A black bean burger should not squish out the side of the bun the second you take a bite.
This one keeps things simple with mashed black beans, an egg, whole wheat breadcrumbs, chopped onion, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
The patties cook in a little canola oil until both sides are browned, then they get tucked into buns with lettuce, tomato, and red onion.
It is the kind of meatless dinner that still feels like burger night, which is the whole point.
Serve these for an easy weeknight meal, a casual cookout, or Meatless Monday with Keto Caprese Burger, Keto Burger Salad Bowls, Keto Vegetarian Pizza, and Keto Mushroom Baked Beans if you want a bigger spread.
What Goes Into These Black Bean Burgers
How To Make Black Bean Burger
1. Add the black beans to a bowl
Pour the drained and rinsed black beans into a mixing bowl.
Use a bowl with enough room to mash and stir without flinging beans across the counter.
2. Mash the beans
Mash the beans with a spoon until they look chunky and sticky.
Do not turn them into a smooth paste because the little pieces give the patties better texture.
3. Add the egg
Crack the egg into the mashed beans.
The egg helps the mixture bind so the patties hold together in the pan.
4. Add breadcrumbs and onion
Pour in the whole wheat breadcrumbs.
Add the finely chopped yellow onion over the top.
5. Season the mixture
Add dried oregano and dried basil.
Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper.
6. Mix until it looks even
Stir everything together until the breadcrumbs, onion, herbs, and beans are evenly mixed.
The mixture should look thick and scoopable, not loose.
7. Divide the mixture into six portions
Scoop the mixture onto parchment and divide it into six portions.
Keep them about the same size so they cook at the same pace.
8. Flatten the patties
Gently press each portion into a patty.
Use light pressure so the patties compact enough to hold, but stay thick enough for a good bite.
9. Heat the oil
Pour the canola oil into a skillet.
Heat it over medium heat until the oil looks glossy.
10. Cook the patties
Add the patties to the skillet without crowding the pan.
Cook them for about 5 minutes on the first side.
11. Flip and cook the second side
Flip the patties once the first side is browned.
Cook about 5 minutes more, until the second side is browned and the patties feel set.
12. Build the burgers
Place lettuce on the bottom bun, then set a cooked patty on top.
Add tomato slices, red onion rings, and the top bun.
13. Serve while the patty is warm
Press the top bun down gently and serve the burger while the patty is still warm.
That first bite should be soft, savory, and sturdy enough to stay put.
Why These Patties Hold Together
The mashed beans make the base sticky, while the egg and breadcrumbs help the patties set as they cook.
Leaving some bean texture in the bowl also keeps the center from turning too soft.
Toppings That Make Sense Here
The burger already has herbs and onion in the patty, so the toppings can stay fresh and simple.
These are the toppings that match the build shown here.
- Lettuce for crunch
- Tomato slices for juice
- Red onion rings for a sharp bite
- A toasted bun if you want the outside a little firmer
Keep Extras For Later
Cooked patties can be cooled and stored in the fridge for a quick burger later.
Keep the buns and fresh toppings separate so nothing gets soggy.
Small Notes Before You Start
Drain the beans well before they go into the bowl.
If the mixture feels too loose after stirring, let it sit for a few minutes so the breadcrumbs can soak up moisture.
Black Bean Burger Questions
Can I skip the egg?
The egg is part of the binder in this version, so skipping it would change how the patties hold together.
Can I cook all six patties at once?
Only cook as many as fit with space around them, because crowded patties are harder to flip cleanly.
Should the beans be fully smooth?
No, keep them chunky so the patties have texture and do not feel like paste.
Can I make these ahead?
Yes, shape the patties ahead and keep them chilled until you are ready to cook.
Black Bean Burger Recipe That Holds Together
This black bean burger recipe makes sturdy homemade patties with black beans, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, and dried herbs. Serve them on buns with lettuce, tomato, and red onion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: dairy free, Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 (15ounce) can nosaltadded black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 egg
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 6 whole wheat burger buns
- 6 lettuce leaves
- 6 tomato slices
- Red onion rings, for topping
Instructions
1. Add drained and rinsed black beans to a mixing bowl.
2. Mash the beans until chunky.
3. Add the egg, whole wheat breadcrumbs, chopped onion, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper.
4. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined.
5. Divide the mixture into 6 portions.
6. Shape each portion into a patty and gently press to flatten.
7. Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium heat.
8. Add the patties and cook for about 5 minutes.
9. Flip and cook for about 5 minutes more, until browned on both sides.
10. Build each burger with a bun, lettuce, a black bean patty, tomato, red onion, and the top bun.
Notes
Keep the bean mixture chunky for better texture.
Do not crowd the skillet while cooking the patties.
Store cooked patties separately from buns and toppings.
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