Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Burgers

$To make Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Burgers, you need: - 2 cans black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained - 1 cup cooked quinoa (preferably chilled) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra if needed) - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 1/2 red onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling) - Burger buns (your choice) - Toppings: sliced avocado, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and your favorite sauce If you want to adjust the recipe, here are some swaps: - Use kidney beans instead of black beans for a different flavor. - Quinoa can be replaced with cooked rice or barley. - Gluten-free breadcrumbs work well for those avoiding gluten. - Fresh parsley can replace cilantro if you prefer a milder taste. - For a spicier kick, add more chipotle peppers or a dash of hot sauce. - Use any burger bun type, including lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Choose high-quality ingredients to boost flavor: - Use fresh herbs like cilantro for vibrant taste. - Opt for canned black beans with no added salt for better control over seasoning. - Select a good brand of chipotle peppers for rich, smoky depth. - Choose extra-virgin olive oil for grilling to enhance flavor. - Make sure your spices are fresh for the best flavor impact. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Enjoy crafting these flavorful burgers! First, we need to mash the black beans. In a large mixing bowl, use a fork or potato masher. Aim for a rough feel, leaving some beans whole. This adds texture to the burgers. Next, add the cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, cilantro, red onion, garlic, and minced chipotle peppers. Then, sprinkle in smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until combined. If the mix feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs until it holds together. Now comes the fun part! Divide the mixture into equal portions. I like to make patties about one inch thick. You should end up with about six to eight patties. Make sure they are not too thick; this helps them cook evenly. Set the patties aside while you get ready to cook. You can cook these burgers on a grill or in a skillet. Heat your grill or a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the surface, so they don’t stick. When it’s hot, carefully place the patties on the grill or skillet. Cook for four to five minutes on each side. You want a nice crispy outside and a warm inside. While they cook, prepare your burger buns and toppings. Toast your buns if you like. Assemble your burgers with a patty, toppings, and sauce. Enjoy your Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Burgers! To get the right texture, mash the black beans well but keep some whole. This gives the burger a nice bite. Mixing in quinoa adds fluffiness. If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs. They help hold everything together. The ideal patty should be firm yet moist. To boost the smoky taste, use smoked paprika and chipotle peppers. These ingredients add depth. Adjust the chipotle peppers based on your heat preference. For extra flavor, try adding a splash of liquid smoke. This gives a rich, BBQ taste without grilling. When grilling, preheat the grill or skillet. This helps the patties form a crispy crust. Use olive oil to coat the grill or skillet to avoid sticking. Cook each side for about 4 to 5 minutes. Flip them gently to keep them intact. If you want, toast the burger buns for added flavor. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Enjoy your smoky chipotle black bean burgers! {{image_4}} You can easily make these Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Burgers vegetarian or vegan. The base is already plant-based, which makes it simple. Just skip any cheese or non-vegan sauces. Use a vegan mayo or a homemade avocado spread for creaminess. This keeps the flavor while staying friendly to all diets. To kick up the flavor, consider adding cheese or extra spices. A slice of pepper jack cheese adds creaminess and spice. You can also try adding some fresh herbs, like basil or dill, for a twist. If you want more heat, add more chipotle peppers or a dash of cayenne. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices like chili powder or onion powder. Each twist makes the burger unique. Serve these burgers with fresh sides and dips for a complete meal. Crispy sweet potato fries pair perfectly with the smoky flavors. You can also offer a cool salad, like a cucumber tomato salad, to balance the heat. For dips, try a zesty salsa or creamy avocado dip. They add great flavor and texture to your meal. For a fun touch, serve the burgers on a wooden board with all the toppings on the side. This lets everyone build their perfect burger. For the full recipe, check out the details above. After you enjoy your Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Burgers, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure the burgers cool down to room temperature before sealing them. This helps prevent moisture buildup that can make the patties soggy. If you want to save some patties for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour until solid. Then, transfer the frozen patties to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date and use them within three months for the best taste. Reheating is simple. For the best texture, heat the patties on a skillet over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side. You can also use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will keep them crispy on the outside. Enjoy your delicious Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Burgers anytime! For the full recipe, check above. To adjust the spice level, you can change the amount of chipotle peppers. Start with one pepper if you prefer mild heat. If you enjoy more spice, add two peppers. You can also add more smoked paprika for extra flavor without much heat. Alternatively, include a dollop of sour cream on top to tone down the heat for those who may find it too spicy. Yes, you can make these burgers ahead of time. Prepare the patties and store them in the fridge for up to two days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to layer parchment paper between the patties to prevent sticking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before cooking. The best toppings for these burgers include sliced avocado, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomato slices. You can also try red onion for crunch or jalapeños for more heat. For sauces, chipotle mayo or salsa work great. Feel free to get creative with your favorite toppings to make each burger unique. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To recap, we explored the key ingredients that make your black bean burgers shine. I shared tips for choosing the best ingredients and offered substitutions for dietary needs. We covered cooking methods and how to form perfect patties. I also shared ways to enhance flavor, achieve great texture, and suggested fun variations. Lastly, we discussed how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Now, it’s time for you to make these tasty burgers. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!$

Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Burgers

Savor the bold flavors of Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Burgers with this easy recipe! Packed with protein-rich black beans and quinoa, these delicious burgers are topped with fresh avocado, crisp lettuce, and zesty chipotle mayo. Perfect for a quick dinner or a summer barbecue, they are a hit for everyone, including veggie lovers. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your burger game today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cans black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained

1 cup cooked quinoa (preferably chilled)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra if needed)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1/2 red onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust according to your heat preference)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)

Burger buns (your choice)

Toppings: sliced avocado, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and your favorite sauce (e.g., chipotle mayo or salsa)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, begin by mashing the black beans with a fork or potato masher. Aim for a rough texture, ensuring some beans remain whole for delightful bites.

To the mashed beans, add the cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, minced garlic, minced chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.

Mix all ingredients thoroughly until uniformly combined. If the mixture feels too wet to form patties, gradually incorporate more breadcrumbs until you achieve a workable consistency.

Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape each into a patty, roughly 1-inch thick. You should yield about 6 to 8 patties.

Heat a grill or a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the surface, ensuring it coats the bottom to prevent sticking.

Once the cooking surface is hot, carefully place the patties on the grill or skillet. Cook for approximately 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a crispy exterior and are heated through.

While the patties cook, prepare your burger buns and toppings. If desired, toast the buns on the grill for enhanced flavor and texture.

Assemble your burgers by placing a black bean patty on each bun. Top each with sliced avocado, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and a generous drizzle of your preferred sauce.

Serve the burgers warm, and enjoy every bite of your flavorful Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Burgers!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the burgers on a wooden cutting board with extra toppings on the side, allowing guests to customize their burgers. You can garnish with a sprinkle of cilantro for a pop of color.