This Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burger makes a delicious alternative to your usual beef burgers. Packed with healthy ingredients, these burgers have a scrumptious flavor without the added grease. If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to your usual burger night, this recipe will leave your family pleasantly surprised and satisfied.
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Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burger
I have tried to write this recipe up approximately 337 times this week, but literally, every time I sit down with the computer, the youngest starts crying like a banshee. I could try to ignore it, but then the other one will wake up and I will have two howling banshees, which let's face it, is even less fun than one!
I'm not gunna lie, this recipe does take a wee bit of time, but most of that is oven time; not actually requiring any effort on your part - bonus! It was super popular with both my kids and my beef burger loving husband, and I was able to cram a helluva lot of veggies in there, which is a big win when you have small kids.
This recipe is:
- vegetarian (vegan options provided below),
- gluten free if using nut meals,
- easily made allergy-friendly by subbing in regular flour and vegan feta,
- freezer friendly
- easily meal prepped in advance
How To Make These The Perfect Uniform Shape So They Cook At The Same Time.
Use a measuring cup lined with cling wrap to make perfect little circle patties. I used 1/3 cup sizes for the adults burgers and 1/4 cup sizes for the kids as my two year old tends to eat more if they are mini versions. We also have to shout encouragement in the form of 'it's the smallest burrrrrrger in the world'. That may or may not work for you...I make no promises!
What Ingredients Are Needed For The Perfect Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burger?
We fit A LOT of veggies into these burgers. You will need:
- Sweet potatoes
- avocado oil
- cinnamon
- spinach
- black beans
- vegan feta cheese
- cilantro
- salt, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika
- and almond meal.
You can substitute the almond meal for any other nut flour, oat flour or even regular old flour depending on what you have on hand.
Make Your Own Almond Meal
To make your own almond meal, or any other nut meal, you don’t have to make a special trip to the grocery store. Simply place some almonds in a food processor and pulse them until finely chopped.
It should resemble a slightly course flour.
Can Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger Be Fried Instead Of Baked?
You could fry them but I found it easier to get them to hold together with baking. Plus it means you don't have to stand over the stove and watch them - just pop them in the oven and let the timer do the work for you.
More time for chocolate sneaking chores or other fun stuff.
They also work well in the air-fryer if you have one. You may have to work in batches though depending on the size of your machine. We have an extra large machine and it took about 20 minutes of cooking time to do the whole batch at once.
Can These Burgers Be Frozen?
This recipe is great for freezing and eating later. Simply place in a airtight container in the freezer. If you would like to keep it in the fridge, it will keep for a few days in an airtight container.
Can These Be Made Vegan?
Without the feta cheese these burgers would be vegan. Simply omit the cheese or substitute it for some vegan feta cheese (some vegan cheese around these days are amazing!).
Serving Suggestions
We like to serve a freshly cooked sweet potato and black bean burger with some lettuce, tomato, mayo, red onion and lots of avocado on some fresh seeded buns.
They are just as good wrapped in some lettuce leaves if you want to keep things lower on the carb side of things. I popped some cold into wraps the next day for lunch as well which worked great.
I promise that even the most staunch beef burger advocate will be surprised at how tasty these burgers are, especially when fully loaded in a delicious bun. They pack a delicious flavor and make for a hearty and healthy dinner.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burger
Ingredients
- 2 cups cubed sweet potatoes
- 2 tbsp plus 2 tsp avocado oil, divided (or cooking oil of choice)
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch salt
- 1/2 red onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups baby spinach,
- 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped
- 1/2 cup almond meal See notes
Instructions
- Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Place the cubed sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tsp avocado oil. Sprinkle with cinnamon and a pinch of salt and toss to coat. Roast the sweet potatoes for 25 minutes, turning once halfway through the cooking time, until tender and lightly browned. Reduce oven to 375 degrees.
- Heat a tbsp of avocado oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. When hot, add the onion and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Add the cumin and paprika and cook for one more minute until the spices are nice and toasty. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a food processor and set aside
- In the same saucepan, heat the remaining tbsp avocado oil over medium heat. When hot, add the chopped spinach and a pinch of salt and cook for 4-5 minutes until wilted and tender. Transfer to the food processor bowl with the onions. Pulse for a couple of seconds until well combined but not a paste
- Add the roasted sweet potatoes and black beans to a large bowl. Mash until the end result is quite smooth but still with some chunks. Add in the feta cheese, cilantro, onion mixture and almond meal. Stir to combine.
- Line a 1/3 cup measuring cup with plastic wrap and a baking tray with parchment paper. Fill the lined measuring cup with the sweet potato mixture and push down lightly to ensure the burger will stay together. Lift out and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Pop the burgers in the oven for about 35 mins, flipping after 20 mins to ensure even cooking.
- Serve on fresh bread, buns or lettuce leaves with sliced avocado, mayo, red onion and tomatoes.
Notes
Nutrition
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If you liked this recipe, here are a few other dinner recipes you’re sure to love!
- Vegan Tomato Cream Sauce with Pasta
- One Pan Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Butter Veggies
- Instant Pot Lemongrass Beef Brisket Noodle Soup Salad Bowl
- Air Fryer Paleo Meatloaf Sliders
- Vegetarian Sausage Rolls
If you tried this recipe please comment and rate it. I love hearing your feedback and answering your questions! And if you make this please tag me on Instagram with @wholefoodbellies so I can share it <3
Gladys says
Black coloured food like black bean is used in TCM food medicine to support kidney health. And such a good recipe to incorporate more vegan into diet. Thanks for the recipe.
Stephanie says
These look fantastic!
Do you think these could be made with frozen spinach?
Donna says
Yes definitely!
Sara @ Life's Little Sweets says
This really looks incredible! Pinning this one!
swayam says
These sound just perfect for meatless mondays!! I make something similar with black beans too..and us it a wrap in tiny little rotis..The flavours here sound sinfully good!
Kristin C says
These look really yummy. My hubby and I are both carnivoures ( :p ) so I think it would be hard to get us to go to a veggie burger, but they look good and I would be willing to try them for sure....not so sure about the hubby though 😉
ps- I love your writing voice. You are adorable with your chocolate...I mean housework 😉
Kristin// The Peculiar Treasure
athisfeetdaily.blogspot.com
Whole Food Bellies says
Haha Kristin, thank you! My husband usually needs some convincing too 🙂 He liked this version better than the beef burger he had the same day I made these...so you never know!!
Sam says
Yum that looks delicious, and healthy, might have to trick the husband into eating these without disclosing the ingredients. Thanks for sharing.
Whole Food Bellies says
Thanks Sam! Tip: don't tell him you are having 'burgers' for dinner...the look of sheer disappointment when he realises they are veggie burgers may break your heart! Full disclosure is best when it comes to men and their burgers - just soften the blow by serving it with a nice cold beer 🙂
[email protected] says
These look delicious, I love black beans!
Whole Food Bellies says
Thanks Ashley 🙂
Kat from curlsnchard.com says
This sounds like such a perfect sandwich (or burger)! I love sweet potatoes and I love black beans, so the perfect combination for me 🙂
Whole Food Bellies says
Yeah you definitely can't go wrong with sweet potatoes and black beans 🙂
Lisa B. says
This looks really good! My husband would love this. We aren't vegans but we are trying to modify our diets and eat more "green". Thank you so much for sharing!
Whole Food Bellies says
We aren't vegans either, I try to make vegetarian/vegan meals about 4-5 times a week but there's no way my husband would commit to 100% 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Crystal says
So yum! Wonder if I can get my husband to agree to try these. They look delicious!
Whole Food Bellies says
Haha Crystal I know what you mean! My husband likes his beef burgers 🙂 In saying that, he had a 'proper' burger for lunch the day I made these and actually said he preferred this veggie version, so you never know!
Shonda says
Thank you, Donna. I think I have just found what I am eating for lunch today. Almost time to fill the belly and I had no idea what to choose. I cannot get enough of sweet potato and a black bean burger is always delicious.
Whole Food Bellies says
So glad I could help Shonda 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
Making these - pinning for later! I have so many sweet potatoes and I love veggie burgers!!!
Whole Food Bellies says
Thanks for stopping by Sam 🙂 Veggie burgers are the best!
brittany says
These look delicious! I must make!
Whole Food Bellies says
I hope you do Brittany!
Annie @ Annie's Noms says
Oh, how delicious! I'm on such a sweet potato kick at the moment and I can't even imagine how good these burgers taste with all of the other flavours going on, these definitely need to be made!
Whole Food Bellies says
Haha they do indeed Annie 🙂