Zesty Black Bean Burgers

Featured in: Fork-Friendly Everyday Plates

These zesty black bean burgers combine mashed black beans with spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Rolled oats and breadcrumbs bind the patties, which are cooked golden brown on a skillet or grill. Layered with creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, tomato, and a zesty yogurt or chipotle sauce, they offer a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian option. Ready in just 30 minutes, they are perfect for a quick weeknight meal with wholesome ingredients and fresh garnishes.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:33:00 GMT
Juicy zesty black bean burgers topped with creamy avocado on toasted buns, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
Juicy zesty black bean burgers topped with creamy avocado on toasted buns, ready to eat. | poppyfork.com

A vibrant, satisfying vegetarian burger bursting with zesty flavors, creamy avocado, and crisp fresh toppings perfect for a quick, wholesome weeknight dinner.

I've made these black bean burgers many times on weeknights when I want something tasty but fast to prepare.

Ingredients

  • 2 cans black beans: 15 oz each, 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

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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.
Product image
Dries dishes, utensils, and cookware neatly after cooking, keeping your countertop organized and clutter free.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Dries dishes, utensils, and cookware neatly after cooking, keeping your countertop organized and clutter free.
Check price on Amazon
Close-up photo of a delicious black bean burger on a bun, piled high with fresh toppings. Save to Pinterest
Close-up photo of a delicious black bean burger on a bun, piled high with fresh toppings. | poppyfork.com

This recipe has become a family favorite for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.

Preparation Tips

Drain and rinse the black beans well to avoid soggy patties and help flavors meld better.

Serving Suggestions

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

Storage

Leftover patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

Savory zesty black bean burgers sizzling in a pan, promising a flavorful weeknight meal. Save to Pinterest
Savory zesty black bean burgers sizzling in a pan, promising a flavorful weeknight meal. | poppyfork.com
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Enjoy these zesty black bean burgers as a wholesome and flavorful meal any night of the week.

Zesty Black Bean Burgers

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

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
15 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created by Cooper Anderson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Tags Vegetarian

What You 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 or regular 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 zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayonnaise
06 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 patty ingredients: Add diced red onion, minced garlic, rolled oats, breadcrumbs, egg, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cilantro. Mix thoroughly until uniformly combined.

Step 03

Form patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a burger patty.

Step 04

Preheat skillet: 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 per side until golden brown and heated through.

Step 06

Toast buns: Lightly toast burger buns if desired.

Step 07

Assemble burgers: Spread zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayonnaise on the bottom bun. Layer with shredded lettuce, a black bean patty, tomato slices, red onion, and avocado. Top with the bun.

Step 08

Serve: Serve immediately with lime wedges and optional side salad.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Info

Review all ingredient labels for allergen risks and talk to a doctor if you’re uncertain.
  • Contains gluten (if using regular breadcrumbs and buns), egg, and dairy (if using yogurt sauce or cheese). Adjust ingredients for dietary restrictions.

Nutrition Info (each serving)

Nutritional details are for reference and not a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Total Calories: 390
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 59 g
  • Proteins: 16 g