When making my BBQ Black Bean Burgers, I got an idea to make black bean burgers with a different flavor profile. I love a good pesto, so the idea for a basil pesto and Parmesan black bean burger made me super excited to develop a new recipe!

Notes:

1. Most Important Step: As I mentioned in my BBQ Black Bean Burger post, make sure that you do not skip the step of baking the black beans! This is a critical step because you must remove moisture from the black beans.
2. Mashing and Mixing: In order to make the burger feel heartier, you want to keep pieces of your black beans intact. Therefore, I prefer using a potato masher or larger fork. You can use a food processor for this step; however, be careful to not over chop your mixture.
3. Cooking: These burgers are baked in the oven, but finishing them off on a grill would give an additional delicious layer of flavor.
4. Toppings & Vessels: The toppings are a great way to customize and have some fun with your black bean burger! An open-faced burger on a piece of garlic bread and topped with some quartered cherry tomatoes is absolutely delicious!

Step 1: Bake the Black Beans

Step 2: Mash the Black Beans and Mix All Ingredients Together

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Burgers

Step 4: Black Bean Burgers are Ready to Enjoy!

Pesto Parmesan Black Bean Burger

Recipe by Carly PrestonCourse: Lunch, DinnerDifficulty: Easy

Servings

9

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (with parsley)

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/4 cup mozzarella or mixed shredded cheese

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

• 2 1/2 tablespoons basil pesto

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 pinch salt

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°F and spread the black beans in one even layer onto a baking sheet lined with either parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake the beans for approximately 12-15 minutes. Remove the beans from the oven and let them cool for approximately 5 minutes.
• Turn oven up to 400°F. Remove the beans from the baking sheet and place them into a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or large fork to break down the beans, making sure to leave some larger pieces of black bean still intact. Add the eggs, onion powder, garlic powder (with parsley), minced garlic, breadcrumbs, cheese, pesto, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt to the mixing bowl. Mix all ingredients until just combined.
• Use a one third cup to measure out the mixture and shape them into burger patties. If you have a little of the mixture left over, shape it into a small burger and bake with the other burgers. Place the burgers on a baking sheet (I like to use the same one I used to bake the black beans), put the tray in the oven, and bake the burgers for approximately 10-12 minutes on each side, for a total of 20-24 minutes.
• Serve the burgers with your favorite burger buns and toppings. Enjoy!

Thank you so much for checking out this recipe! I hope that you give it a try! Please leave a comment below regarding if you tried the recipe and how you liked it!