Zesty Weeknight Black Bean Burgers

Featured in: Misty Warm Weeknight Dinners

This dish features hearty black bean patties blended with aromatic spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Combined with creamy avocado slices, crisp lettuce, tomato, and a zesty yogurt or chipotle mayo, it delivers layers of flavor and texture. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a satisfying and nutritious weeknight meal that's both simple and flavorful. Optional ingredients and substitutions allow customization for dietary preferences.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 08:42:00 GMT
A close-up of a juicy Zesty Weeknight Black Bean Burger with fresh avocado slices on a toasted bun. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a juicy Zesty Weeknight Black Bean Burger with fresh avocado slices on a toasted bun. | almondmist.com

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

Ingredients

  • 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):
  • 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

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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| almondmist.com

Golden-brown Zesty Weeknight Black Bean Burgers ready to be devoured, served with vibrant toppings—a delicious vegetarian meal option. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Zesty Weeknight Black Bean Burgers ready to be devoured, served with vibrant toppings—a delicious vegetarian meal option. | almondmist.com

This recipe brings a fresh and zesty twist to classic burgers making weeknight dinners exciting and healthy.

Recipe FAQs

What spices enhance the black bean patties?

Cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and fresh lime juice add zesty, smoky, and bright notes to the patties.

How can I make the patties vegan?

Replace the egg with a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) and use vegan mayo or yogurt for the sauce.

What type of buns work best?

Whole-wheat or gluten-free buns complement the flavors while providing a sturdy base for the patties and toppings.

Can I add extra texture to the patties?

Yes, incorporating grated carrot or corn into the patties adds additional crunch and flavor.

How should the patties be cooked?

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

Zesty Weeknight Black Bean Burgers

Vibrant black bean patties with avocado, zesty spices, and fresh toppings for a quick wholesome dinner.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Overall Time
30 mins
Recipe by Ian Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences 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 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 red onion, thinly sliced
06 1/4 cup zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayonnaise
07 Lime wedges, for garnish

How-To

Step 01

Prepare Black Bean Mixture: In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork, preserving 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 until thoroughly combined.

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

Toast Buns: Optionally, lightly toast the burger buns until warm and slightly crisp.

Step 06

Assemble Burgers: Spread zesty yogurt sauce or chipotle mayo on the bottom bun, then layer lettuce, a black bean patty, tomato, red onion, and avocado slices. Finish with the top bun.

Step 07

Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with lime wedges and a side salad if desired.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Warnings

Check each food item for possible allergens, and speak with a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains gluten when using regular breadcrumbs and buns.
  • Contains egg.
  • Contains dairy if yogurt sauce or cheese is included.

Nutrition Facts (Serving Size)

Use this nutritional breakdown as a general guide—not a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calories: 390
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 59 g
  • Proteins: 16 g