Zesty Weeknight Black Bean Burgers

Featured in: Rustic Crust Dinners & Trays

This dish features black bean patties blended with spices like cumin and smoked paprika, combined with fresh avocado slices, tomato, and crisp lettuce. The patties are lightly pan-cooked till golden, and assembled with a tangy yogurt or chipotle sauce on toasted buns. A nutritious, flavorful meal ready in about 30 minutes, ideal for easy weeknight dining.

Optional vegan and gluten-free adaptations make it versatile, while the lime juice and fresh cilantro add brightness. This vegetarian option offers protein-rich satisfaction balanced with creamy and zesty textures.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 15:22:00 GMT
Freshly grilled Zesty Black Bean Burgers topped with creamy avocado and vibrant, crisp vegetables for a flavorful meal. Save to Pinterest
Freshly grilled Zesty Black Bean Burgers topped with creamy avocado and vibrant, crisp vegetables for a flavorful meal. | laurelcrust.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 quickly became a family favorite for its bold flavors and simple preparation.

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, 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.
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Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
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Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
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| laurelcrust.com

Making these burgers was a hit during our family dinner nights bringing everyone to the table eagerly.

Notes

For a vegan version use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) instead of the egg and vegan mayo or yogurt for the sauce. Add a slice of cheese or pepper jack for extra indulgence. Try adding grated carrot or corn to the patties for added texture. For a homemade zesty yogurt sauce mix 1/4 cup Greek yogurt with 1 teaspoon lime juice 1/2 teaspoon cumin and a pinch of salt.

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information

Calories 390 Total Fat 9 g Carbohydrates 59 g Protein 16 g per serving

A close-up of a Zesty Black Bean Burger on a toasted bun with avocado and a zesty sauce, ready to be enjoyed. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a Zesty Black Bean Burger on a toasted bun with avocado and a zesty sauce, ready to be enjoyed. | laurelcrust.com
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This recipe is sure to become a staple for quick nutritious meals packed with flavor.

Recipe Q&A

What spices enhance the black bean patties?

Ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper create a warm, zesty flavor profile for the patties.

How do I achieve the right patty texture?

Mash beans leaving some texture, then incorporate oats and breadcrumbs to bind without making them too dense.

Can I make these burgers vegan?

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

What’s a good alternative to regular buns for gluten-free diets?

Use gluten-free burger buns or lettuce wraps to accommodate gluten-free needs without compromising flavor.

How should I serve the burgers for best taste?

Assemble patties on toasted buns with zesty yogurt or chipotle sauce, fresh avocado slices, tomato, red onion, and shredded lettuce for balance.

Can I add extra vegetables to the patties?

Yes, grated carrot or corn can be mixed in to add texture and subtle sweetness.

Zesty Weeknight Black Bean Burgers

Wholesome black bean patties paired with creamy avocado and fresh zesty toppings for a quick dinner.

Prep time
15 minutes
Cook time
15 minutes
Total time
30 minutes
Recipe by Scarlett Jenkins


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 4 Servings

Dietary Details Meat-Free

What You'll 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 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

How To Make It

Step 01

Prepare Black Bean Mixture: In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

Toast Buns: Lightly toast burger buns, if desired.

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, and avocado slices. Top with the bun crown.

Step 07

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Awareness

Always check each ingredient for possible allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains gluten if using regular breadcrumbs and buns.
  • Contains egg and dairy if using yogurt sauce or cheese.

Nutrition details (per serving)

For your reference only—don’t take this as medical advice.
  • Calories: 390
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 59 g
  • Proteins: 16 g