Mix up your meatless Monday menu with this flavorful and filling Black Bean Burger Recipe!

My first experience with a veggie burger was nothing short of tragic. Back in college, our university had a surprisingly decent cafeteria. They served freshly made pancakes, homemade pizzas, chicken patties—everything a picky college student could want. They even had vegetarian options, like their garden veggie burgers, which I decided to try one fateful day. Well, I’m fairly certain I ate ground-up cardboard laced with onions and carrots. Yum-yum, right?
But then, during my “meat is evil” phase, I stumbled into this hippy-turned-yuppie restaurant called The Good Earth. As much as I rolled my eyes at the woo-woo vibes, their black bean burger redeemed all veggie burgers. It turned out you really don’t need meat to make a great burger—you just need flavor.
Not to brag, but that’s why my black bean burger works. Unlike the Impossible Burger, it’s not pretending to be beef, and it doesn’t have to! It’s got everything you want in a meatless burger.
This black bean burger recipe is hearty and just a little spicy, thanks to the chipotle sauce and cumin. I also add garlic and onion to tie all the flavors together with a savory, aromatic punch. Each bite is savory, slightly smoky, and irresistibly satisfying. Pair it with fresh classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles—or even a slice of cheese if you are so inclined. Whatever your topping, I’m sure you’ll enjoy one of my favorite meatless Monday meals!

Are Black Bean Veggie Burgers Healthy?
You bet they are! Black beans are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber. And while there’s no meat in sight, one burger will keep you plenty full until your next meal! Another plus is that this burger is low in calories but high in nutrients like magnesium, folate, and iron.
Even better, you can easily tweak this recipe to fit your dietary needs. For example, you can swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. You can also make this recipe vegan by replacing the egg with a flax “egg” (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water). For those watching their salt intake, stick to a low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos.
I think it’s safe to say that this burger isn’t just healthy—it’s adaptable!

What’s With the Panko Breadcrumbs?
I’m guessing you don’t add panko breadcrumbs to your beef burgers. But for my black bean burgers, these breadcrumbs are doing some serious heavy lifting here. Without them, the burgers become a mushy mess, falling apart before they even hit the pan! Panko acts like a sponge, soaking up just enough moisture to bind the ingredients together.
Since you’re a clever person, I’m guessing you’d like to know why I wouldn’t just stick to regular breadcrumbs, right? Over the years, I’ve found that panko breadcrumbs don’t weigh my burger down like regular breadcrumbs do. They give the patties structure without turning them dense or heavy. If you’re gluten-free, no worries—there are gluten-free panko breadcrumbs these days, so you’re good to go!

How To Make Ahead And Store
Prepare the patties and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They should last for three months. Cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions
This black bean burger pairs perfectly with all the fixings! Top your burger with lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, and whatever else you like. Personally, I love a dollop of homemade Chipotle Aioli—it pairs really nicely with the burger’s spices. And just because we’re eating healthy, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a couple of burger-worthy sides. Some Air-Fried Onion Rings give you diner vibes minus the grease, and this Healthy Potato Salad is nothing short of delicious!
Recipe

Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked black beans
- 1/2 yellow onion grated
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 tablespoon chipotle sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
- 1 egg whisked
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the black beans, grated onions, minced garlic, chipotle sauce, soy sauce, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper. Use a fork or a potato masher to mash the mixture until it holds together.
- Add the egg and fold in the panko breadcrumbs.
- Form the mixture into 2 patties with your hands and chill them in the fridge for at least 10 minutes.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the black bean patties and cook them for 5 minutes on both sides until they are charred and cooked.
- Once the patties are cooked, place each patty in a hamburger bun and top them with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
Very nice recipe chef 👍👌👏. I had it for lunch, yammy 😋. Thank you for your effort 🌞😎.
You are welcome Jasson