The Best Vegan Black Bean Burgers

These vegan black bean burgers offer a flavorful and satisfying alternative to traditional meat-based burgers by using black beans as the main ingredient.

This recipe is a great example of modern plant-based cuisine. Gone are the days when people frowned at the thought of eating vegan!

I travel quite a bit, and I'm often eating with other people. Recently I was on a cruise ship with friends who are vegan, and a few times I wish I'd ordered what they were eating. Plant based food has come a long way!

Packed with protein and natural goodness and often paired with a variety of toppings, these homemade black bean burgers provide a delicious option for both vegans and those looking to explore healthier eating options.

Serve these burgers with crispy oven sweet potato fries for a perfect meal!

If you feel like a soup and sandwich night, pair these with Black Eyed Pea Soup. It's so easy to make!

Why We Love this Recipe

Let's start with the flavor! I think these are the best veggie burger! They are super healthy, and packed with protein and fiber.

Lower in fat and cholesterol than a traditional burger, this is a delicious vegan recipe that you'll feel good about serving your family.

A bonus? These are so easy to make. Keep all these simple ingredients on hand, so the only fresh ingredients you'll need from the grocery store is an onion, a carrot, and garlic.

What You Need to Make It

Main ingredients

• Black beans (drained)
• uncooked quinoa
• vegetable broth
• veggies and seasonings

See the printable recipe card below for full ingredients list and instructions.

Substitutions and Additions

Feel free to use your favorite beans if you don't like black beans. Chickpea burgers are also so good. You could use pinto beans or even kidney beans.

You could add all kinds of veggies to these burgers. Try red onion instead of yellow. Mix in chopped red bell pepper. Grated sweet potatoes would be good, too.

If you wanted to give these vegan burgers a Mexican flare, try adding a little chili powder.

For an Italian twist, add a little garlic powder and top with marinara and fresh basil. You could even add a little tomato paste to the uncooked patties before cooking.

Pair these burgers with your favorite toppings. The possibilities are endless. This vegan tzatziki sauce would be a tasty addition.

You could top these with the typical lettuce and tomato. Add pickles and onions or even fried onions if you really want to splurge.

A slice of red pepper would be good, too. We love avocado with this burger.

For sauces, you could do ketchup, mustard, mayo, bbq sauce, or make your own!

How to Make Vegan Black Bean Burgers

Step 1: Wash and prepare carrots, onion, and garlic.

Step 2: Rinse the quinoa and drain. Add it to a medium saucepan along with the broth. 

Step 3: Cook the mixture over medium heat, just until the liquid has absorbed. This should take about 12-15 minutes.

Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet on medium. Reserve the other tablespoon for later.

Step 5: Add the onion, carrot, and garlic to the pan. 

Step 6: Sauté, stirring regularly for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant and just starting to brown.

Step 7: Combine the black beans, cooked quinoa, ground flax, onion mixture, and all the seasonings in a large bowl.

Step 8: Mash everything using a spoon or potato masher. You want to crush the black beans, as well, so everything is sticky and holding together. 

You could also pulse in a food processor several times to make it easier, but be careful to not over process.

After rubbing a little oil on your hands, form the paste into patties. This mixture will make 4 large patties or 6 small patties.

Step 9: Place parchment paper on a baking sheet or plate and add patties. 

Chill black bean patties for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator.

Step 10: Heat the reserved tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. 

Wait for pan to get hot before adding burgers.

Step 11: Cook the patties, just one or two at a time, for 3-4 minutes each side. You want them golden brown and crispy on the outside and warmed all the way through.

Serve burgers right away on buns or in a lettuce wrap with your choice of toppings.

Recipe FAQs

Pro Tips

Don't miss the step of rubbing a little oil on your hands as these burgers are sticky.

Stick your burger buns under the broiler or toaster oven for a few minutes. It makes a difference!

The next time you make these, try cooking them in the air fryer!

Storage Tips

Store leftover burgers in an airtight container, plastic wrap, or a freezer bag for 2-3 days in the fridge. They could also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and warm in the oven.

More Vegan Recipes

This Black Bean Burger recipe was originally posted in 2015 and was updated August 10, 2023.