Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger (Printable Version)

Savory burger with roasted sweet potato, black beans, and spices for a filling meatless meal any day.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables & Legumes

01 - 1 medium sweet potato (about 12 ounces), peeled and diced
02 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
03 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Binders & Fillers

05 - 3/4 cup rolled oats
06 - 1/3 cup bread crumbs (gluten-free if preferred)
07 - 1 large egg or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2 1/2 tablespoons water

→ Spices & Seasonings

08 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Optional Additions

13 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking

→ For Serving

15 - 4 burger buns (gluten-free if preferred)
16 - Lettuce leaves
17 - Tomato slices
18 - Avocado slices
19 - Red onion rings
20 - Favorite burger sauce

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Arrange diced sweet potato on the baking sheet, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and roast for 20 to 25 minutes until tender. Allow to cool slightly.
03 - In a large bowl, mash roasted sweet potato and black beans together with a fork or potato masher, keeping some texture.
04 - Add chopped red onion, minced garlic, oats, bread crumbs, egg or flax egg, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cilantro if using. Mix thoroughly until uniform.
05 - Divide the batter into four equal parts and shape each into a burger patty.
06 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side until well-browned and heated through. Alternatively, bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes, turning halfway.
07 - Toast burger buns if desired. Assemble with lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, red onion rings, and desired burger sauce. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses wholesome pantry and fridge basics found in any grocery store
  • Packed with plant-based protein and fiber for lasting satisfaction
  • Flexible for make-ahead or freezer meals
  • Ready in about an hour without complicated steps
  • Kid-approved and endlessly customizable for toppings
02 -
  • High in plant-based protein and full of dietary fiber
  • These burgers freeze perfectly for future meals
  • Gluten-free and vegan adaptable with simple swaps
03 -
  • Letting the roasted sweet potato cool before mixing keeps the patties from becoming sticky and hard to shape.
  • Always toast the spices for best flavor.
  • Use damp hands to form patties so the mixture does not stick.
  • When baking instead of frying, brush a little oil on each side for a beautiful crisp crust without deep frying.
  • For burgers that never fall apart, do not skip resting the shaped patties in the fridge for ten minutes before cooking.