Finding great easy dinner recipes can sometimes feel like a real chore, can’t it? After a long day, you want something that is both satisfying and simple. You are not looking for a complicated meal that uses every pot and pan in your kitchen.
Well, I have some good news for you. These homemade black bean burgers are about to become a new favorite. They are incredibly flavorful, packed with wholesome ingredients, and genuinely easy to make. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy dinner ideas.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, these burgers are wonderfully simple. You do not need any fancy equipment. A basic food processor and a skillet are all it takes to get these on the table. It is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen superstar without any of the stress.
They are also incredibly budget friendly. Canned black beans and rolled oats are pantry staples that do not cost a lot. This makes it one of those amazing cheap dinners for a family that everyone will enjoy. You can feed everyone a delicious meal without worrying about the grocery bill.
The flavor is just fantastic. We use smoked paprika and a touch of chili powder to give the burgers a smoky, savory taste. The walnuts add a lovely texture and richness that really sets them apart from store bought veggie burgers. It’s a truly satisfying meal.
Plus, this is a wonderfully easy healthy dinner. You are getting protein and fiber from the beans and healthy fats from the walnuts. It is a meal you can feel good about serving to your loved ones. It is a great way to add more plant based meals into your routine.
Customization is another big win here. You can top these burgers any way you like. Think fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, or your favorite sauce. The possibilities are truly endless, making it a fun meal for everyone.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather for these tasty burgers. The list is simple and uses common pantry items, which is another reason this is one of my favorite easy dinner recipes.
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans or use 1 ½ cups cooked black beans
- 2 medium cloves garlic
- 2 green onions, ends trimmed and roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup (30g) walnuts
- 1/2 cup (50g) old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon oil for cooking
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Let’s walk through the process together. It is so simple, you will have these burgers ready in no time. This is what makes it such a great easy healthy dinner for any night of the week.
Step 1: Prepare The Aromatics
First things first, make sure to drain and rinse your black beans very well. This removes the extra sodium and liquid from the can. Set them aside for a moment.
Now, grab your food processor. Add the two cloves of garlic and pulse them until they are very finely chopped. Next, add the chopped green onions and pulse again until they are also finely chopped. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to get everything mixed.
Step 2: Create The Burger Base
To the food processor, add the rolled oats, walnuts, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Then pour in the soy sauce or tamari, red wine vinegar, and maple syrup. Process this mixture until it looks like fine breadcrumbs. This will be the base of our burgers.
Step 3: Add The Black Beans
Measure out about half a cup of your rinsed black beans and set them aside. We will use these later for texture. Add the rest of the black beans to the food processor. Pulse the mixture until it is mostly smooth. A few small chunks are perfectly fine.
Scrape the mixture from the food processor into a medium bowl. Now, gently fold in the reserved half cup of whole black beans. This step gives the burgers a fantastic texture, which is key for great healthy dinner ideas.
Step 4: Let The Mixture Rest
Set the bowl aside for about five minutes. This is an important little step. It allows the oats to absorb any extra moisture in the mixture. This helps the patties hold together beautifully when you cook them.
Step 5: Form The Patties
Now it is time to shape your burgers. You can divide the mixture into two equal portions for larger patties. Or you can make four smaller patties, which is great for kids. Form each portion into a round burger patty. Be sure to press the mixture together firmly so it does not fall apart.
Step 6: Cook The Burgers
Place a skillet over medium low heat and add your cooking oil. Once the skillet is heated, carefully place the burger patties inside. Cook them until they are heated through, firm to the touch, and nicely browned on the outside. This should take about four to six minutes per side.
As you flip the burgers, if you see any loose bits, just gently press them back into the patties. Soon you will have delicious, perfectly cooked black bean burgers ready to serve. This is one of the tastiest easy dinner recipes you can make.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any leftover burgers, storing them is a breeze. Let the cooked patties cool completely to room temperature. Then, you can place them in an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days.
You can also freeze them for later. For cooked patties, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, you can use a skillet or microwave.
Uncooked patties can be frozen too. Place the formed patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can cook them directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes of cooking time per side.
Tips
Want to make these burgers even better? Do not over process the mixture. You want it to be mostly smooth, but keeping a little texture is a good thing. It helps the burgers feel more substantial and less mushy.
Feel free to get creative with toppings. A slice of cheese, some fresh avocado, red onion, and a dollop of your favorite sauce are all great choices. Serving these on a toasted bun is a classic way to enjoy them. This is what makes cooking at home so fun.
For a complete meal, serve these burgers with a side of sweet potato fries or a simple green salad. It is an easy way to round out your dinner and add more nutrients. This is a great tip for planning cheap dinners for a family.
If your mixture feels a bit too wet, you can add another tablespoon or two of rolled oats to help bind it together. The resting time should help with this, but every can of beans is a little different.
Conclusion
There you have it. A truly wonderful recipe for homemade black bean burgers. It is one of those fantastic easy dinner recipes that you can rely on for a quick, wholesome, and delicious meal. It proves that simple ingredients can create something truly special.
Whether you are a longtime vegetarian or just looking for new healthy dinner ideas, this recipe is a great choice. I hope you and your family love these burgers as much as I do. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Make These Burgers Gluten Free?
Yes, absolutely. To make this recipe gluten free, simply use certified gluten free rolled oats. Also, be sure to use tamari instead of light soy sauce, as tamari is typically made without wheat. It’s an easy swap for a great gluten free meal.
Can I Bake These Instead Of Pan Frying?
You sure can. For a baked version, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Place the formed patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes per side, or until firm and heated through.
What Can I Substitute For Walnuts?
If you have a nut allergy or just do not have walnuts, you can substitute them. Sunflower seeds or pecans would work well. Just be sure to process them with the oats and spices as instructed in the recipe.
Why Did My Burgers Fall Apart?
There are a couple of common reasons. The mixture might have been a bit too wet. Or, the patties were not pressed together firmly enough when you formed them. Be sure to let the mixture rest so the oats can absorb moisture, and really compact the patties in your hands.
Homemade Black Bean Burgers
These homemade black bean burgers are incredibly flavorful, packed with wholesome ingredients, and genuinely easy to make. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy dinner ideas.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain and rinse black beans thoroughly. In a food processor, pulse garlic until finely chopped. Add chopped green onions and pulse again. Scrape down sides.
- To the food processor, add rolled oats, walnuts, chili powder, smoked paprika, soy sauce or tamari, red wine vinegar, and maple syrup. Process this mixture until it looks like fine breadcrumbs.
- Set aside about half a cup of rinsed black beans. Add the remaining black beans to the food processor. Pulse until mostly smooth, leaving a few small chunks.
- Scrape the mixture into a medium bowl and gently fold in the reserved whole black beans.
- Let the mixture rest for about five minutes to allow the oats to absorb moisture, helping the patties hold together.
- Divide the mixture into two larger or four smaller equal portions. Form each portion into a firm, round burger patty. Be sure to press the mixture together firmly so it does not fall apart.
- Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Place patties in the skillet and cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until heated through, firm, and nicely browned. Gently press any loose bits back into the patties. Soon you will have delicious, perfectly cooked black bean burgers ready to serve.
Notes
Do not over process the mixture. You want it to be mostly smooth, but keeping a little texture is a good thing. It helps the burgers feel more substantial and less mushy.
Feel free to get creative with toppings. A slice of cheese, some fresh avocado, red onion, and a dollop of your favorite sauce are all great choices. Serving these on a toasted bun is a classic way to enjoy them.
For a complete meal, serve these burgers with a side of sweet potato fries or a simple green salad. It is an easy way to round out your dinner and add more nutrients.
If your mixture feels a bit too wet, you can add another tablespoon or two of rolled oats to help bind it together. The resting time should help with this, but every can of beans is a little different.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
