The Baja Black Bean Burger from Smashburger features a hearty black bean patty blended with Southwestern spices, topped with fresh avocado, pepper jack cheese, and zesty chipotle mayo, all nestled inside a toasted bun for a flavorful, satisfying bite.
Equipments
- Grill or flat-top griddle
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese slicer
- Spoon
- Toaster or bun toaster
- Serving plate
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz/425g) can black beans
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 ripe avocado
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 4 burger buns
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Butter (for toasting buns)
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
- Sliced tomato (optional)
When preparing the Baja Black Bean Burger, ensure the black beans are well-drained and mashed to achieve the right patty consistency without being too wet. Freshly chopped red onion and red bell pepper add essential texture and flavor, so avoid pre-packaged or frozen varieties for the best taste. Use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce sparingly to control the spice level in your chipotle mayo, adjusting to your preference. Toasting the burger buns with butter enhances the flavor and helps prevent sogginess from the avocado and mayo. Your homemade Baja Black Bean Burger from Smashburger copycat menu promises a delicious blend of Southwestern spices and creamy toppings for a satisfying plant-based meal.
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the black beans; mash in a mixing bowl.
- Add breadcrumbs, red onion, red bell pepper, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, egg, and chopped cilantro to the beans; mix well.
- Form mixture into 4 equal patties.
- Preheat grill or flat-top griddle over medium heat.
- Lightly oil the grill or griddle.
- Cook patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, until firm and browned.
- Place a slice of pepper jack cheese on each patty during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking; cover to melt.
- Mash avocado in a small bowl; set aside.
- Blend mayonnaise, chipotle peppers, and lime juice in a blender or food processor; mix until smooth for chipotle mayo.
- Slice buns in half; butter the insides lightly.
- Toast buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden.
- Spread chipotle mayo on both bun halves.
- Place lettuce and tomato on bottom bun, if using.
- Add the black bean patty with melted cheese.
- Top with mashed avocado.
- Cover with the top bun.
- Serve immediately on a serving plate.
Substitution
The Baja Black Bean Burger from Smashburger copycat menu captures the essence of a Southwest-inspired, protein-packed vegetarian option. You can substitute canned black beans with cooked dried black beans for a fresher taste and better texture. If pepper jack cheese is unavailable, a spicy cheddar or Monterey Jack can work as a flavorful alternative. When chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are too spicy or hard to find, consider using a mild chili powder mixed into the mayo for a smoky, zesty flavor. Toast your buns with butter to enhance their crispiness and add a rich taste to your assembled burger.
Tips
When mashing the black beans, ensure there are no large lumps to help the patties hold together better during cooking. You should lightly oil the grill or griddle to prevent the patties from sticking and to achieve an even sear. Keep an eye on the cooking time; patties should be firm and browned but not dry, with cheese added just before removing from heat to melt perfectly. Toast the buns with butter for added flavor and crunch, then spread a generous layer of chipotle mayo to complement the Southwest flavors in your Baja Black Bean Burger.
Nutritions
The Baja Black Bean Burger offers a nutrient-dense meal rich in plant-based protein and dietary fiber from black beans, supporting digestive health and satiety. Incorporating heart-healthy fats from ripe avocado and vitamin-packed red bell peppers boosts your intake of essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin C. Pepper jack cheese adds calcium and protein while contributing to the burger's creamy texture, and the chipotle mayo provides a flavorful dose of healthy monounsaturated fats from mayonnaise combined with antioxidants from chipotle peppers. Your meal balances macronutrients and micronutrients to fuel your body with a satisfying and wholesome Southwestern-inspired burger experience.
Storage
Store leftover Baja Black Bean Burgers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Separate the patties from the buns and toppings like avocado and chipotle mayo to prevent sogginess. Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap pepper jack cheese with a smoky gouda or a sharp cheddar to bring a different depth of flavor to your Baja Black Bean Burger. Instead of chipotle mayo, try mixing Greek yogurt with lime juice and minced jalapeno for a lighter, tangy sauce that complements the southwest spices. You can grill sliced portobello mushrooms alongside the patties for a meaty texture that adds richness and moisture. Toasting the buns with a swipe of garlic butter before assembling enhances the aroma and delivers a crisp, flavorful bite.
Allergies
The Baja Black Bean Burger contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy from pepper jack cheese, and gluten from breadcrumbs and burger buns. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, you should avoid this dish or consider suitable substitutions like gluten-free buns or dairy-free cheese. Your heightened sensitivity to spices like chipotle peppers may also trigger reactions, so proceed with caution.
Why this recipe?
The Baja Black Bean Burger from Smashburger is renowned for its bold blend of smoky black beans, fresh corn, and vibrant spices creating a unique, satisfying flavor. Its hearty, plant-based ingredients provide a nutritious and delicious option for both vegetarians and meat-eaters seeking a flavorful alternative. You'll appreciate the crispy, seasoned patty paired perfectly with fresh avocado and zesty chipotle mayo, delivering a gourmet experience in every bite. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the flavors to your preference while enjoying a healthy, crave-worthy burger at home.