I’m not a vegetarian but there are some times when I crave a good veggie burger. In fact, I have a top 3 list of veggie or black bean burgers that I keep running back to, a couple from places known for their beefy dishes - the house-made veggie burger at Houston’s and the veggie burger at Grindhouse Killer Burgers. They are flavorful, hearty and complex. I never wish I’d ordered something different when I get the veggie burgers here. Delicious! (NOTE: There is NOTHING bad at Houston’s...ever! And I’ve had beef burgers and other items at Grindhouse and was NEVER disappointed...some of the best burgers around.)
My other fave is at PB&G at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World®. This one is extra special for me. We travel here once a year just for the experience of the resort. We don’t even go to Walt Disney World, because the resort itself is so wondrous. We typically drive in from Atlanta and our first stop, even sometimes before we go to our room, is PB&G. It is an open air environment sitting on a lake with additional pool views. Simple elegance is my fave, and this restaurant is super casual and luxe at the same time. The first time we went, I was starving from our road trip. Lots of handheld options and salads on the menu but my eyes zeroed in on the veggie burger. Quinoa & Black Bean Patty, Tomato Jam, Truffle Aioli, Field Greens. Oh my! My family ordered a bevy of items and side eyed me as I confidently said “I’ll have the veggie burger with sweet potato waffle fries.” Listen...it was amazing! Whenever I have anything super yummy, I order it a few more times afterward to make sure it wasn’t a fluke. It wasn’t. I’ve ordered it lots since and it is delicious every single time! And (in my head at least), it’s healthy...healthish. We haven’t been traveling as of late and I miss that place...and my veggie burger. So I decided to make one at home.
This black bean burger is tasty, filling and pretty easy to create. The best part is you probably have most of the ingredients already. Winning!
Here’s what you’ll need (Makes 6 burgers):
- 2 cans black beans (drained, rinsed)
- ¼ cup carrots (chopped or shredded)
- ½ cup bell pepper (chopped finely)
- 1 cup onion (chopped)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp worcestershire
- Pinch of salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup cracker crumbs (you can also use bread crumbs)
- 1 egg (I like my burger loose; if you like yours tight, use 2 eggs)
Here’s what you’ll do:
- Heat oven on 375 degrees
- Heat olive oil in skillet on medium heat
- Add carrots, bell pepper and onion to pan
- Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring - the veggies should be soft but firm
- Add everything except the beans to a bowl and mix
- Add black beans to the bowl and mix
- Mash the beans with the back of a fork, leaving at least ⅓ of the beans whole so the patties are meaty and not mushy
- Scoop ⅓ cup of mixture into hands and form patty
- Place wax paper on cookie sheet and spray with cooking spray
- Place patties on wax paper-lined cookie sheet and bake for about 14 minutes, flipping halfway thru
- Remove from oven
- Enjoy your burger
I like mine on a hamburger bun with guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes and mayo. I also like to pretend I’m poolside while enjoying it. Whatever makes you smile.
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