Spicy Black Bean Burger

These chipotle black bean burgers are firm yet tender and loaded with flavor! They're topped with chipotle mayo and crunchy lettuce for one delicious bite.

I won't lie. I love beans. Not only do I like them, I crazy-stalker like them. I put them in my eggs and eat them by the spoonful.

These spicy black bean burgers make this bean-loving weirdo SO happy. I'm living for sweet heat and these homemade black bean patties covered in chipotle mayo are perfection.

They're also cost effective AND contain veggies! Score. I'm always on the prowl for enticing ways to eat vegetables. Let's be honest, you don't have to hunt to find a delicious way to eat carbs.

Key Ingredients:

• Black beans - Of course! I dry them in the oven first so they don't turn into mush when I make them into patties.
• Veggies - Onions and peppers add texture and caramelized sweetness.
• Chipotle - For a little heat. For more heat, use two!
• Bread crumbs - To absorb the egg and bind the mixture.
• Shredded cheese - I used shredded cheddar, but Colby Jack works great too!
• Spices - Cumin, oregano, chili powder, and salt flavor the patties.
• Chipotle mayo - Homemade chipotle mayo takes these black bean burgers over the top!! Trust me on this one.

How to Make Black Bean Burgers:

These black bean patties are easy to make! And you can make them ahead of time, then reheat them in your toaster oven.

1. Cook the black beans

Canned black beans are very wet. Baking them in the oven dries them out so you don't end up with mushy burgers!

• Rinse and drain the black beans.
• Dump the rinsed black beans onto a sheet pan and spread them out evenly.
• Bake for 18 minutes to remove the excess moisture.

2. Sauté the vegetables

Caramelized veggies add texture and flavor!

• Add olive oil to a hot nonstick skillet.
• Add the peppers and onions, then sauté for 5 minutes.
• Add the garlic and spices, then cook for another minute or so.
• Remove the veggies from the heat and set aside.

3. Make the black bean patties

• In a large bowl, combine half of the dried black beans and half of the pepper mixture.
• In a food processor, pulse the remaining black beans, red pepper mixture, chipotle, and lime juice until a chunky paste forms.

• Scoop the mixture into the large bowl with the black beans, add the cheese and bread crumbs, then mix well with your hands.
• Form into six patties about 3 ½ to 4 inches wide.

4. Cook and assemble

• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a hefty drizzle of olive oil.
• Cook the patties for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until caramelized and cooked through.

• Toast a bun, then slather the bottom bun with chipotle mayo. Top with crunchy lettuce and a black bean burger.
• Add pickled onions, sliced avocado, and the top bun. Enjoy immediately!

How to Make Chipotle Mayo:

My chipotle mayo is only four ingredients and it tastes good on everything! Tacos, burgers, bowls, etc.

• In a small food processor, combine mayo, lime juice, honey, and a chipotle.
• Pulse until smooth. The more chipotles you add, the spicier it is!

Expert Tips:

• You can make the patties ahead of time. They reheat nicely in the toaster oven, regular oven, or even the microwave.
• Make the chipotle mayo ahead of time. It lasts for two weeks in the fridge AND it means one less step for you!
• No food processor? No problem. Use a high-speed blender instead.
• If you avoid gluten, simply swap the bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs. I prefer 4C Gluten Free Crumbs.

Toppings:

These black bean burgers taste amazing with all the toppings! I highly recommend pickled red onions, crunchy romaine, and chipotle mayo.

Here's a few more ideas:

• Guacamole or sliced avocado
• Pickled jalapenos
• Pepper jack cheese or cheddar
• Caramelized onions and peppers
• Pico or corn salsa
• Fried egg

More Delicious Recipes:

• Mahi Mahi Sandwich with Lemon Aioli
• Healthy Ground Turkey Quinoa Bowls
• Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts