This Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger is hearty, cozy, and totally satisfying—no meat needed. You get a lightly crisp outside, a tender inside, and big flavor from spices and garlic. It’s perfect for weeknights, cookouts, or meal prep lunches.
Introduction
If you’ve ever made veggie burgers that fall apart, this Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger will make you feel like a kitchen pro. The secret is using mashed sweet potato plus a little binder so the burgers hold together and cook up beautifully.
These are a fan-favorite at potlucks, and I always get asked for the recipe. You can pan-cook them for a quick easy weeknight dinner, or bake them for hands-off comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger
- Hearty and satisfying: Sweet potato and beans make these filling and cozy.
- Holds together well: The mix is sturdy so your burger doesn’t crumble.
- Great for meal prep: Make a batch and reheat for quick lunches.
- Family-friendly: Mild, savory flavor that works with any toppings.
- Flexible cooking: Pan-cook or bake—both work.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger

Base
- Sweet potato (1 large, about 12–14 oz): Adds sweetness and helps bind the burger.
- Shortcut: Use canned sweet potato puree (unsweetened) if you can find it.
- Black beans, drained and rinsed (1 can, 15 oz): Adds protein and a hearty bite.
- Swap: Pinto beans.
Flavor
- Onion, finely chopped (1/3 cup): Adds savory depth.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Big flavor in a small amount.
- Chili powder (1 tsp): Warm spice without being too hot.
- Cumin (1/2 tsp): Gives that “burger” savory vibe.
- Salt (3/4 tsp) + black pepper (1/2 tsp): Balances everything.
Binders
- Eggs (1): Helps the burgers hold together.
- Swap: Liquid egg substitute (1/4 cup).
- Bread crumbs (1/2 cup): Soaks up moisture so the burger cooks up firm.
- Swap: Crushed crackers or gluten-free bread crumbs.
For Serving
- Buns, lettuce, tomato, pickles, sliced onion, and your favorite sauce.
How to Make Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger

- 1. Cook the sweet potato until very soft. Microwave 6–8 minutes (turning once), or bake at 425°F for 45–55 minutes. Scoop out and mash until smooth.
- 2. Mash black beans in a bowl until mostly broken down but still a little chunky. Stir in onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Mix in mashed sweet potato, egg, and bread crumbs until the mixture holds together when pressed. If it feels too wet, add 1–2 tbsp more bread crumbs.
- 4. Shape into 4–6 burgers and chill for 10 minutes if you have time. That little rest helps them firm up (and makes cooking easier).
- 5. Cook in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side, until browned and hot through. If they brown too fast, lower the heat slightly.
- 6. Assemble on buns with your favorite toppings and sauces.
Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger
- Cook sweet potato until very soft: It blends smoother and binds better.
- Keep some bean texture: A little chunkiness makes a better bite.
- Chill before cooking: Even 10 minutes helps burgers hold shape.
- Use medium heat: Too hot can brown the outside before the inside sets.
- Flip gently: Use a thin spatula and let the first side brown well before turning.
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy version: Add diced jalapeño or hot sauce to the mix.
- Smoky twist: Add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and buns.
- Extra savory: Add 2 tbsp grated Parmesan-style topping for richer flavor.
- Leftover idea: Crumble cooked burgers into tacos or burrito bowls.
Make-Ahead & Freezing
Store cooked burgers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 375°F until hot.
To freeze, place uncooked shaped burgers on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen on medium-low heat, a bit longer per side, until hot through.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with baked fries, roasted veggies, or a crunchy slaw.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a lighter weeknight dinner.
- Add avocado, spicy mayo, or BBQ sauce for a fun flavor twist.
- Great for meal prep lunches with extra toppings packed separately.
Reader Review: “Finally a veggie burger that doesn’t fall apart! The sweet potato makes it so good and the texture is perfect.”
If you make this Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger, leave a rating and a comment—what toppings did you go with: pickles and mustard, or spicy sauce and avocado?

Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger (Best Ever, Easy, Hearty)
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- Author: Donald Anderson
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These sweet potato black bean burgers are the best ever—easy to make, full of flavor, and hearty enough to satisfy any appetite. Perfect for grilling or pan-frying!
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers:
1 medium sweet potato (about 1 cup, peeled and mashed)
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and mashed
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For serving:
4 burger buns
Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and your favorite burger toppings
Optional: Vegan mayo, mustard, or avocado slices
Instructions
Prepare the sweet potato. Peel and chop the sweet potato into chunks. Boil or steam until soft, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and mash the sweet potato.
Mash the black beans. In a large mixing bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly broken down but still a bit chunky.
Combine the ingredients. Add the mashed sweet potato to the black beans, then mix in breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs to help it hold together.
Form the patties. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties, about 1/2-inch thick.
Cook the burgers. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. You can also bake the patties at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Assemble the burgers. Toast the buns (optional). Place a patty on each bun and top with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and any other toppings of your choice. Add sauces like vegan mayo or mustard if desired.
You said:
P. Card Creator (Recipe) said:
Done — I created 5 separate recipe card text files (including two different Lemon Cupcakes versions) in the canvas:
RECIPE_CARD – Lemon Elderflower Cake
RECIPE_CARD – Vanilla Naked Cake
RECIPE_CARD – Chantilly Cake (Berry Cake)
RECIPE_CARD – Lemon Cupcakes (Classic)
RECIPE_CARD – Lemon Cupcakes (Lemon Poppy Seed)
You said:
P. Card Creator (Recipe) said:
Created a new file: RECIPE_CARD – Vanilla Bean Cupcakes.
You said:
P. Card Creator (Recipe) said:
Created 5 new recipe card files:
RECIPE_CARD – Angel Food Cake
RECIPE_CARD – Vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme
RECIPE_CARD – Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
RECIPE_CARD – Black Bean Burgers
RECIPE_CARD – General Tso’s Cauliflower
You said:
P. Card Creator (Recipe) said:
Created 5 new (fresh) recipe card files for the repeated list:
RECIPE_CARD – Angel Food Cake (Lemon)
RECIPE_CARD – Vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme (Sweet Potato)
RECIPE_CARD – Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos (Air Fryer)
RECIPE_CARD – Black Bean Burgers (Chipotle)
RECIPE_CARD – General Tso’s Cauliflower (Air Fryer)
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P. Card Creator (Recipe) said:
Created 5 new recipe card files:
RECIPE_CARD – Spicy Potato Soft Tacos (Copycat)
RECIPE_CARD – Chipotle Sofritas Copycat
RECIPE_CARD – Crispy Falafel
RECIPE_CARD – Bang Bang Cauliflower
RECIPE_CARD – Cauliflower Wings (Buffalo)
You said:
P. Card Creator (Recipe) said:
Created 5 new recipe card files:
RECIPE_CARD – Vegetarian Swedish Meatballs
RECIPE_CARD – Portobello Mushroom Burgers
RECIPE_CARD – BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
RECIPE_CARD – Vegan Mac and Cheese
RECIPE_CARD – Loaded Veggie Nachos
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It looks like the tool I was using is currently unavailable. Let me know if you’d like me to help with something else or if you’d like to revisit the recipes!
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P. Card Creator (Recipe) said:
I currently don’t have the ability to generate downloadable files directly, but you can easily copy the recipe below into a text editor and save it as a .txt file on your device:
Avocado Egg Rolls (Copycat) Recipe
SEO keyword: avocado egg rolls
These crispy avocado egg rolls are stuffed with creamy avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, and green onions, then fried until golden and served with a tangy dipping sauce.
Recipe Card
Recipe name: Avocado Egg Rolls (Copycat)
Description: This copycat recipe for avocado egg rolls features creamy avocado with sun-dried tomatoes and green onions, wrapped in a crispy shell and served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Avocado Egg Rolls:
4 ripe avocados, peeled and mashed
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
8 egg roll wrappers
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Dipping Sauce:
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions:
Prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine mashed avocados, sun-dried tomatoes, green onions, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Roll. Place about 2 tablespoons of the avocado mixture in the center of each egg roll wrapper. Fold in the sides and roll tightly, sealing the edges with a little water.
Heat oil. Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
Fry. Fry the egg rolls for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Make dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice.
Serve. Drain egg rolls on paper towels and serve with the dipping sauce.
Notes:
Keep them crispy: Serve immediately for the best crunch.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the avocado mixture.
Tools: Frying pan, small bowl for sauce, tongs.
Estimated nutrition (per egg roll, 1 of 8):
~250 calories
18g fat
18g carbs
2g protein (estimate)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6 minutes
Total time: 16 minutes
Yield: 8 egg rolls
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American-inspired
Diet: Vegetarian
Just copy and paste this into your preferred text editor (e.g., Notepad, TextEdit), and then save it as “Avocado_Egg_Rolls_Recipe.txt.” Let me know if you need more help!
You said:
P. Card Creator (Recipe) said:
Here’s the recipe for Crispy Tofu Nuggets. You can copy it into a text editor and save it as a .txt file:
Crispy Tofu Nuggets Recipe
SEO keyword: crispy tofu nuggets
These crispy tofu nuggets are golden, crunchy, and perfect for dipping—ideal for a vegan snack, appetizer, or even a main dish.
Recipe Card
Recipe name: Crispy Tofu Nuggets
Description: These crispy tofu nuggets are battered and baked until golden brown, creating the perfect crunchy texture. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible vegan snack.
Ingredients
For the Tofu Nuggets:
1 block extra-firm tofu (14 ounces), drained and pressed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk (like almond or oat milk)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
For the Dipping Sauce (optional):
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon sriracha (optional for spice)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon maple syrup
Instructions:
Prep the tofu. Cut tofu into bite-sized nugget pieces, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches each. Place the tofu pieces on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess moisture.
Prepare the flour mixture. In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Prepare the wet mixture. In another bowl, pour the plant milk.
Prepare the breadcrumbs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Coat the tofu. Dip each tofu piece into the flour mixture, then into the plant milk, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. Ensure the tofu is fully covered with breadcrumbs.
Bake. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated tofu pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly brush the tofu with olive oil. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tofu is golden and crispy on all sides.
Make the dipping sauce. While the tofu bakes, combine ketchup, sriracha (if using), soy sauce, and maple syrup in a small bowl.
Serve. Once the tofu nuggets are done baking, serve them hot with your dipping sauce.
Notes:
For extra crunch: You can double-coat the tofu by repeating the flour, milk, and breadcrumb steps.
Air fryer option: Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Make-ahead: You can prep the tofu nuggets and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
Vegan option: This recipe is already vegan-friendly!
Estimated nutrition (per 4 nuggets):
~180 calories
10g fat
20g carbs
8g protein (estimate)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Snack/Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Vegan
Diet: Vegan
Just copy and paste this into your preferred text editor (e.g., Notepad, TextEdit), and save it as “Crispy_Tofu_Nuggets_Recipe.txt.”
Let me know if you need further help!
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P. Card Creator (Recipe) said:
Here’s the recipe for Vegetable Lo Mein. You can copy and paste it into a text editor to save it as a .txt file:
Vegetable Lo Mein Recipe
SEO keyword: vegetable lo mein
This vegetable lo mein is a flavorful and quick stir-fry featuring tender noodles, fresh veggies, and a savory soy-based sauce—perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Recipe Card
Recipe name: Vegetable Lo Mein
Description: A simple and tasty vegetable lo mein made with vibrant vegetables, savory sauce, and stir-fried noodles. This dish is vegan, customizable, and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
For the Lo Mein:
8 ounces lo mein or spaghetti noodles
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium carrot, julienned
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button mushrooms)
1/2 cup snap peas or snow peas
1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced)
1/2 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha (optional for heat)
Instructions:
Cook the noodles. Cook the lo mein noodles (or spaghetti) according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, ginger, and chili paste (if using). Set aside.
Stir-fry the vegetables. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the vegetables. Add bell pepper, carrot, broccoli, mushrooms, and peas. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Combine with noodles. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss everything to combine, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes:
Protein option: Add tofu, tempeh, or edamame for extra protein.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Customize veggies: Feel free to swap in other veggies like cabbage, zucchini, or bok choy based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Estimated nutrition (per serving, 1 of 4):
~350 calories
12g fat
50g carbs
10g protein (estimate)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main
Method: Stir-fry
Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
Diet: Vegan
To save it as a .txt file, copy and paste this recipe into a text editor (e.g., Notepad or TextEdit) and save it with your desired name. Let me know if you’d like more assistance!
You said:
P. Card Creator (Recipe) said:
Here’s the recipe for Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger (Best Ever, Easy, Hearty). You can copy and paste it into a text editor and save it as a .txt file:
Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger (Best Ever, Easy, Hearty) Recipe
SEO keyword: sweet potato black bean burger
This sweet potato black bean burger is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make—packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and a touch of sweetness for a satisfying vegan meal.
Recipe Card
Recipe name: Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger (Best Ever, Easy, Hearty)
Description: These sweet potato black bean burgers are the best ever—easy to make, full of flavor, and hearty enough to satisfy any appetite. Perfect for grilling or pan-frying!
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers:
1 medium sweet potato (about 1 cup, peeled and mashed)
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and mashed
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For serving:
4 burger buns
Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and your favorite burger toppings
Optional: Vegan mayo, mustard, or avocado slices
Instructions:
Prepare the sweet potato. Peel and chop the sweet potato into chunks. Boil or steam until soft, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and mash the sweet potato.
Mash the black beans. In a large mixing bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly broken down but still a bit chunky.
Combine the ingredients. Add the mashed sweet potato to the black beans, then mix in breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs to help it hold together.
Form the patties. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties, about 1/2-inch thick.
Cook the burgers. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. You can also bake the patties at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Assemble the burgers. Toast the buns (optional). Place a patty on each bun and top with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and any other toppings of your choice. Add sauces like vegan mayo or mustard if desired.
Serve. Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty sweet potato black bean burger!
Notes
Freezer-friendly: Freeze uncooked patties on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes per side.
Spicy option: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns.
Air fryer option: Cook patties in the air fryer at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop or Baking
- Cuisine: American
