Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger

When you need a burger that delivers on all fronts, this sweet potato black bean burger has your back. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with smoky, savory vibes, it’s a flavor hit that never misses. Plus, it’s easy to make, meal-prep friendly, and perfect for freezing!

You know that moment when nothing but a big, flavor-packed burger will do? That’s the perfect moment for this sweet potato black bean burger to step in. It’s crispy, smoky, and just messy enough to keep things interesting. It’s just damn good, plain and simple.

And here’s the best part: these burgers are meal-prep champs. Make a batch, freeze them, and you’ve got a flavor-packed meal that’s ready whenever you are. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, delicious vegan burger that delivers, let’s get started.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A burger that effortlessly checks all the boxes? That’s exactly what this sweet potato black bean burger recipe does, and why they’re about to become your new favorite. Let’s break it down:

• Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside: Each bite features a balanced contrast—crisp edges meet a tender, flavorful center. You’ll want to slow your roll and savor every second.
• Smoky, Savory Goodness: These burgers pack a smoky punch that’s rich, satisfying, and utterly addictive. It’s the kind of flavor that has you coming back for more.
• Meal-Prep Gold: Keep your fridge stocked with these beauties, just waiting to make your weeknight dinners a breeze. No stress—just good, easy food.
• Freezer-Friendly: These patties are your kitchen’s secret weapon. Stash them in the freezer, and you’re always a few minutes away from a homemade, feel-good meal.
• The Special Sauce: This creamy, tangy sauce isn’t just a sidekick—it’s the secret that takes these burgers from good to unforgettable. Tangy, messy, and just right.

Key Ingredients

These sweet potato black bean burgers come together with a handful of ingredients that pack in the flavor and texture you crave. Each one plays a specific role in making these burgers as delicious as they are. Let’s break them down:

• Pearled Barley: This grain adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture, giving the burgers a bit of heft. It also helps bind the patties together, making each bite satisfying.
• Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet and slightly earthy, sweet potatoes bring a soft, creamy texture to the mix. They also add a bit of moisture, which keeps the burgers from drying out.
• Black Beans: The black beans provide protein and a hearty, dense texture. They’re the backbone of the burger, giving it substance and that familiar bean burger vibe.
• Mozzarella-Style Vegan Shreds: These shreds add a melty, cheesy element that ties everything together. They melt just enough to add richness without overpowering the other flavors.
• Red Onion: Diced red onion brings a sharp, sweet flavor with a bit of crunch. It also adds a subtle layer of complexity to the burgers.
• Vegan Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce delivers a deep, savory umami flavor with a hint of tanginess. It’s the secret to that extra depth of flavor in the burgers.
• Steak Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the burgers a bold, savory kick. It’s what makes these patties taste like they’ve been cooked on a grill, even if they haven’t.
• Liquid Smoke: Just a touch of liquid smoke adds a subtle smoky flavor, giving the burgers that just-off-the-grill taste without the need for a barbecue.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These light, airy breadcrumbs help to bind the mixture and add a little crunch. They keep the burgers from falling apart while adding texture.
• JUST Egg: This plant-based egg alternative helps bind the patties, ensuring they hold together during cooking. It’s the key to keeping these burgers perfectly intact while adding a bit of moisture.

How To Make

These sweet potato black bean burgers might look impressive, but they’re surprisingly simple to make. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a batch of flavorful, satisfying burgers ready in no time. For the full recipe details, scroll down to the recipe card at the end of the post.

Step 1: Get the basics going. Start by cooking the pearled barley until it’s tender but still has a bit of bite. Meanwhile, roast the sweet potatoes until they’re soft and caramelized, and dry out the black beans in the oven to help them hold their shape.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics. Cook the onions and garlic in a skillet until they’re soft and golden. This step adds that essential savory base to your burgers.

Step 3: Mix and shape. Combine the barley, sweet potatoes, black beans, sautéed onions, and the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl. Mix it all up, then shape the mixture into burger patties.

Step 4: Chill and cook. Let the patties firm up in the fridge, then cook them in a hot skillet until they’re golden brown on both sides. They’ll turn out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy with the special sauce or whatever burger fixings you love!

Pro Tips And Tricks

Want to take your sweet potato black bean burgers to the next level? These pro tips cover everything from perfecting texture to getting that smoky, just-off-the-grill flavor—no BBQ required. Let’s dive in!

• Toasting the Buns: Toasting the buns might seem like an extra step, but it’s one that’s totally worth it. That golden, buttery crispness adds a whole new level of flavor and texture that really brings the whole burger together. Think about it—those crispy edges paired with the tender patty, all wrapped up in a warm, toasted bun. It’s a little step that makes a big difference!
• Egg Replacements: I used JUST Egg in this recipe because it works wonders in binding the patties together while adding a bit of moisture. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, there are other egg replacements you could experiment with. Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) or flaxseed meal mixed with water are popular choices, though I haven’t tested them here. If you do give them a try, let me know how it goes!
• Steak Seasoning: If you’re wondering why steak seasoning is in a vegan burger recipe, here’s the deal: it’s a blend of spices like garlic, onion, black pepper, and sometimes paprika, all designed to bring out that deep, savory flavor we associate with grilled food. It’s basically a shortcut to bold flavor that makes these burgers taste like they’ve spent time on a smoky grill—even if they haven’t. If you don’t have steak seasoning on hand, you can easily whip up your own with those pantry staples.
• Freezing Tips: When freezing the patties, make sure they’re laid out in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. This prevents them from sticking together, so you can easily grab one (or more) whenever you need a quick meal. And don’t skip the step of letting them come to room temp before cooking—this ensures even cooking and the best texture.

And just like that, you’ve got a sweet potato black bean burger that’s ready to impress. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up dinner on the fly, these burgers have your back. Crispy, smoky, and seriously satisfying—this is the kind of recipe that’s about to become a regular in your kitchen.

FAQs

More Delicious Vegan Burger Recipes!

• Beetroot Burgers with Kimchi Mayo
• Sweet Potato, Farro and Walnut Burgers with Homemade Pickles
• Black Lentil, Pistachio and Shiitake Mushroom Burger

Did you love this sweet potato black bean burger recipe? Please leave a review and star rating below to help others find and fall in love with it too. Your support is a sweet gift—thank you and happy cooking!

This post was last updated on August 17, 2024.