Freezer Friendly Black Bean Burgers

You won’t be able to resist these vegetarian burgers packed with peppers, onions, garlic, and black beans! These Freezer Friendly Black Bean Burgers are so easy to prep ahead, freeze, and reheat whenever you need a quick meal!

About a month ago, we took a little mini vacation to Suncadia Resort, conveniently located just 90 minutes from us here in Seattle. But it looks nothing like Seattle. There are trees for miles, all the mountain views, and amazing food. It’s calm, beautiful, and the perfect getaway.

So for dinner on our first evening, I ordered the black bean burger. I didn’t really even order it for the burger. I ordered it for the pesto goat cheese. BEST DECISION EVER. Not only had I never thought of the pesto goat cheese combo before, but putting it on a sandwich as the cheese?? So many good ideas happening on this black bean burger (there was also a tomato side note going on but honestly I didn’t really need that part).

Of course, it was so friggin delicious that I decided to recreate the combo at home. Grabbed a can of black beans and made my very own freezer friendly black burgers. Hope you love them! Pesto goat cheese optional but highly recommended.

Do black bean burgers taste like beef?

NO. They do not taste like beef. Sorry to burst your bubble. That’s not really the goal here.

For me, the goal is about the entire burger experience. The combo of flavors, the cheese, the veggies. Not just creating a patty of “meat” that tastes like beef. I love that the burger is filled with veggies, and I know exactly what’s in it, because I made it.

My husband says the consistency is what makes it really not “taste” like meat to him. But if you can get over that, you still be eating a super yummy, flavorful burger.

So what’s a black bean burger made of?

1. All black bean burgers have black beans (surprise!).
2. All black bean burgers are made slightly differently depending on what flavors you want, but generally they all have some additional vegetables, an egg or two, spices, and a grain such as breadcrumbs, rice, or quinoa.

My recipe uses one can of black beans, bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, two eggs, breadcrumbs, chili powder, salt and pepper. Super simple!

How do I freeze homemade black bean burgers?

Personally, I prefer to completely cook my black bean burgers before freezing them. Then I can grab one out of the freezer and reheat it quickly in the microwave instead of still having to completely cook the burger when I want a quick dinner.

To freeze:

• Cook completely by following the recipe below.
• Place the burgers on a flat tray and let them cool completely.
• Once cool, place the entire tray in the freezer until the burgers are frozen solid, 3-4 hours.
• Remove the tray from the freezer and transfer the burgers into an airtight freezer safe container. Return the burgers in the container to the freezer until you need them.

How long do frozen veggie burgers last?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, leftovers can generally be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months before any deterioration occurs.

Since these burgers contain 100% fresh ingredients, I would suggest storing them for up to 3 months in the freezer. Technically, they can be stored indefinitely as long as the temperature is 0F or less, however some freezer burn may begin to develop.

Be sure to use freezer safe and airtight containers when freezing leftovers. Labeling with the date and item is never a bad idea either.

P.S.: Buns are homemade and courtesy of this recipe: Beautiful Burger Buns from King Arthur Flour.