Pan-Fried Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy, protein-packed burgers made with grated sweet potato and black beans, seasoned with warm spices for a satisfying handheld meal. This american-inspired comfort food (vegan, gluten-free) ready in about 27 minutes pairs sweet potato, black beans, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb grated sweet potato, 15 oz rinsed black beans, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 large egg, and 2 tbsp flour. Mix until evenly incorporated.
  2. Step 2: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into 1-inch-thick patties, pressing gently to hold together.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add patties and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp at the edges.
  4. Step 4: Serve on toasted burger buns with your favorite toppings.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sweet potato from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Fried Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pan-Fried Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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