Zesty Black Bean Burgers

Featured in: Citrus-Boosted Weeknight Dinners

This dish features black bean patties seasoned with cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder for a burst of zesty flavor. Combined with creamy avocado slices, crisp lettuce, tomato, and a tangy yogurt or chipotle mayo sauce, it creates a satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes. Simple preparation involves mashing black beans, mixing with chopped aromatics and spices, shaping into patties, and cooking until golden. Assembling with whole-wheat buns and fresh toppings results in a colorful and nutritious option ideal for busy evenings. Variations include vegan adaptations and optional cheese or extra veggies for texture.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 13:00:00 GMT
Close-up of a plated Zesty Black Bean Burger with creamy avocado and fresh tomato slices. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of a plated Zesty Black Bean Burger with creamy avocado and fresh tomato slices. | citrusfern.com

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

I’ve made these black bean burgers numerous times for my busy family and they always disappear fast. The creamy avocado topping adds the perfect richness.

Ingredients

  • For the 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 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.
Form 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 45 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.
A juicy Zesty Black Bean Burger on a toasted bun, topped with lettuce and red onion. Save to Pinterest
A juicy Zesty Black Bean Burger on a toasted bun, topped with lettuce and red onion. | citrusfern.com

Making these burgers has become a treasured routine on weeknights when the family gathers hungry and excited around the dinner table.

Notes

For a vegan version use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 25 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 14 cup Greek yogurt with 1 teaspoon lime juice 12 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

Golden-brown Zesty Black Bean Burgers sizzling on a grill pan, ready to serve with toppings. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Zesty Black Bean Burgers sizzling on a grill pan, ready to serve with toppings. | citrusfern.com

Enjoy these flavorful black bean burgers that bring healthy ingredients together in a tasty and satisfying way.

Recipe FAQs

How do I keep the patties from falling apart?

Ensure beans are well mashed but still have some texture, and mix thoroughly with oats and breadcrumbs as binding agents. Chill patties briefly before cooking to help them hold together.

Can I make these patties vegan?

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

What cooking method works best for these patties?

Pan-frying in a lightly oiled nonstick skillet or grilling over medium heat yields golden, crispy patties without drying them out.

Are there gluten-free options for this meal?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns to accommodate gluten-free dietary needs while keeping the flavors intact.

What sides pair well with these black bean burgers?

Fresh salads, baked sweet potato fries, or grilled vegetables complement the patties and add balanced textures and flavors.

Zesty Black Bean Burgers

Vibrant black bean patties topped with creamy avocado and fresh veggies, perfect for a quick wholesome dinner.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
15 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Recipe by Citrus Fern Wyatt Palmer


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You 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 gluten-free breadcrumbs
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 zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayo
06 Lime wedges for garnish

Steps

Step 01

Mash the black beans: In a large bowl, mash the black beans using a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture.

Step 02

Combine ingredients: Add diced red onion, minced garlic, rolled oats, gluten-free breadcrumbs, egg, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black 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

Heat the 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: Spread zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayo on the bottom bun. Layer with shredded lettuce, a black bean patty, tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, and avocado. Place the top bun on the stack.

Step 08

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Always review every ingredient for possible allergens. If unsure, chat with your healthcare provider first.
  • 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 intolerance.
  • Use flax egg and plant-based sauces for vegan adaptation.
  • Always check product labels for allergens.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Details provided to help guide you. For health decisions, speak with a professional.
  • Energy (kcal): 390
  • Fat Content: 9 grams
  • Carbohydrate: 59 grams
  • Proteins: 16 grams