Chipotle Black Bean Burgers

If you’re looking to spice up your burger routine, these Chipotle Black Bean Burgers are just the ticket! Made with hearty black beans and infused with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers, these burgers are not only delicious but also wonderfully nutritious.

This recipe brings together a medley of spices, legumes, and vegetables to create a burger that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these burgers will satisfy your cravings and bring a zesty twist to your dining table.

Ready in just a few steps, and perfect for meal prep and preparing in advance, they are ideal for a quick weeknight dinner. Let’s get cooking and make your burger night stand out with these mouthwatering chipotle black bean burgers!

Why You’ll Love These Burgers

These black bean burger offers a deliciously wholesome alternative to traditional beef burgers. Made with hearty black beans, savory spices, and wholesome ingredients, it’s a satisfying choice for plant-based eaters and meat-lovers alike. It’s also the perfect dupe for MorningStar’s chipotle black bean burgers!

These burgers are also packed with protein! One cup of black beans contains 15 grams of protein while a cup of brown rice has 5 grams. When beans and rice are eaten together, they contain all nine essential amino acids to form a complete source of protein! And what more delicious way to enjoy them than in this chipotle black bean burger?

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Having a simple, go-to burger recipe is so important, especially during the warmer months! This recipe calls for ingredients that are easily found in your kitchen cabinet or grocery aisle including beans and brown rice, which we love! Since this vegan black bean burger recipe is gluten-free by default, it’s great for those who are sensitive to wheat. 

• Cooked Brown Rice: Brown rice adds texture and helps bind the ingredients together in the burger mixture. You can substitute cooked quinoa or bulgur for a different grain option, or use breadcrumbs for a firmer texture.
• Black Beans: Canned black beans provide protein and a hearty texture to the burgers. If you prefer, you can use cooked lentils, chickpeas, or kidney beans instead of black beans for variation.
• Onion: Chopped sweet or yellow onion adds flavor and moisture to the burger mixture. Feel free to use red onion or shallots for a different flavor profile, or omit the onion if preferred.
• Smashed Potato: Microwaved smashed potato helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture to the burgers. Any type of potato (red, gold, russet, yellow) works well. Alternatively, you can use mashed sweet potato or cooked pumpkin for a different flavor.
• Cornmeal: Cornmeal acts as a binder and helps absorb excess moisture in the burger mixture. If you don’t have cornmeal, you can use breadcrumbs, rolled oats, or ground flaxseed as alternatives.
• Vegan Barbecue Sauce: Vegan barbecue sauce adds flavor and sweetness to the burgers. You can use your favorite brand or substitute with ketchup, tomato paste, or even salsa for a fun twist.
• Chipotle Powder: Chipotle powder adds smoky heat and depth of flavor to the burgers. If you don’t have chipotle powder, you can use chili powder for a milder flavor.
• Liquid Smoke: Liquid smoke adds a smoky flavor to the burgers. If you prefer, you can omit it or substitute with smoked paprika for a similar effect.
• Agave Nectar: For a little sweetness to balance it all out, we like to add a little agave nectar. Feel free to use maple syrup or vegan honey as well.
• Cooked Frozen Corn: Cooked frozen corn adds texture and sweetness to the burgers. You can substitute with fresh or canned corn kernels.

How To Make Chipotle Black Bean Burgers

Here’s the step-by-step process for making these yummy chipotle black bean burgers.

Step 1: Combine the cooked rice, beans, onion, potato, cornmeal, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, chipotle powder, liquid smoke, salt, and agave nectar in a food processor. Pulse until chunky, then add the corn and pulse briefly.

Step 2: Avoid over-pulsing to maintain texture. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to enhance flavors and firm up the mixture.

Step 3: Shape the black bean burger mixture into thick patties of your desired size. Refer to recipe notes for creative shaping options.

Step 4: Cook the patties either on the stovetop or in the oven. Both processes are below.

Stovetop Cooking: Heat a nonstick or well-oiled pan over medium heat. Cook each patty for 15 minutes on each side or until lightly browned and crispy. If the patty doesn’t lift easily with a spatula, let it cook longer.

Oven Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 25 minutes on each side, checking at 20 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Allow patties to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve It Up

Whoever said eating bean burgers had to be boring? We have so many wonderful suggestions for spicing and sprucing up your black bean burger that you’ll find yourself planning burger nights every week.

• Go Gluten-Free – Can’t do gluten? No worries! Just whip out your favorite gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap since the patty is already naturally free of wheat!
• Crank Up the Spice With Queso – This buffalo queso recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy your red bean burger! Spicy, creamy, and so easy to whip up with just a few simple ingredients.
• Toppings Galore – There are so many toppings you can add to your chipotle black bean burger to make it even more delicious! Want a meatier feel? Throw on some portobello or button mushrooms. Feeling cheesy? Break out your favorite vegan cheese to slap onto your patty. Want some zing? How about some delicious pickled pink onion or a tangy vegan burger sauce to change it up!
• Fries – What burger is complete without a side of fries? Keep it on the sweet side with these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries or get corny with these delicious Herbed Vegan Polenta Fries. Or if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you could even fry up some vegan onion rings to enjoy!
• Side Salads – If you’re a big fan of salad, then we’ve got you covered. Pining for pasta? Peep our Fresh Picnic Pasta Salad or Super Easy Vegan Pasta Salad. Loading up on lettuce? Check out our How to Make a Vegan Superhero Salad for endless ideas.

How to Store Your Black Bean Burgers

One of the best things about this recipe is how great it is for meal prepping! You can easily freeze these patties in an airtight container for at least three months. They’re perfect for packing in a lunch or popping in the microwave if you’re tight on time.

If you’re looking to bulk-freeze, place the burgers on a flat tray and let them cool completely. Once cool, stick the entire tray in the freezer until the burgers are frozen solid in about 3-4 hours. Take the tray out of the freezer and put the burgers in a freezer-safe container. When the craving hits, just take your patty out to reheat and enjoy!

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