Description
A wholesome and flavorful Easy Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger recipe that combines mashed sweet potatoes, black beans, brown rice, and warm spices. Baked to perfection, these vegetarian burgers are moist, tender, and perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. Serve with your favorite toppings like avocado, sprouts, and whiskey BBQ ketchup for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed sweet potato (~2 large sweet potatoes, organic when possible)
- Olive oil (for cooking sweet potato)
- 1 – 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 cup cooked salted black beans (rinsed and well drained; if unsalted, add more salt to the burgers)
- 1/2 cup finely diced green onion
- 1/2 cup walnut or pecan meal (or very finely chopped)
- 2 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp chipotle powder (optional)
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
Toppings and Serving Suggestions
- Sliced avocado
- Sprouts, lettuce, or parsley
- Sliced onion
- Whiskey BBQ Ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat and bake sweet potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Cut sweet potatoes in half, rub with olive oil, and place face down on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 30 minutes until soft and tender. Set aside and reduce oven heat to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook rice: While the sweet potatoes bake, cook brown rice (or quinoa as an alternative) according to package instructions.
- Prepare burger mixture: In a mixing bowl, mash half of the black beans for texture. Add the mashed sweet potato, 1 cup of cooked brown rice, finely diced green onion, nut meal, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, chipotle powder (if using), and brown sugar (optional). Mix everything together until well combined. Adjust seasonings to taste and add more rice or nut meal if the mixture is too wet. The mixture should be moist but moldable.
- Form burgers: Lightly grease a baking sheet. Line a 1/4 cup measuring cup with plastic wrap, then fill it with the burger mixture, packing it down firmly. Carefully lift out the formed patty and transfer it to the baking sheet. Gently press down to slightly flatten the patty for even cooking.
- Bake burgers: Bake the patties for 30-45 minutes, flipping carefully halfway through at about 20 minutes to ensure even cooking. Bake longer for firmer, drier burgers or less time for softer ones. Approximately 35 minutes is optimal.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the burgers on slider buns (double stacked for more bulk) or over a fresh salad. Top with sliced avocado, red onion, greens, and whiskey BBQ ketchup for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers: Store any leftover burgers covered in the refrigerator for up to a few days.
- Freeze for later: To freeze, par-bake burgers for about 20 minutes, let cool, then layer between parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-30 minutes or until heated through and firm to your liking.
Notes
- Brown rice can be substituted with quinoa or another cooked whole grain.
- The optional chipotle powder adds a smoky heat; omit if you prefer milder burgers.
- Adding brown sugar balances the earthiness of the spices and sweet potato but can be left out for less sweetness.
- Press burgers gently when forming to keep them tender and moist.
- Freezing par-baked burgers allows for convenient meal prep and quick reheating.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American