These Chipotle Black Bean Sweet Potato Burgers are packed with flavor and a bit of spice! The black beans and sweet potatoes create a tasty, hearty combo that’s sure to please.
They are so easy to make—just mash, mix, and cook! I love to pile on the toppings and enjoy them with friends. Who doesn’t love a burger party? 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potato: This veggie adds sweetness and moisture. You can swap it for mashed butternut squash or pumpkin if you’re looking for a change in flavor or have some on hand.
Black Beans: The backbone of these burgers! If you don’t have them, kidney beans or pinto beans can work just fine. Canned variants save time, but you can also use cooked dried beans.
Lentils: These add extra texture. If you want to keep it simple, feel free to skip them. But if you’d like a bit more heartiness, quinoa or even finely chopped mushrooms would be great substitutes!
Chipotle Pepper: This ingredient brings the heat! If you want a milder taste, roasted red peppers or even a pinch of smoked paprika can work as an alternative.
Breadcrumbs: For binding, I recommend using plain or whole wheat breadcrumbs. If gluten-free is preferred, almond flour, ground oats, or gluten-free breadcrumbs are excellent choices.
How Do I Make Sure My Burgers Hold Together?
Getting the burger mixture to hold together perfectly is key for cooking! Here’s how to do it:
- After mashing your beans and sweet potato, mix everything well to ensure even distribution.
- Start with half the breadcrumbs and mix. You want the mixture to be moist but not sticky. If it’s too wet, slowly add more breadcrumbs until it can form a patty.
- Chill the mixture for a short time in the fridge if it feels too soft. This helps the ingredients come together, making it easier to shape.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfect patties that won’t fall apart during cooking! Enjoy your burger-making adventure!
Chipotle Black Bean Sweet Potato Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Burger Mixture:
- 1 medium sweet potato (about 1 cup mashed)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup cooked brown or green lentils (optional for extra texture)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle pepper can)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (more as needed)
For Cooking and Serving:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce or arugula leaves
- Pickled red onions or sliced tomatoes (optional)
- Chipotle mayo or your favorite sauce (to spread on buns)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 1 hour to prepare. It includes 50 minutes for roasting the sweet potato, and around 10-15 minutes for mixing, forming the patties, and cooking. A delicious meal is just around the corner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potato:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the medium sweet potato, pierce it a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape, and place it on a baking sheet. Roast it in the oven until tender, which will take about 45-50 minutes. When it’s cool enough to handle, peel it and mash it in a bowl.
2. Prepare the Black Beans:
In a large mixing bowl, take your drained and rinsed black beans, and mash them with a fork or potato masher. Leave a few chunks for texture—it makes the burger more interesting!
3. Mix Everything Together:
Now it’s time to add the goodness! Add the mashed sweet potato, cooked lentils (if you’re using them), chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the mashed black beans. Mix everything until it’s well combined.
4. Bind the Mixture:
Gradually stir in the breadcrumbs, mixing well until the mixture holds together and you can form patties. If it feels too wet, simply add a bit more breadcrumbs until you reach the right consistency.
5. Form the Patties:
Once mixed, form the mixture into four evenly sized patties. You can make them thick or thin, depending on your preference!
6. Cook the Patties:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re nicely browned and heated through.
7. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, lightly toast your burger buns in the oven or a toaster. Once they’re golden, spread some chipotle mayo on the bottom halves.
8. Assemble Your Burgers:
Now the fun part—building your burger! Place a warm patty on each mayo-covered bun. Add plenty of leafy lettuce or arugula, and layer on any extras like pickled red onions or sliced tomatoes. It’s all about personal taste!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, top off with the top bun and serve your delicious Chipotle Black Bean Sweet Potato Burgers warm. Dig in and enjoy your smoky, spicy creation!
Enjoy your delicious and hearty meal! 🌱🍔
Can I Use a Different Type of Bean?
Absolutely! If you don’t have black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans are great substitutes. They’ll provide a similar texture and flavor to your burgers!
What If I Can’t Find Chipotle Peppers?
No worries! You can use smoked paprika instead for a milder smokiness, or if you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
Can I Make These Burgers Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You can also use ground oats or almond flour for binding.
How Can I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or a skillet until warmed through. Enjoy them in a salad or as a repeat burger meal!
