Fire up your Labor Day menu with these hearty, flavor-packed Black Bean Burgers—a crowd-pleasing alternative to traditional beef burgers that even meat lovers enjoy. Perfect for backyard cookouts, casual gatherings, or meatless Mondays, these burgers deliver a satisfying texture with smoky, savory seasoning in every bite. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, they’re ideal for grilling season and pair beautifully with classic summer sides.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 burger patties
Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs or rolled oats
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns, split
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado, cheese, or favorite condiments
Directions
- Prepare the Bean Mixture:
Place black beans in a medium bowl and mash with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving some chunks for texture. - Combine Ingredients:
Stir in breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
Tip: If the mixture feels too wet, add 1–2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs. If too dry, add a teaspoon of water or olive oil. - Form Patties:
Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into firm patties about ¾-inch thick. Press gently to compact so they hold together while cooking. - Cook the Burgers:
Heat a lightly oiled skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through.
Best Practice: Avoid flipping too early—letting a crust form helps prevent crumbling. - Serve:
Toast buns if desired. Place burgers on buns and add your favorite toppings. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 9g
- Sodium: 420mg
Conclusion
These Black Bean Burgers are a smart, flavorful addition to your Labor Day recipe lineup—simple enough for weeknight meals yet festive enough for holiday cookouts. With bold spices, a satisfying bite, and endless topping possibilities, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite for plant-forward grilling. Serve them alongside corn on the cob, pasta salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete summer feast everyone can enjoy.
