Zesty Black Bean Burgers

Featured in: Moss-Earthy Weeknight Meals

These black bean burgers combine mashed black beans with red onion, garlic, oats, and spices to create flavorful patties. Cooked until golden brown, they’re served with fresh avocado slices, lettuce, tomato, and a zesty yogurt or chipotle sauce on whole-wheat buns. Ready in 30 minutes, this easy dish offers a wholesome, satisfying option ideal for busy weeknights. Options for vegan and gluten-free adaptations make it versatile and inclusive.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 09:47:00 GMT
Zesty black bean burgers with avocado, piled high on toasted buns, ready for a satisfying bite. Save to Pinterest
Zesty black bean burgers with avocado, piled high on toasted buns, ready for a satisfying bite. | mosscedar.com

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

This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my household for its simplicity and bold taste.

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 Black 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.
This photo features perfectly assembled zesty black bean burgers with creamy slices of fresh avocado. Save to Pinterest
This photo features perfectly assembled zesty black bean burgers with creamy slices of fresh avocado. | mosscedar.com

This burger often sparks joy during family dinners, bringing everyone together around clean, bold flavors.

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, and dairy (if using yogurt sauce or cheese). Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns for gluten-free option. Use flax egg and plant-based sauces for vegan option. Always check labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 390, Total Fat 9 g, Carbohydrates 59 g, Protein 16 g

Golden-brown zesty black bean burgers, served with vibrant avocado and fresh toppings, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown zesty black bean burgers, served with vibrant avocado and fresh toppings, ready to enjoy. | mosscedar.com

This recipe delivers satisfying flavor and nutrition that make weeknight dinners a breeze to prepare.

Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make these burgers vegan?

Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) and use a plant-based mayo or yogurt for the sauce.

What’s the best way to bind the patties without eggs?

Using rolled oats and breadcrumbs helps bind the patties, while a flax egg can also provide additional binding in vegan versions.

Can I use gluten-free buns and breadcrumbs?

Yes, substituting with gluten-free buns and breadcrumbs makes this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

How should the black bean mixture be prepared before cooking?

Mash the black beans leaving some texture, then mix in finely diced onion, garlic, oats, spices, and other ingredients thoroughly before shaping into patties.

What cooking method works best for these patties?

Cooking in a lightly oiled nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat until golden brown on both sides ensures a firm yet tender texture.

What toppings complement these black bean burgers?

Fresh avocado slices, shredded lettuce, tomato, thinly sliced red onion, and a zesty yogurt or chipotle mayo sauce add layers of flavor and texture.

Zesty Black Bean Burgers

Vibrant black bean patties paired with creamy avocado and crisp fresh ingredients for a satisfying meal.

Time to Prep
15 minutes
Time to Cook
15 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Recipe by Jacob King


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Black Bean Patties

01 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
02 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1/2 cup rolled oats
05 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (or regular if preferred)
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 fresh cilantro, chopped (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 thinly sliced red onion
06 1/4 cup zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayonnaise
07 Lime wedges, for garnish

How to Prepare

Step 01

Prepare Bean Mixture: In a large bowl, lightly mash the black beans with a fork, leaving some texture intact.

Step 02

Combine Ingredients: Add 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 evenly combined.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Cook Patties: Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat and lightly oil the surface. Cook patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through.

Step 05

Toast Buns: Optionally toast the burger buns lightly in the skillet or oven.

Step 06

Assemble Burgers: Spread zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayo on the bottom bun. Layer with shredded lettuce, a black bean patty, tomato slices, red onion, avocado slices, then top with the bun crown.

Step 07

Serve: Serve immediately accompanied by lime wedges and an optional side salad.

What You’ll Need

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

Allergy Details

Always check every ingredient for allergens. Talk to a healthcare provider if you’re not sure.
  • Contains gluten if using regular breadcrumbs and buns.
  • Contains egg.
  • Contains dairy if using yogurt sauce or cheese.

Nutrition Information (each serving)

Nutrition info is for reference only and not a substitute for doctor’s advice.
  • Energy: 390
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 59 g
  • Total Protein: 16 g