Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burgers

These hearty and flavorful Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burgers are packed with wholesome ingredients and spices. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they’re perfect for stacking with fresh veggies and a smoky chipotle mayo on a toasted bun. A satisfying, plant-based meal for any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and tender: The combination of roasted sweet potatoes and black beans creates a burger that’s both crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
• Packed with flavor: The blend of cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic gives these burgers an irresistible, smoky flavor.
• Customizable toppings: Add your favorite burger toppings like fresh tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, and a drizzle of chipotle mayo for extra flavor.
• Easy and quick: Ready in just 25 minutes, these burgers are perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
• Plant-based goodness: These burgers are not only vegetarian, but can easily be made vegan, making them perfect for a plant-based diet.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 medium sweet potato, roasted and mashed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for cooking

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced tomato
• Red onion rings
• Lettuce leaves
• Toasted burger buns
• Chipotle mayo or your favorite sauce

directions

1. Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork, leaving some texture. Add the mashed sweet potato, breadcrumbs, onion, cilantro, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Form the patties: Divide the mixture into 4 portions and shape each portion into a patty. Place them on a plate or tray and chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to help them firm up.
3. Cook the patties: Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Assemble the burgers: Serve the cooked patties on toasted buns with lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, and a generous drizzle of chipotle mayo or your favorite sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 burgers
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per burger

Variations

• Add more veggies: Try adding shredded carrots or zucchini to the patty mixture for extra nutrition and texture.
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños to the patty mixture or drizzle extra hot sauce on top for a spicy kick.
• Cheese option: If you’re not dairy-free, add a slice of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese) on top of the patty as it finishes cooking to melt.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your buns are also gluten-free.
• Grill option: For a grilled version, form the patties and cook them on a grill or grill pan for 4-5 minutes per side.

storage/reheating

Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side or until heated through. You can also freeze the patties before cooking for up to 3 months; simply cook from frozen.

FAQs

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. You can also freeze the uncooked patties for meal prep.

Can I use canned sweet potato instead of roasted?

For best results, roasting your sweet potato adds flavor and texture, but you can use canned sweet potatoes if needed. Just be sure to drain and mash them well.

How do I know when the burgers are done?

The burgers should be golden and crispy on the outside. You can also check by pressing the center gently—if they are firm and not mushy, they are done.

Can I bake these burgers instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the patties at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden and crispy on the outside.

Can I use a different type of bean?

Yes, you can use other beans like pinto beans or kidney beans instead of black beans for a different flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, the recipe is already vegan if you use a dairy-free topping like avocado or a dairy-free sauce instead of chipotle mayo. You can also use vegan breadcrumbs.

Can I make these burgers spicier?

Yes, add diced jalapeños to the patty mixture or drizzle hot sauce over the top before serving to make the burgers spicier.

Conclusion

These Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burgers are the perfect plant-based meal—crispy on the outside and tender inside, with a delicious blend of spices and fresh veggies. Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch, a light dinner, or meal prep for the week, these burgers are satisfying, easy to make, and full of flavor. With optional toppings like chipotle mayo and fresh veggies, these burgers are a must-try for anyone looking for a wholesome, meatless meal!

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