Go Back
To make Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Burgers, you need some key ingredients that combine for a rich flavor: - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and thoroughly drained - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs) - 1/4 cup cornmeal - 1 small red onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional) - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice - Salt and pepper, to taste - Olive oil for cooking - Burger buns and your choice of toppings (like lettuce, sliced tomato, avocado, etc.) These ingredients create that tasty smoky flavor and a great texture. You can mix things up with optional ingredients to make your burgers unique: - Extra spices like chili powder or cayenne for heat - Diced bell peppers for added crunch - Grated cheese for a creamy touch - Avocado slices for healthy fat - Sliced jalapeños for an extra kick Feel free to adjust these to suit your taste! If you have dietary needs, here are some easy substitutions: - Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats for gluten-free needs. - Swap black beans with pinto beans for a different flavor. - For a vegan option, skip the cheese and use a plant-based topping. - Use an oil alternative, like coconut oil, for cooking. These swaps help everyone enjoy a delicious meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the black bean mixture, start by mashing one can of black beans in a large bowl. Use a fork or potato masher for this. You want the beans mostly smooth but keep some chunks for texture. Next, add in 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of cornmeal, and a finely chopped small red onion. Then, mix in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 finely chopped chipotle pepper. This pepper gives a nice smoky kick. Now, add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for depth. If you like, add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro. Then, squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until well combined. This mixture should hold together well. Once your mixture is ready, divide it into four equal parts. Shape each part into a burger patty. If the mixture feels too wet, just add a bit more breadcrumbs until it firms up. Next, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the patties in the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them crispy and golden brown. If your skillet is small, cook in batches. You can also toast your burger buns in the same skillet for added taste. After cooking the patties, it’s time to assemble your burgers. Place one patty on each bun. Top with your favorite items, like lettuce, sliced tomato, or avocado. The toppings add freshness and flavor. Serve them up with sweet potato fries and maybe a slice of lime for a nice touch. Enjoy your smoky chipotle black bean burgers! To get that perfect smoky taste, use smoked paprika. It adds depth and warmth. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce give a kick and earthy notes. Start with one pepper to control heat. You can always add more if you want. Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for about three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a tray. Once solid, move them to a freezer bag. To reheat, bake in the oven for a crispy texture. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some crispness. I love pan-frying these patties in olive oil. This method gives them a crispy crust. You can also grill them for a smoky flavor. Just be gentle when flipping them, as they can break easily. If you prefer baking, set your oven to 400°F. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: Feel free to modify the amount of chipotle pepper based on your heat preference. Start with a small amount and add more if you enjoy a spicier burger. Chill the Patties: For firmer patties that hold their shape better during cooking, refrigerate the shaped patties for at least 30 minutes before frying. Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding pickled jalapeños, avocado crema, or a zesty slaw for added flavor and texture. Batch Cooking: These burgers freeze well! Cook a double batch and freeze extras for a quick meal. Just reheat in a skillet or microwave when you're ready to enjoy. {{image_4}} You can make these burgers even better by adding veggies. Try mixing in diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or chopped spinach. These veggies add color, flavor, and nutrition. You can also use roasted vegetables for a sweet twist. Just make sure to chop them small. This way, they mix well into the patties. Want a twist on the original taste? Change up the spices! Instead of smoked paprika, try curry powder for a warm flavor. You can also add a splash of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for a savory kick. For a fresher taste, mix in some chopped jalapeños or fresh herbs like basil or parsley. These changes keep your burgers exciting. You can easily make these burgers fit gluten-free diets. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Most of the ingredients are vegan, but check the breadcrumbs and sauces you use. If you want to add some richness, mix in mashed avocado instead of cheese. This keeps the burger creamy and delicious without any animal products. To keep your smoky chipotle black bean burgers fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. This helps keep the flavors intact and prevents spoilage. If you want to keep your burgers longer, freezing is a great option. First, wrap each burger in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped burgers in a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheating your black bean burgers is simple. For the best results, use a skillet. Heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Place the burger in the pan for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This method keeps them crispy and tasty. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some crispness. If you use a microwave, heat for 1-2 minutes, checking regularly. Enjoy your burgers warm and full of flavor! Yes, you can use dried black beans. Just soak them overnight and cook them until soft. This takes more time, but it can enhance the flavor. You will need about 1 cup of cooked black beans for this recipe. Make sure to rinse and drain them well before mashing. To adjust the heat, simply change the amount of chipotle pepper. Start with a small amount and taste the mix. You can always add more if you want it spicier. Removing the seeds from the chipotle can also help lower the heat without losing flavor. The fun part is choosing your toppings! Here are some tasty options: - Crisp lettuce - Sliced tomato - Creamy avocado - Spicy jalapeños - Fresh cilantro - Zesty lime wedges - Your favorite sauce, like chipotle mayo or salsa Mix and match to create your perfect burger! In this post, we explored how to make Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Burgers. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for flavor and cooking methods. Customization options let you tweak the burgers to your taste or dietary needs. Proper storage and reheating keep leftovers fresh. Remember, these burgers are not just delicious; they are also easy to make. Enjoy experimenting with new flavors and toppings. Your next meal can be both healthy and tasty!

Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Burgers

Delicious and spicy black bean burgers with chipotle flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and thoroughly drained
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
  • 0.25 cup cornmeal
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pepper chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for cooking olive oil
  • as needed burger buns and your choice of toppings (such as lettuce, sliced tomato, avocado, etc.)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, mash the black beans using a fork or potato masher until they are mostly smooth, but retain some bean chunks for added texture.
  • To the mashed black beans, add in the breadcrumbs, cornmeal, chopped red onion, minced garlic, chopped chipotle pepper, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cilantro (if using), lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined and form a cohesive mixture.
  • Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties. If the mixture is too wet and difficult to shape, add a little more breadcrumbs until the desired consistency is achieved.
  • Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, carefully place the patties into the skillet (you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding) and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the patties are crispy and golden brown.
  • While the patties are cooking, you can also toast the burger buns in the same skillet for added flavor and texture, if desired.
  • Once the patties are cooked and the buns are toasted, assemble your burgers by placing one black bean patty on each bun and loading them up with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Serve with sweet potato fries and fresh cilantro for garnish.
Keyword black bean, burger, chipotle, vegan