These Chipotle Black Bean Sweet Potato Burgers are hearty and full of flavor! With spiced black beans and sweet potatoes, they’re sure to make your taste buds happy.
Plus, they’re super fun to make! I love getting my hands dirty while mixing everything together. Perfect for a tasty dinner or a backyard BBQ with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potato: This is the star of the burger! You can use any variety, but I prefer a large orange-fleshed sweet potato for its sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, canned sweet potato puree works great, but make sure it’s plain and unsweetened.
Black Beans: These beans add protein and texture. If you’re short on time, canned black beans are super convenient. You can also swap them for pinto beans or chickpeas, depending on what you have on hand.
Chipotle Pepper: This ingredient gives a nice smoky flavor. If chipotle isn’t available, use smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce in its place. For those who prefer less spice, try using just a bit of the adobo sauce instead.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the burger together. You can use regular or gluten-free varieties, or even oats for a healthier option. Just be sure to pulse them a bit to get the right texture!
How Do I Ensure My Burgers Hold Together Well?
Keeping your burgers from falling apart is key! After mashing your sweet potato and beans, watch the moisture level closely. If your mixture seems too wet, gradually mix in extra breadcrumbs until it holds together. Try forming a small patty first to check the consistency!
- Make sure to mash the beans partially for the right texture; some lumps are fine.
- Let the mixed ingredients sit for a few minutes before forming patties. This helps them bind together.
- Be gentle when flipping the burgers in the pan or on the grill to avoid breakage.
How to Make Chipotle Black Bean Sweet Potato Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger:
- 1 large sweet potato (about 1 cup mashed)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced (plus 1 teaspoon adobo sauce)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 sandwich buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Sliced red onion
- Sliced avocado
- Black beans (optional, for topping)
For the Chipotle Mayo:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or vegan mayo
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to cook, giving you a total time of around 35-40 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Sweet Potato:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take your sweet potato and prick it several times with a fork. This helps it cook evenly. Bake for 40-50 minutes until it’s very tender. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it for about 8-10 minutes, turning it halfway through.
2. Mash the Sweet Potato:
Once the sweet potato is cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and place it in a large bowl. Mash it well so it’s nice and smooth.
3. Cook the Onion and Garlic:
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Once done, transfer this mixture to your bowl with the mashed sweet potato.
4. Mix in the Black Beans:
Add the drained and rinsed black beans to the sweet potato mixture. Using a fork or a potato masher, mash some of the beans, leaving some whole for texture.
5. Combine the Flavors:
Now, stir in the minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, chopped cilantro, breadcrumbs, and salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the mixture holds together well. If it feels too wet, just add a bit more breadcrumbs until it’s right.
6. Shape the Patties:
Form the mixture into 4 evenly sized burger patties. Make sure they’re not too thick so they cook through easily!
7. Cook the Patties:
Heat a bit more olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned and heated all the way through. You can also grill them for a smoky flavor!
8. Make the Chipotle Mayo:
In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lime juice, minced chipotle pepper, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. This will be your delicious sauce!
9. Assemble Your Burgers:
Spread the chipotle mayo on the bottom half of each bun. Then add a leaf of lettuce, the sweet potato black bean patty, a slice of tomato, some rings of red onion, optional black beans, and slices of avocado. Top with the other half of the bun.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Chipotle Black Bean Sweet Potato Burgers are ready to serve! Pair them with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy the smoky, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Sweet Potatoes for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! If using frozen sweet potatoes, make sure they are thawed and fully cooked before mashing. Simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
What Can I Substitute for Black Beans?
If you don’t have black beans on hand, feel free to substitute them with pinto beans, chickpeas, or even lentils. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture but will still work beautifully in this recipe!
Can I Make the Patties Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the patties in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just make sure to cover them tightly. When you’re ready to cook, simply heat a skillet and go from there!
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
Any leftover burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through, again topping with fresh ingredients like avocado to keep them delicious!