Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers that actually hold together and taste amazing. They’re thick, hearty, packed with tons of flavor, and straightforward to make without turning soggy.
author’s note
A Burger So Good, Even the Beef Lovers Ask for Seconds!
These veggie burgers check all the boxes: hearty, flavorful, straightforward to make, and most importantly, they don’t fall apart. Each patty is thick and crisp on the outside with a soft, tender center full of bold, smoky flavor. Plus, you only need one bowl and a few shortcuts to bring them together fast.
I’ve always loved the sweet potato + black bean combo (like in these burrito bowls!), and it just works here too. Even my burger-loving husband devours these, and my kids ask for them just as often as beef burgers in the summer. That’s a win.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Tip or Swap |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes | Microwave until fork-tender for fast prep. |
| Black Beans | Rinse and dry well. Swap with pinto beans if preferred. |
| Cooked Grains | Use microwaveable brown and wild rice. Swap with quinoa or farro. |
| Panko Breadcrumbs | Adds a lighter texture. Use gluten-free panko or regular breadcrumbs. |
| Red Onion | Use in both the patty and as a topping. Swap with yellow onion or shallots. |
| Garlic | Use fresh or jarred. |
| Spices | Use smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano. Swap in taco seasoning. |
chelsea’s recipe tip
Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger Toppings
- Lettuce: Butter, Romaine, Boston, or green leaf work. I usually use green leaf.
- Avocado: A ripe avocado adds the best creamy contrast to the patty.
- Tomatoes: Thick-sliced tomato is a simple, tasty topping.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced or pickled red onions adds a ton of flavor. Half goes into the patty, the rest on top.
- Mayo: A good-quality mayo like Hellman’s or Best Foods ties everything together.
Shortcuts
- Cooked rice: Use any leftover grain or a quick microwave blend.
- Garlic: Jarred garlic saves time.
- Food processor: Quickly mixes the sweet potato black bean burger mixture.
- Sweet potatoes: Microwave until soft, then peel.
- Beans: Canned beans keep it straightforward.
How To Make This Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger
My top tips for success on this recipe:
- Dry the beans completely: wet beans = too much moisture!
- Chill: These patties get wet in the fridge, but firm up evenly when I freeze them for 25-30 minutes. Once the patties are chilled thoroughly, they’re ready to cook!
Storage
Since I freeze the sweet potato black bean burger patties before cooking, it’s also the reliable opportunity to save some for later! Tightly wrap individually frozen patties and then add them to a large freezer bag. You can cook the patties straight from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to cook time as needed.
More Sweet Potato Recipes:
Dinner
One Skillet Sweet Potato Burrito Bowls
Dinner
Sweet Potato Nachos
Dinner
Vegetarian Enchiladas
Soups And Stews
Vegetarian Chili Recipe
