This delicious and hearty smash burger recipe is perfect for those looking for a satisfying plant-based meal. The combination of black beans and breadcrumbs creates a flavorful and crispy patty that pairs wonderfully with fresh lettuce, tomato, and pickles on a vegan burger bun.
If you don't usually cook with black beans, you can find them in the canned goods section of your supermarket. Breadcrumbs are typically located in the baking aisle. Make sure to grab smoked paprika from the spice section if you don't already have it at home, as it adds a unique smoky flavor to the patties.

Ingredients For Smash Burgers Recipe
Black beans: These provide the base for the patties, offering a rich source of protein and fiber.
Breadcrumbs: Used to bind the mixture together and give the patties a nice texture.
Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps to cook the patties to a crispy finish.
Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor with a subtle garlic taste.
Onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor to the patties.
Smoked paprika: Provides a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that elevates the taste of the patties.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the recipe.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor.
Vegan burger buns: The perfect vessel for your patties, ensuring the meal is entirely plant-based.
Lettuce: Adds a fresh, crisp texture to the burger.
Tomato: Provides juiciness and a slight tang to balance the flavors.
Pickles: Adds a tangy crunch that complements the other ingredients.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When forming the patties, make sure to press them firmly to ensure they hold together during cooking. If the mixture feels too dry, add a small amount of water or vegetable broth to help bind the ingredients. This will create a better texture and prevent the patties from falling apart in the skillet.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
black beans - Substitute with lentils: Lentils have a similar texture and protein content, making them a great alternative for a hearty burger patty.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with oats: Oats can be ground into a coarse flour and used to bind the burger mixture, adding a slightly nutty flavor.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in cooking.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Fresh onions add a bit of texture and a more robust flavor to the burger mixture.
smoked paprika - Substitute with chipotle powder: Chipotle powder adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor, similar to smoked paprika.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can help bind the ingredients together.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and enhances the overall flavor profile of the burger.
vegan burger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps provide a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional burger buns.
lettuce - Substitute with spinach: Spinach offers a nutrient-dense and slightly different texture for the burger.
tomato - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor, complementing the other ingredients.
pickles - Substitute with sauerkraut: Sauerkraut provides a tangy and crunchy element, similar to pickles, but with added probiotics.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This
How to Store or Freeze Your Vegan Smash Burgers
- Allow the black bean patties to cool completely at room temperature before storing.
- Place the cooled patties in an airtight container, separating each patty with a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Freeze the patties for up to 3 months.
- When ready to use, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and crispy.
- Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve on vegan burger buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, and your favorite condiments.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover smash burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the smash burgers in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are warmed through and have regained their crispy texture.
For a quick and easy method, use the microwave. Place the smash burgers on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the smash burgers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.
For a smoky flavor, reheat the smash burgers on a grill. Preheat your grill to medium heat and place the burgers on the grates. Grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and have grill marks.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large bowl: Used to combine and mix the mashed black beans, breadcrumbs, olive oil, and spices.
Skillet: Used to cook the patties until they are crispy and golden brown.
Spatula: Used to press down the balls into patties and to flip them while cooking.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the black beans and breadcrumbs accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Can opener: If using canned black beans, this tool is necessary to open the can.
Fork or potato masher: Used to mash the black beans into a smooth consistency.
Cutting board: Used to prepare the lettuce, tomato, and pickles for serving.
Knife: Used to slice the tomato and other toppings.
Plate: Used to serve the assembled burgers.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix spices and breadcrumbs ahead of time to streamline the process.
Use a food processor: Quickly mash black beans and combine ingredients using a food processor.
Preheat the skillet: Ensure the skillet is hot before cooking to reduce overall cooking time.
Shape patties ahead: Form patties and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
Use pre-sliced veggies: Buy pre-sliced lettuce, tomato, and pickles to save prep time.

Smash Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Black beans cooked and mashed
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 4 Burger buns vegan
- as needed Lettuce, tomato, pickles for serving
Instructions
- 1. In a large bowl, combine mashed black beans, breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- 2. Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts and shape them into balls.
- 3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil.
- 4. Place the balls in the skillet and press down with a spatula to flatten them into patties.
- 5. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden brown.
- 6. Serve on vegan burger buns with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and your favorite condiments.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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