🧑🍳 Stuff to Know Before You Start
Why Black Beans? They have a hearty texture and deep flavor that form a great base for veggie burgers.
Extra Veggies: Don’t be shy about adding onions, fresh herbs, bell peppers, or more carrots—these burgers welcome extra color and flavor.
Spice It Up: The cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and chili powder create a warm, smoky flavor profile. Adjust seasonings to your taste.
Cooking Options: Whether you bake, sauté, or grill these patties, a light brush of olive oil helps them crisp and prevents sticking.
🥄 Ingredients
- 2½ cans black beans, divided (rinsed & drained)
- 2 carrots, grated
- ½ cup dry rolled oats
- ¼ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for brushing)
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp coriander
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne (optional)
📝 Step by Step
Create the Base
In a food processor, blend 2 cans of black beans, 2 grated carrots, ½ cup rolled oats, ¼ cup pepitas, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Add your spice mix—cinnamon, salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, chili powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne if you like heat.
Pulse until you reach a chunky but combined texture.
Texture & Shape
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and gently fold in the remaining ½ can of black beans. This adds extra texture to your burgers. Form the mixture into ~6 patties.
Get Cooking
To Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly brush patties with oil and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway.
To Sauté: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Cook patties ~4–5 minutes per side until browned.
To Grill: Brush patties with oil and grill over medium heat for ~5 minutes per side.
🍽️ How to Serve These Black Bean Burgers
- Bun & Toppings: Classic burger bun with lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado, or your favorite vegan cheese.
- Bowl Approach: Crumble a patty over a salad or grain bowl with salsa and guacamole.
- Sides: Serve with baked sweet potato fries or a fresh slaw for a balanced meal.
🧠 The Science Behind Success
Oat Binding: Rolled oats help absorb moisture and bind the burger without eggs or other binders.
Spice Profile: Cinnamon may sound unexpected, but a small pinch enhances the smoky warmth of cumin, coriander, and chili.
📖 Breaking a Veggie Burger
Sometimes the best way to explore a new burger recipe is to break it down—literally. Whether you sauté or bake, a well-seasoned black bean patty with some crunchy toppings can turn an ordinary meal into something special. The subtle warmth from spices, plus a hint of sweetness from the carrots, shows just how versatile plant-based burgers can be.
If you want even more flavor, try sautéing diced onions, peppers, or mushrooms before adding them to the mix. That extra step can take your burgers from good to unforgettable!
❓ Reader Questions Answered
Yes. Form them, place on a parchment-lined tray to freeze, then store in an airtight container. Thaw or cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
If your oats are certified gluten-free, then yes. Check spice labels too, as some spice blends may include fillers.
Substitute with sunflower seeds, walnuts, or any crunchy seed/nut you prefer. Adjust quantities to taste.
Increase cayenne or chili powder, or add diced jalapeños or serranos. A dash of hot sauce never hurts!