High-Protein Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Burgers
These High-Protein Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Burgers are smoky, juicy, hearty, and packed with plant-based protein. Made with TVP, black beans, roasted beetroot, oats, and flavorful spices, these homemade veggie burgers have a satisfying texture without relying on processed meat substitutes.
Smoked paprika, chipotle powder, cumin, adobo sauce, and a touch of liquid smoke create a bold smoky flavor, while beetroot adds moisture and a naturally vibrant color.
Perfect for a high-protein vegan dinner, healthy BBQ, meal prep, or easy weeknight meal, these homemade black bean burgers are delicious served in toasted buns with creamy chipotle lime mayo, avocado, lettuce, tomato, vegan cheese, and pickled jalapeños.
Why You'll Love These High-Protein Veggie Burgers
High in Plant-Based Protein
TVP and black beans provide a satisfying combination of plant-based protein. Each burger patty contains approximately 22g of protein, making this a filling option for a protein-focused meal.
Packed With Fiber
Black beans, oats, and beetroot contribute dietary fiber, helping make these burgers more satisfying and hearty.
Smoky and Flavorful
The combination of smoked paprika, chipotle, cumin, adobo sauce, and optional liquid smoke gives these burgers a delicious smoky BBQ-style flavor with a gentle spicy kick.
No Processed Mock Meat Required
Instead of using packaged meat alternatives, this recipe combines affordable pantry staples such as TVP, canned black beans, oats, breadcrumbs, and spices.
Budget-Friendly Meal
TVP and canned beans are inexpensive protein staples, making these homemade veggie burgers an economical choice for family meals and weekly meal prep.
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Ingredients
For the Smoky Chipotle Burger Patties
1.5 cups vegetable broth
1 medium cooked beetroot
1.5 cups TVP
540 mL canned black beans, rinsed, drained, and thoroughly dried
1/2 teaspoon asafoetida
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chipotle powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
2 tablespoons finely chopped basil
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon liquid aminos
2 tablespoons liquid from chipotle peppers in adobo
1 tablespoon umami paste
1 teaspoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup rolled oats
1 tablespoon molasses
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke, optional
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
1 tablespoon water
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Chipotle Lime Mayo
1 cup vegan mayonnaise
1 chipotle pepper in adobo
1 tablespoon adobo sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
1 teaspoon lime juice
Zest of 1 lime
1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave
1/4 teaspoon asafoetida
Pinch of salt
Burger Toppings
Smashed avocado
Vegan white cheddar cheese
Chipotle lime mayo
Shredded lettuce
Tomato slices
Pickled jalapeños
Toasted burger buns
How to Make Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Burgers
1. Prepare the Flax Egg
Mix the ground flaxseed with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Set aside for about 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken.
2. Rehydrate the TVP
Add the cooked beetroot and vegetable broth to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
Pour the beetroot mixture over the TVP and stir well. Cover and let it stand for approximately 10 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed.
Once rehydrated, gently squeeze out any excess liquid.
3. Process the Black Beans and TVP
Measure 1 cup of the rehydrated TVP and reserve it.
Add the remaining TVP and dried black beans to a food processor. Pulse several times until the mixture is mostly combined but still has some texture.
Avoid processing it into a completely smooth paste. Keeping some texture helps create a more satisfying burger.
4. Mix the Burger Ingredients
Transfer the processed mixture to a large bowl.
Add the reserved TVP, flax mixture, asafoetida, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, cumin, coriander, parsley, basil, nutritional yeast, liquid aminos, adobo sauce, umami paste, vegan Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, oats, molasses, tomato paste, and liquid smoke if using.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Mix thoroughly with a sturdy spatula or clean hands until everything is evenly incorporated.
5. Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions.
Using a burger mold or cookie cutter, firmly press each portion into an even patty.
Place the patties on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the burgers firm up before cooking.
6. Cook the Burgers
Lightly oil a skillet and heat over medium heat.
Cook the patties for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, or until they develop a deep golden crust and are heated through.
Avoid flipping the burgers too early. Allowing a crust to develop helps the patties hold their shape.
How to Make Chipotle Lime Mayo
Add the vegan mayonnaise, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, lime juice, lime zest, maple syrup or agave, asafoetida, and salt to a small blender or food processor.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Refrigerate until you're ready to assemble the burgers.
How to Assemble the Burgers
Toast your favorite burger buns until lightly golden.
Spread a generous layer of chipotle lime mayo over both sides of each bun.
Add the smoky black bean burger patty and layer with:
Vegan cheddar cheese
Smashed avocado
Shredded lettuce
Tomato
Pickled jalapeños
Extra chipotle lime mayo
For even more heat, add your favorite hot sauce or a little ketchup.
Serve immediately with potato wedges, fries, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips for the Best Homemade Black Bean Burgers
Dry the black beans well: Excess moisture can make the burger mixture too soft. Pat the beans thoroughly with paper towels before processing.
Don't over-process: A little texture is important. Processing the mixture into a smooth paste can result in softer burgers.
Don't skip the chilling step: Refrigerating the patties for 30 minutes helps them firm up and makes them easier to cook.
Build a crust before flipping: Let the first side cook undisturbed for several minutes so a golden crust can develop.
Adjust the spice level: Add more or less chipotle powder and adobo sauce depending on how spicy you like your burgers.
Make them ahead: The patties can be shaped ahead of time and refrigerated until you're ready to cook.
What to Serve With Chipotle Black Bean Burgers
These high-protein veggie burgers pair well with:
Crispy oven-baked fries
Sweet potato wedges
Roasted potatoes
Fresh garden salad
Corn and avocado salad
Grilled vegetables
Homemade coleslaw
Air-fryer potato wedges
Simple cucumber and tomato salad
Can I Make These Burgers Ahead?
Yes. These burgers are a great meal-prep recipe.
Prepare and shape the patties ahead of time, then refrigerate them until you're ready to cook. You can also prepare the chipotle lime mayo in advance and keep it refrigerated until serving.
For meal prep, store the cooked patties separately from the toppings and assemble the burgers when you're ready to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are black bean burgers high in protein?
Black beans provide plant-based protein, and this recipe combines them with TVP to create a particularly protein-rich veggie burger. Each serving is listed at approximately 22g of protein.
Are these burgers vegan?
The burger mixture and chipotle lime mayo are designed to be vegan when using vegan Worcestershire sauce, vegan mayonnaise, and vegan cheese.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free TVP, breadcrumbs, oats, and gluten-free versions of sauces and condiments where necessary.
Can I make the burgers less spicy?
Yes. Reduce the chipotle powder and adobo sauce to create a milder burger while keeping the smoky flavor.
Can I cook these burgers on a BBQ grill?
These patties are best handled carefully because homemade veggie burgers can be more delicate than meat patties. Chilling them thoroughly before cooking can help them hold together. A lightly oiled skillet provides excellent control and creates a flavorful crust.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving:
Calories: 251
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 10g
Nutrition may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
These High-Protein Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Burgers are proof that a plant-based burger can be hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of TVP and black beans creates a protein-rich base, while smoked paprika, chipotle, cumin, and adobo sauce deliver bold smoky flavor.
Serve them with creamy chipotle lime mayo, avocado, fresh vegetables, and pickled jalapeños for an easy high-protein vegan meal that's perfect for BBQs, meal prep, or a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Save this recipe for your next burger night!