Black Bean Burger with Chipotle Mayo

Name: Black Bean Burger with Chipotle Mayo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/3 cup finely chopped onions; 1/3 cup finely chopped bell pepper; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 to 1 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 to 1 2 teaspoons chipotle peppers in adobo, finely minced; 1 teaspoon lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Pinch of salt; 4 burger buns; Lettuce; Tomato slices; Onion slices; Pickles

A Black Bean Burger with Chipotle Mayo is a flavorful, hearty, and satisfying alternative to a traditional meat-based burger. Packed with plant-based protein, savory spices, and a smoky kick, this burger delivers big taste without the heaviness of beef. The patties are tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and full of wholesome ingredients like black beans, vegetables, and breadcrumbs, all combined to create a burger that is both nourishing and delicious. Topped with creamy, smoky chipotle mayo, every bite becomes a mouthwatering experience. Whether you’re vegetarian, trying to eat lighter, or simply love bold flavors, this burger is a must-have recipe in your collection.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is easy to make, deeply flavorful, and incredibly versatile. The texture is spot-on—soft but not mushy, with a satisfying bite. The black beans combine beautifully with spices, aromatics, and breadcrumbs to create a patty that holds together well and delivers a rich, savory flavor. The chipotle mayo adds the perfect amount of heat and creaminess, making this burger taste like something you’d order from a gourmet café. It’s also budget-friendly, nutritious, and great for meal prep.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it offers a healthier, plant-based option without compromising taste or satisfaction. It’s ideal for family dinners, summer cookouts, or quick weekday meals. The ingredients are simple and accessible, yet the flavors are bold and unforgettable. Even meat lovers appreciate how hearty and satisfying this black bean burger can be. Plus, it’s customizable, freezer-friendly, and perfect for anyone exploring more vegetarian meals.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 to 12 minutes
Total Time: 25 to 27 minutes

Servings : Makes 4 large burgers

Calories : Approximately 350 to 420 calories per burger (including chipotle mayo and bun)

Course : Main Course

Cuisine : American, Southwestern

Ingredients

For the Black Bean Patties

2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
1⁄2 cup breadcrumbs
1⁄3 cup finely chopped onions
1⁄3 cup finely chopped bell pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan version)
1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire (use vegan if needed)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1⁄2 teaspoon chili powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

For the Chipotle Mayo

1⁄2 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
1 to 2 teaspoons chipotle peppers in adobo, finely minced
1 teaspoon lime juice
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of salt

For Serving

4 burger buns
Lettuce
Tomato slices
Onion slices
Pickles (optional)

Cooking Directions

Mash the black beans until mostly smooth with some chunks.
Combine mashed beans with vegetables, egg, spices, soy sauce, and breadcrumbs.
Form the mixture into 4 patties.
Heat oil in a skillet and cook patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side until crisp and browned.
Mix chipotle mayo ingredients in a small bowl.
Assemble burgers with buns, patties, chipotle mayo, and toppings of choice.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Black Beans

Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the patties hold together better. Using a fork or potato masher, mash beans until they are mostly smooth but still a little chunky.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables (Optional but recommended)

Lightly sauté chopped onions, bell pepper, and garlic in a teaspoon of oil for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. This step enhances the flavor but can be skipped for a quicker meal.

Step 3: Mix the Burger Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine mashed beans, sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined. If the mixture is too sticky, add a little more breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Shape the Patties

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into round burger patties, pressing firmly so they hold together.

Step 5: Cook the Patties

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook each patty for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp on the outside.

Step 6: Make the Chipotle Mayo

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. Adjust the heat level by adding more or less chipotle.

Step 7: Assemble the Burgers

Toast the burger buns lightly if desired. Spread chipotle mayo on each bun, place a black bean patty on top, and finish with lettuce, tomato, onion, and any other toppings you enjoy.

How to Serve

Serve the black bean burgers warm with a generous spread of chipotle mayo. They pair perfectly with sides like sweet potato fries, coleslaw, potato wedges, green salad, or grilled vegetables. These burgers are great for lunch, dinner, or backyard gatherings.

Recipe Tips

Dry the beans well to prevent mushy patties.
If patties fall apart, add more breadcrumbs or an extra egg.
Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the outside before the inside firms up.
Chill patties for 20 minutes before cooking for even better shape retention.
Make a double batch and freeze some for quick meals.

Variations

Vegan Black Bean Burger

Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water). Use vegan mayo for the chipotle spread.

Spicy Jalapeño Burger

Add 1 finely chopped jalapeño to the patty mixture and increase chili powder.

BBQ Black Bean Burger

Mix 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce into the patties and top the cooked patties with more sauce before serving.

Mediterranean Black Bean Burger

Add 1⁄4 cup crumbled feta, 1 teaspoon oregano, and top with tzatziki instead of chipotle mayo.

Mushroom Black Bean Burger

Add 1⁄2 cup finely chopped sautéed mushrooms for a richer, more savory patty.

Freezing and Storage Time

Storage

Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Chipotle mayo lasts up to 1 week in the fridge.

Freezing

Freeze uncooked patties for up to 3 months.
Place parchment paper between patties to prevent sticking.
Cook from frozen or thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Cooked patties can also be frozen for up to 2 months; reheat in a skillet or oven.

Special Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls
Fork or potato masher
Skillet or grill pan
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
Small bowl for mayo
Paper towels

Conclusion

The Black Bean Burger with Chipotle Mayo is a flavorful, satisfying, and wholesome alternative to beef burgers. With its smoky seasoning, hearty texture, and creamy spicy mayo, it delivers all the comfort of a classic burger while offering a nutritious, plant-forward twist. Easy to customize, freezer-friendly, and perfect for weeknight meals or gatherings, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. If you’d like a printable or low-calorie version, I’d be happy to prepare one for you.

Print Recipe

Black Bean Burger with Chipotle Mayo

Author: Laura Bennett Cuisine: American Courses: Lunch

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 25 mins

Calories: 350 to 420 calories per burger

Description

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Black Beans : Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the patties hold together better. Using a fork or potato masher, mash beans until they are mostly smooth but still a little chunky.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables (Optional but recommended) : Lightly sauté chopped onions, bell pepper, and garlic in a teaspoon of oil for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. This step enhances the flavor but can be skipped for a quicker meal.
Step 3: Mix the Burger Mixture : In a mixing bowl, combine mashed beans, sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined. If the mixture is too sticky, add a little more breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Shape the Patties : Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into round burger patties, pressing firmly so they hold together.
Step 5: Cook the Patties : Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook each patty for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Step 6: Make the Chipotle Mayo : In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. Adjust the heat level by adding more or less chipotle.
Step 7: Assemble the Burgers : Toast the burger buns lightly if desired. Spread chipotle mayo on each bun, place a black bean patty on top, and finish with lettuce, tomato, onion, and any other toppings you enjoy.