Spicy Black Bean Burgers

If you’re looking for a satisfying alternative to traditional burgers, these Spicy Black Bean Burgers are a must-try.

Made with simple ingredients and packed with plant-based protein and fiber, they’re a flavorful option that can help support fullness, steady energy, and overall balance—especially in midlife.

As someone who doesn’t eat red meat, discovering black bean burgers years ago was a game changer. And learning how to make them at home? Even better.

These burgers are thick, hearty, and full of flavor with just the right amount of spice (think zesty, not overly hot). And the best part—you can easily adjust the seasoning to match your preference.

Layer one up on a whole grain bun with avocado, tomato, lettuce, and your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a meal that feels just as satisfying as a traditional burger—without sacrificing how you want to feel afterward.

Simple, flavorful, and completely customizable.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil

• 1 small yellow or white onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 2-3 tsp. minced garlic)

• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (use 1/2 pepper if you prefer less spicy)

• 1 tsp. dried oregano

• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced

• 1, 15 oz. corn, rinsed

• 1, 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1/2 C plain bread crumbs

• 4 tsp. chili powder (reduce to 2 tsp. if you prefer less spicy)

• 1 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, minced

• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1/2 C flour (I use whole wheat, use your preferred flour choice)

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil (for cooking the patties)

Directions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sit in onion, garlic, jalapeno pepper, and oregano to cook until onions are translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes.

2. Stir in the diced red bell pepper and add corn to the skillet, cook until the red bell pepper is tender, about 2 to 4 minutes.

3. Mash black beans in a large mixing bowl.

4. Add the vegetable mixture cooked in the skillet, bread crumbs, chili powder, cilantro, cumin, and salt into the mashed black beans. Stir until combined.

5. Put flour in a shallow bowl or baking dish, then divide the black bean mixture into 4 patties and coat each side with flour (it's okay if you have flour left over).

6. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the black bean patties.

7. Cook each side of the black bean patty about 5 to 8 minutes, until browned.

Eat and Enjoy!

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