The Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger with Quinoa Recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone craving a hearty, nutritious, and utterly delicious plant-based burger. Combining the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with the earthiness of black beans and the satisfying bite of quinoa, this burger packs vibrant flavors and textures into every wholesome bite. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of colors, spices, and wholesome ingredients that come together to create a burger experience you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an essential role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and nutrition in your Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger with Quinoa Recipe. From the creamy sweetness of sweet potatoes to the hearty body quinoa and spices that elevate the flavor, every component is thoughtfully chosen to make this burger truly special.
- Sweet potatoes (1 lb, peeled and cubed): The natural sweetness and moisture base for the patties.
- Quinoa (½ cup, rinsed): Adds protein and a lovely nutty texture.
- Vegetable broth (1 cup): A flavorful liquid to cook the quinoa and sweet potatoes.
- Cumin (1 ½ tsp): Provides a warm, earthy depth to the spice mix.
- Paprika (¾ tsp): Adds subtle smokiness and color.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Boosts savory notes effortlessly.
- Cayenne pepper (¼ tsp): Just a hint of heat to brighten the flavor.
- Salt (1 ½ tsp) and pepper (¼ tsp): Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Black beans (1 can, 15.5 oz, rinsed and drained): Provides heartiness and a creamy binding element.
- Oats (1 cup, quick or old-fashioned): Pulsed into coarse oat flour, they add structure and fiber.
- Sweet onion (½ cup, finely diced): Adds a subtle crunch and mellow sweetness.
- Cilantro (¼ cup, finely chopped): Offers a fresh, vibrant herbaceous note.
- Olive oil (2 Tbsp): Used for cooking and adding richness.
- Hamburger buns (gluten-free*): The perfect vessel to enjoy your patties, gluten-free if preferred.
- Optional toppings (avocado, guacamole, tomato, onion): These take your burger to the next level with creaminess, freshness, and zing.
How to Make Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger with Quinoa Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes and Quinoa
Begin by placing your peeled and cubed sweet potatoes along with rinsed quinoa into a medium-sized pot. Add the vegetable broth or water, cover with a lid, and bring everything to a boil. Then lower the heat, letting it simmer gently for about 22 to 25 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork tender and the quinoa is perfectly cooked. This foundational step creates the soft, tender base of your burger that carries all the flavors forward.
Step 2: Prepare the Spice Mix
While your sweet potatoes and quinoa are cooking, whisk together cumin, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This blend infuses the patties with warmth and a subtle kick, making every bite memorable but never overpowering.
Step 3: Make Coarse Oat Flour
Place the oats into a high-speed blender or food processor and pulse them 3 to 4 times until you achieve a coarse oat flour. This step is key because it adds the right amount of binding and texture, ensuring your patties hold together beautifully without becoming dense.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Once your sweet potatoes and quinoa are cooked and cooled slightly, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the black beans, coarse oat flour, diced onion, cilantro, and the prepared spice mix. Mix everything thoroughly, using your hands if needed—it’s the best way to ensure everything is evenly combined and you get that tactile sense of the perfect burger mixture.
Step 5: Form the Patties
Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a round disc about an inch thick. Taking your time here means your patties will cook evenly and have a lovely, hand-crafted appearance that makes the meal feel all the more special.
Step 6: Cook Your Burgers (Choose Your Method)
Stovetop: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange patties in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, lightly brush patties with olive oil, then bake for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through, to achieve a tender yet crispy texture.
Grill: Heat your grill to medium, spray with non-stick cooking spray, and grill the patties for 5 to 6 minutes per side. This method adds a beautiful smoky char that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger with Quinoa Recipe
Garnishes
Avocado or creamy guacamole is a dream pairing, adding luscious creaminess that balances the spices perfectly. Thin slices of fresh tomato and onion bring bright, crisp freshness that refreshes the palate with every bite. Experiment with your favorite burger toppings—lettuce, pickles, or a drizzle of your favorite sauce can also elevate the experience immensely.
Side Dishes
These burgers pair wonderfully with simple sides that don’t compete for attention. Think sweet potato fries, a crisp garden salad, or roasted vegetables. For a heartier option, a quinoa salad with citrus dressing complements the earthy flavors and keeps the meal wholesome and filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Add some fun by serving these patties open-faced on large lettuce leaves for a low-carb twist. Or assemble mini sliders for appetizer-style servings at your next gathering. Wrapping them in warm tortillas with fresh salsa and avocado creates a unique taco-inspired meal that’s perfect for casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, allow the Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger with Quinoa Recipe patties to cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes for an easy grab-and-go lunch or quick dinner option during your busy week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these burgers well in advance, they freeze beautifully. Place uncooked patties on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep fresh for up to three months. For cooked burgers, cool and freeze similarly, making reheating effortless.
Reheating
Reheat your patties gently either in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through—this method preserves that lovely crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep your burgers from becoming soggy or losing their delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute quinoa with another grain?
Absolutely! Millet or bulgur wheat can be good alternatives, but quinoa offers a unique texture and protein boost that makes these burgers especially satisfying.
Are these burgers gluten-free?
The patties themselves are gluten-free if you use gluten-free oats and buns. Always double-check the packaging if you have gluten sensitivities to be safe.
How spicy is the Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger with Quinoa Recipe?
The cayenne pepper adds just a mild, warming hint of spice that complements the other flavors without overwhelming them—adjust the amount if you prefer milder or spicier patties.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan, so it fits perfectly into plant-based diets without any tweaks needed.
What’s the best way to keep the patties from falling apart?
Using oats pulsed into coarse flour and properly mashing the black beans helps bind everything together. Also, letting the mixture cool before shaping makes it easier to handle.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about crafting homemade burgers that celebrate wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors, and the Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger with Quinoa Recipe does just that beautifully. Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based eater or just looking for a new way to enjoy veggies, these burgers will win your heart with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and make them your new go-to for nutritious, delicious meals!
Print
Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger with Quinoa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and nutritious Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers made with quinoa, oats, and flavorful spices. These gluten-free, vegetarian burgers are perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal and can be cooked on the stovetop, in the oven, or grilled to perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
- ½ cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup oats (quick or old-fashioned, gluten-free)
- ½ cup sweet onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped
- Hamburger buns (gluten-free*)
- Avocado or guacamole (optional)
- Tomato, thinly sliced (optional)
- Onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 ½ tsp. cumin
- ¾ tsp. paprika
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
Cooking Oil
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
Instructions
- Cook Sweet Potatoes and Quinoa: In a medium-sized pot, combine the peeled sweet potatoes, rinsed quinoa, and vegetable broth. Cover the pot with a lid and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 22-25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are fork tender.
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, whisk together cumin, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Make Coarse Oat Flour: Pulse the oats in a high-speed blender 3-4 times to achieve a coarse oat flour consistency.
- Combine Burger Mixture: Once the sweet potatoes and quinoa are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Add the rinsed black beans, coarse oat flour, finely diced onion, chopped cilantro, and the seasoning mix. Mix everything until well combined; using your hands can help form the mixture evenly.
- Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each into a round patty approximately 1 inch thick.
- Cook Patties – Stovetop Method: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place patties in a single layer; cook in batches if needed. Cook each patty for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through.
- Cook Patties – Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush each patty with 1 teaspoon olive oil and place them in a single layer on the sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy on the outside.
- Cook Patties – Grill Method: Preheat the grill to medium heat and let it heat fully for at least 10 minutes. Spray grill grates lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Grill patties for 5-6 minutes per side until grill marks appear and the patties are heated through.
- Serve: Place the cooked sweet potato black bean burgers on gluten-free hamburger buns. Add avocado or guacamole, tomato slices, and onion slices as desired. Enjoy your healthy and flavorful burger!
Notes
- Use gluten-free oats to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- You can substitute water for vegetable broth if preferred.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice preference or omit for milder flavor.
- These patties firm up more after chilling; for best results, refrigerate patties for 30 minutes before cooking if time permits.
- These burgers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them good for meal prep.
- Freeze uncooked patties for up to 1 month; thaw before cooking.
- Serve with your choice of toppings and gluten-free buns for a complete meal.
