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Easy Dinners · Original recipe

Smoky bean burgers that hold together

Mashing the beans and resting the mixture helps these burgers keep their shape. They are a practical way to turn a can of beans into a dinner with a familiar format. Serve with crisp lettuce and tomato rather than adding too many wet toppings inside the bun.

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Illustrative food photograph: smoky bean burgers that hold together
Illustrative food photograph: smoky bean burgers that hold together. Photo via Pexels · License & credits. Illustrative stock photography.
Original recipe · serves 2

Smoky bean burgers that hold together

15 minPreparation15 minCooking30 minTotal

Ingredients

How to make it

  1. Mash the beans in a bowl, leaving a little texture. Stir in breadcrumbs, egg, spices and onion.
  2. Rest for 5 minutes. If very loose, add 1 tbsp more breadcrumbs. Shape into two patties about 1.5 cm thick.
  3. Heat oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Cook patties for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, turning carefully once, until the centre reaches 71°C / 160°F because the mixture contains egg.
  4. Toast the buns if desired. Add lettuce, patties, tomato and sauce, then serve immediately.

Make it work in your kitchen

Dry beans well before mashing; excess surface water makes the mixture harder to handle. Use a wide spatula and let the first side set before turning. Check the buns and crumbs for wheat and sesame, and the sauce for dairy or other allergens.

Recipe note: Original AI-assisted recipe, not kitchen-tested. Timings are estimates; use the doneness and temperature checks stated. Photographs are illustrative. Check ingredient labels for allergens and read our food preparation and storage guide.

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