These Chipotle Black Bean Sweet Potato Burgers are packed with flavor and nutrients! They mix creamy sweet potatoes with hearty black beans and a hint of spice from chipotle.
Making these burgers is fun and simple! I love serving them on a toasted bun with fresh toppings. They’re not just tasty; they’re also a hit at BBQs—trust me, everyone will want the recipe!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes give these burgers a creamy texture and natural sweetness. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, pumpkin or butternut squash can work as great substitutes!
Black Beans: Canned black beans are convenient, but you can use cooked dried beans too. If you need a different option, kidney beans or chickpeas can be used instead for a slight change in flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs help bind the mixture and give a nice texture. For a gluten-free version, try using oat flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Chipotle Pepper: Chipotle peppers add smokiness. If they’re too spicy for your taste, you can reduce the amount or use smoked paprika instead to achieve a similar flavor without the heat.
Chipotle Mayo: This sauce adds a creamy, spicy kick. You can make a simple version by mixing mayo with hot sauce, or try vegan mayo for a plant-based option.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for the Burgers?
The key to getting the right texture is balancing moisture and binding agents. Start by mashing the sweet potato and black beans together, but leave some beans whole for extra bites. If the mix feels too wet, adding more breadcrumbs or oat flour will help absorb excess moisture and create the right consistency for patties.
- Make sure to roast the sweet potato until it’s very soft—this will help create a smooth mixture.
- After mixing, shape the patties and let them sit for a few minutes. This helps them hold together better during cooking.
- Don’t skip the step of cooking in a hot skillet—this gives them a lovely crispy crust.
With these insights, tips, and techniques, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying burger ready to impress! Enjoy your cooking!
Chipotle Black Bean Sweet Potato Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 large sweet potato (about 1 to 1.5 pounds)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle pepper can)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomato
- Sliced avocado
- Sliced red onion
- Chipotle mayo or your preferred sauce (mayo mixed with some chipotle peppers in adobo or hot sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 60 minutes to cook. You’ll spend roughly 45-60 minutes roasting the sweet potato, and then just about 10-15 minutes to prepare the burger mix and cook the patties. It’s a little time-consuming, but so worth it for the delicious flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potato:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the sweet potato with a fork a few times and place it on a baking sheet. Roast it in the oven for about 45-60 minutes, or until the sweet potato is soft. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it until tender instead.
2. Prepare the Mixture:
Once the sweet potato has cooled enough to handle, peel away the skin and transfer the flesh into a large mixing bowl. Next, add the drained and rinsed black beans. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the beans and sweet potato together until combined but not completely smooth—leave some beans intact for texture!
3. Add Flavor:
Now, stir in the breadcrumbs, chopped red onion, minced garlic, chopped chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything well until the mixture holds together when shaped into patties. If it feels too wet, simply add more breadcrumbs until it reaches the right consistency.
4. Shape and Cook the Patties:
Shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the patties. Cook each one for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and heated through.
5. Assemble the Burgers:
If you’d like, you can toast the burger buns lightly. Spread some chipotle mayo on the bottom bun, then layer with lettuce, the cooked burger patty, fresh tomato slices, avocado slices, and red onion. Top it with the other half of the bun.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Chipotle Black Bean Sweet Potato Burgers immediately with lime wedges or your favorite sides. Enjoy these flavorful, hearty burgers that balance smoky chipotle spice with sweet potato creaminess!
Can I Use Another Type of Bean?
Absolutely! If you don’t have black beans on hand, you can substitute them with kidney beans or chickpeas for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to rinse and drain any canned beans before using.
How Can I Make These Burgers Spicier?
If you prefer more heat, feel free to add an extra chipotle pepper or some cayenne pepper to the mixture. You can also serve the burgers with additional hot sauce for those who want it extra spicy!
Can I Make the Mixture in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the burger mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just shape the patties right before cooking for the best texture and flavor. They can also be frozen—simply freeze uncooked patties between sheets of parchment paper for easy access later!
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them on a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep them from drying out.
