2 cans (14 oz each) black beans, drained, rinsed, and patted dry

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped

1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)

½ cup walnuts

¾ cup crumbled feta cheese or cotija cheese

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or vegan alternative)

1 tablespoon barbecue sauce

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Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Dry the beans
Spread the black beans evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes until slightly dried out. Remove from oven.
If baking the burgers, increase oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
Process the walnuts
Add walnuts to a food processor and pulse until they reach a coarse, crumb-like texture. Transfer to a bowl if needed.
Cook the vegetables
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
Remove from heat and blot excess oil with a paper towel.
Combine ingredients
Add the sautéed vegetables, spices, breadcrumbs, cheese, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and barbecue sauce into the food processor with the walnuts. Pulse until combined.
Add the beans
Add the baked black beans and pulse a few times. Keep some chunks for texture—do not overmix.
Form patties
Scoop about ⅓ cup of mixture and shape into patties. Place on a lined baking sheet.
Cook the burgers
Oven: Bake for 10 minutes, flip, then bake another 10 minutes
Stovetop: Cook in a greased skillet for 8–10 minutes per side
Grill: Cook over medium heat, flipping carefully
Serve
Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and sauce.

Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and use dairy-free cheese.
Texture Tip: If the mixture feels too soft, chill it in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before shaping.
Storage: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or oven for best texture—avoid microwaving if possible.
Flavor Boost: Add a dash of hot sauce or smoked chipotle for extra depth.