Zesty Weeknight Black Bean Burgers

Featured in: One-Pan Everyday Family Suppers

These zesty black bean patties blend black beans, spices like cumin and smoked paprika, and fresh onion for a flavorful punch. Cooked in a skillet until golden, they’re nestled in whole-wheat buns with creamy avocado slices, shredded lettuce, tomato, and a zingy yogurt or chipotle sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish offers a wholesome, vibrant meal perfect for busy weeknights. Optional tweaks include vegan substitutions and added textures like grated carrot or corn.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 11:17:00 GMT
Zesty black bean burgers sizzling in a pan, ready to be layered with fresh avocado and toppings. Pin This
Zesty black bean burgers sizzling in a pan, ready to be layered with fresh avocado and toppings. | orchardflint.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 became a weeknight staple in our house thanks to its bold flavors and simplicity.

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

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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
Cook complete meals by frying, sautéing, simmering, and boiling with easy nonstick cleanup every day.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Cook complete meals by frying, sautéing, simmering, and boiling with easy nonstick cleanup every day.
Check price on Amazon
Pin This
| orchardflint.com

My family loves gathering around this meal as it brings a fresh and zesty twist to our usual dinners.

Nutritional Information

Each serving has 390 calories 9 g total fat 59 g carbohydrates and 16 g protein making it a balanced meal option.

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.

Required Tools

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

A close-up of a flavorful zesty black bean burger, stacked high with avocado and fresh vegetables. Pin This
A close-up of a flavorful zesty black bean burger, stacked high with avocado and fresh vegetables. | orchardflint.com
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This recipe offers a delicious and nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Recipe FAQs

How do I get the patties to hold together?

Using rolled oats and breadcrumbs combined with egg helps bind the black bean mixture firmly. Mashing beans with some texture prevents them from becoming too mushy.

Can I make this vegan?

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

What spices give these patties their zest?

Cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and fresh lime juice create the vibrant, zesty flavor profile.

How should I cook the patties?

Cook on a lightly oiled nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and heated through.

What toppings complement these black bean patties?

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

Can I add more texture to the patties?

Yes, grated carrot or corn can be mixed into the patties for added texture and subtle sweetness.

Zesty Weeknight Black Bean Burgers

Satisfying black bean patties with avocado and fresh crisp toppings for a quick, wholesome dinner.

Time to Prep
15 minutes
Time to Cook
15 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Created by Luke Campbell


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details Suitable for Vegetarians

What You’ll Need

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 breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
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

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

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

Step 02

Combine Ingredients: Add red onion, garlic, rolled oats, breadcrumbs, egg, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cilantro. Mix thoroughly until fully combined.

Step 03

Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a burger patty.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Needed Gear

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

Allergy Advisory

Review all ingredients for allergens. Check with a health expert if you have concerns.
  • Contains gluten (if using regular breadcrumbs and buns), egg, and dairy (if using yogurt sauce or cheese).
  • Gluten-free and vegan substitutions advised as appropriate.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

This data is provided for your reference. Always consult with a healthcare professional for nutrition advice.
  • Caloric Value: 390
  • Fats: 9 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 59 grams
  • Proteins: 16 grams