Vegetarian Black Bean Burgers

Meatless Mondays is a health initiative launched back in 2003 to encourage people to go meatless one day a week with a goal of reducing meat consumption by 15% for both personal health and the health of the planet.

I try to live up to the slogan and cut out the meat at least one day a week.

Veggie or black bean burgers are great alternatives when you want to go meatless. This easy Weight Watcher recipe for black bean burgers (aka black bean patties/cakes) is so hearty and satisfying you won’t miss the meat.

Black Bean Burger Ingredients

• Water – for cooking the instant brown rice
• Instant brown rice – a quick alternative to regular brown rice.
• Canned black beans, rinsed and drained – the basis of this simple vegetarian burger.
• Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs – Seasons and helps bind the burgers.
• Eggs, lightly beaten – Provide important binding qualities and an extra dose of protein
• Garlic salt – Simple seasoning. Substitute whatever salt you prefer.
• Ground black pepper – provide seasoning for the burgers.
• Olive oil – For cooking the burgers. Any neutral oil will work
• Optional toppings: guacamole, salsa, reduced fat sour cream of nonfat plain yogurt

Calories and WW Points

According to my calculations, each black bean burger has 241 calories and 5 WW Points.

To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
7 PointsPlus (Old plan)

How to Make Vegetarian Black Bean Burgers Step-by-Step?

Step 1: Cook the rice
Add water to a pan and bring to a boil. Add rice and cover. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. When it’s done remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Mash the beans
Add beans to a mixing bowl. Use potato masher (affiliate link) or fork to lightly smash. Leave about one quarter of the beans whole.

Step 3: Mix ingredients together
Fluff rice and add to the beans. Add breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic salt, and pepper. Mix to combine well.

Step 4: From the burger patties and cook
Divide mixture to make four 1-inch thick patties. Lightly oil a non-stick skillet and heat to medium-high. Add patties to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes. Turn patties and cook for an addition 4-5 minutes. Remove skillet from heat once patties are browned and heated through.

Step 5: Garnish the burgers and enjoy!
Top each of the burgers with 1 tablespoon of guacamole and 1 tablespoon salsa. Add a dollop of sour cream, if using. Serve immediately.

Substitutions and Variations

• Use pre-cooked packaged rice to save time.
• Substitute pinto or kidney beans for the black beans if you prefer.
• Skip the guacamole if you prefer a low-fat option.
• Use an egg replacement to make these vegetarian bean burgers vegan.
• Use almond meal in place of breadcrumbs to keep these burgers gluten free.
• Use quinoa or any other grain in place of rice.
• Add a little hot sauce, or additional seasoning you like, to spice things up.

Kitchen Tools Used

These black bean burgers are simple to make requiring the most basic of kitchen tools. You’ll need a mixing bowl. I use stainless mixing bowls (affiliate link) like these available on Amazon all the time!

And a potato masher to smash the black beans, like this one from The Pampered Chef that I absolutely love and you can get on Amazon.

To cook the black bean burgers on the stovetop you’ll want a nice nonstick skillet, a fantastic investment when you’re cooking lighter and healthier!

How to Serve Black Bean Burgers

• Enjoy your cake alongside a fresh tomato salad.
• Eat it wrapped in a low carb flour tortilla.
• Serve it on top of a bed of greens.

Ways to Use Leftovers

• Make a Weight Watchers version of huevos rancheros. Top a plain black bean patty with eggs, cheese and salsa.
• Crumble a patty and add some to a slice of avocado toast.
• Top patty with taco meat, lettuce, tomato, and salsa for a healthy tostada.

If you’ve made these Vegetarian Black Bean Burgers, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Recipe source: Weight Watchers Fresh and Easy 20 Minute Meals (affiliate link)

More WW-Friendly Bean Recipes

If you like Homemade Black Bean Burgers, you may also like:

• A delicious alternative to black beans and rice, Cumin-Scented Black Beans and Quinoa is a healthy, protein-packed dish that works equally well as a side or main dish.
• Slow Cooker Caribbean Black Beans make a wonderful side dish, but can also be stuffed into burritos or used to top your nachos.
• With just 58 calories per serving, Black Bean Mango Salsa can be served with nacho chips but also makes a wonderfully tasty topping for turkey burgers.
• When you want all the flavors of nachos done lighter and healthier, Black Bean and Cheese Nachos are here for you with just 222 calories!
• Favorite Easy Healthy Bean Recipes for WW