurt sauce or cheese).
  • Use gluten-free alternatives and plant-based substitutes to accommodate sensitivities.

Nutrition info (per portion)

Use these nutrition details as a guide only—not a substitute for professional advice.
  • Calorie count: 390
  • Fat content: 9 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 59 grams
  • Proteins: 16 grams