Chipotle Black Bean Burgers are a scrumptious and satisfying plant-based alternative to traditional beef burgers packed with flavor, protein, and fiber. These won't fall apart and are ready in about 20 minutes.
Many of us have been there, right? You're excited to eat a delicious veggie burger, and then... plop! It falls apart like a culinary Jenga tower.
Well, this may be a game-changer for you. Just like Vegan Chickpea Burgers, these black bean burgers are my undisputed champions of burger stability, even on the BBQ grill.
If you're looking for more mess-free recipes with black beans, check out Quick Cuban Black Beans, and Black Bean Tostadas With Spanish Rice.
Jump to:
Why I Love This Chipotle Black Bean Burger
- This bean burger does not fall apart while cooking.
- Filled with healthy, wholesome ingredients.
- They’re easy to prepare.
- Packed with flavor.
- This black bean burger is filling and satisfying.
- Because they can be made beforehand, they're perfect for large gatherings, sizzling summer cookouts, and game-day feasting.
Ingredients
Here is a picture of everything you'll need. For quantities, see the recipe card.
- Buns: For a perfect pairing with chipotle black bean burgers, try hearty whole wheat or seeded buns for added fiber, vegan brioche buns for a soft, slightly sweet contrast, or pretzel buns with their chewy, salty crust. Ciabatta buns offer a rustic, crusty texture, while lettuce wraps provide a fresh, low-carb alternative. Each option complements the smoky, savory flavors of the patties in its own way.
Topping Suggestions
- Guacamole
- Sautéed Mushrooms
- Caramelized Onions
- Jalapenos
- Pico de Gallo
- Crispy Onion Rings
- Vegan Cheese
- Classic Vegan Coleslaw
- Mango Habanero Salsa or Mango Cucumber Salsa
- Fresh Cilantro
- Sriracha or Hot Sauce
- Vegan Bacon
- Grilled Pineapple
- Vegan Ranch Dressing
- Easy Chipotle Aioli Sauce - highly recommended for this burger
How To Make Chipotle Black Bean Burger
If you like to see what you'll be doing, here is a quick visual strip. For the full recipe, see the recipe card below.
Step 1: Add half the beans and the rest of the ingredients to a food processor.
Step 2: Pulse a few times until the mixture is crumbly.
Step 3: Add the rest of the beans and mix in gently.
Step 4: Mold the mixture into about half-an-inch-thick patties.
Step 5: Cook the black bean burger patties in olive oil until golden brown.
Step 6: Serve on your favorite buns with your favorite toppings for a tasty and satisfying meal. I highly recommend using the Easy Chipotle Aioli Sauce with this burger!
Top Tips
- These burgers can also be grilled. If grilling, lightly oil the grill grates and cook the patties on each side for 4-5 minutes over medium-high heat. If you're worried about flipping them on the grill, consider using a cast-iron pan or a grill mat.
- Properly drain and rinse the beans: Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly before using them in the recipe. This helps remove excess starch and sodium, ensuring a better burger texture.
- Mash only half the beans: When putting everything in the food processor, only use about half of the black beans. Keeping some whole beans adds texture to the final burger.
- Toast the buns: For an extra touch of deliciousness, lightly toast the burger buns before assembling them. It adds a nice crunch and enhances the overall experience.
- Use a cast iron skillet if you have one: They create a perfect sear on the outside of the burgers, resulting in a delicious crispy crust.
Serving Suggestions
- Potato salad pairs great with veggie burgers.
- Fries are a timeless favorite, but if you want to indulge without the guilt, Air Fryer Fries are the answer for a healthy, homemade classic.
- Slow-cooked baked beans can feed a large crowd and taste even better when made ahead of time and reheated.
- Classic vegan coleslaw is a perfect side dish for burgers with a crunchy texture that stands up to bite after bite.
- Pair it with Vegan Caprese Salad Skewers, Grilled Vegan Kebabs, and Grilled Peaches with Vegan Mascarpone Cheese for a great cookout meal.
Storage
You can freeze the uncooked Chipotle Black Bean Burger patties for later use.
After shaping the patties, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Once frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe container or zipper storage bag, separating them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight before cooking in a pan or oven.
If you have leftover cooked veggie burgers, allow them to cool completely before storing them. Place the burgers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave them for a few seconds, put them in an air fryer, or warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated.
Chipotle Bean Burger FAQS
The recipe includes canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, which gives the burgers a smoky and spicy flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of sauce or the size of the pepper or omit it altogether.
These burgers are gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients you use, including the buns and adobo sauce, are gluten-free.
Yes, you can grill the veggie burgers for a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates. Cook the burger patties for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side or until they develop grill marks and are heated through.
While black beans provide a great texture and flavor for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of beans, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas. Each bean will lend a slightly different taste and texture to the burgers, allowing you to customize them to your liking.
If you prefer to avoid using oil for cooking, you can bake the burger patties instead of pan-frying. Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through baking. The baking time may vary, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Got a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate this Chipotle Black Bean Burger recipe. Your feedback is invaluable—did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked for you so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.
Chipotle Black Bean Burger
Ingredients
- 3 cups black beans 2 15 ounces cans, drained and rinsed; divided
- 2 cups brown rice cooked
- 1 cup oats
- ½ cup corn
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add a teaspoon or two of the sauce from the can if you want it spicier.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Pulse: In a food processor, combine half of the black beans with all of the ingredients. Pulse until crumbly, careful not to over-mix, until smooth.
- Mix: Place mixture into a bowl. Add the remaining whole black beans to the bowl and mix. Mix all the ingredients until well combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky and hold its shape when formed into patties.
- Divide: Divide the mixture into equal portions (about 150-160 grams or the size of a tennis ball) and shape them into burger patties, about ½ to ¾ inch thick.
- Cook: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the black bean patties to the skillet. Cook 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Remove: Remove the black bean burgers from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil if necessary.
- Serve: Serve the black bean burgers on your favorite buns with toppings like lettuce, tomato, avocado, sliced red onion, and a dollop of chipotle aioli sauce or guacamole. See the post for ideas.
Amy W says
While I usually don’t like these types of patties, these were absolutely fantastic! I will definitely be having these again.
Regi Pearce says
That's awesome to hear, especially coming from someone who's usually not a fan of these types of patties! I'm thrilled that the chipotle black bean burgers won you over.