Southern Smokehouse Bean Burger

Who doesn’t love a good bean burger? Or a burger in general? I know I do! I love a fun cookout and I’m not going to miss out. So these are smoky, hearty, and downright satisfying. This bean burger tastes like a summer cookout with a Southern twist.

Around here, burgers aren’t just for barbecues. They’re a celebration of comfort food done right — crispy edges, tender insides, and a little kiss of smoky flavor that makes you close your eyes and smile. This Southern Smokehouse Bean Burger packs all that goodness without the grease or the guilt.

Made with three different beans, oats, and a blend of smoky spices, this patty holds its own on the grill (or in your skillet). And when you top it with caramelized onions, a dollop of BBQ sauce, and a slice of juicy tomato — well, you’ve got yourself a plate of plant-based heaven.

Southern Twist

I like to serve mine with a scoop of smoky baked beans, grilled corn on the cob, or a side of tangy slaw. It’s that perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and savory — pure Southern comfort, made plant-based.

🥦 Nutrition Spotlight

One burger (without toppings) comes in around:

Calories: The bean burger saves you nearly 80 calories per patty when compared to a beef burger.

Fat: It has 95% less fat, with zero saturated fat or cholesterol.

Fiber: Packed with 9 grams of fiber—something beef completely lacks.

Protein: While slightly lower in protein, the bean burger still offers a solid 12g from beans and oats.

Carbs: Its carbohydrate content fuels energy, ideal for active lifestyles.

✨ Pro Tip

Chill the patties for 30 minutes before cooking — they’ll firm up and get that perfect crispy-outside, tender-inside texture.

🌻 Stay Sunny

Healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated — or boring. Fire up that skillet, grab a napkin, and let your kitchen smell like a summer cookout.

tjherbranson

Southern Smokehouse Bean Burger

All cookouts need a good plant-based burger option. Most of them are a mushy mess but I use panko in this one and it helps keep things together. I love them with air fried French fries, baked beans and vinegar-based coleslaw.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 burgers

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 can black beans
• 1 can Pinto or red beans
• 1 bell pepper diced
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 Tbsp minced garlic or 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/3 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin

Method

 

1. Drain and rinse beans.
2. Put on flat pan in 300 degree oven for 15 minutes to dry out a little. This step helps the binding.
3. Saute onion, pepper and garlic until soft.
4. Transfer to food processor and add beans and spices.
5. Pulse until well mixed but not mush.  Transfer to bowl.
6. Add oats and bread crumbs to bowl. Mix until just combined. Smash beans as needed. Don’t overmix.
7. Pat into a thick burger patty.
8. Grill in skillet 5 minutes each side or until slightly crispy on outside.
9. Place on bun. Add toppings.
10. Enjoy!