If you are looking for a vibrant, flavor-packed twist on vegetarian burgers, our Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These burgers boast a smoky, spicy cream cheese center wrapped in a hearty black bean patty, perfectly grilled and topped with melty provolone and charred jalapenos for that irresistible kick. Every bite delivers a comforting yet exciting fusion of textures and tastes that will satisfy both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Trust me, once you try this Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create complex flavors. Each component has a role—whether it’s creamy, spicy, crunchy, or earthy—to ensure every bite bursts with deliciousness.
- ½ medium onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and a gentle crunch to the burger base.
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped: Provides a mild heat that infuses the black bean mixture without overpowering it.
- 3 garlic cloves: Packs in savory depth and aromatic warmth.
- 14.5 oz black beans: The heart of the patties, offering protein, texture, and a rich earthiness.
- ½ cup rolled oats: Acts as a binder, helping hold everything together with a slight chewy texture.
- ½ cup corn (frozen or fresh, at room temperature): Adds bursts of sweetness and a pop of color.
- 1 green onion, chopped: Brightens the mix with fresh, oniony notes.
- 2 teaspoons cumin: Infuses a warm, smoky depth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon curry powder: Adds an unexpected aromatic hint that complements the heat.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Delivers a gentle kick to excite your taste buds.
- ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs: Helps in binding the burger mixture firmly.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy center that melts deliciously inside each patty.
- 2 jalapenos, diced (for filling): Roasted for a smoky, spicy punch inside the cream cheese.
- 4 rolls: Your burger’s soft, toasted base.
- 4 slices provolone cheese: Adds melty, mild richness on top of the patties.
- 4 jalapenos (for topping): Charred for a smoky and spicy finishing touch.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the veggie base
Start by placing the chopped onion, one seeded jalapeno, and garlic cloves into a food processor. Give it a quick pulse just until they are coarsely chopped. This will create a flavorful vegetable base that combines smoothly but still keeps a little texture for the patties.
Step 2: Combine the black beans and spices
Add the black beans, rolled oats, corn, green onion, cumin, curry powder, cayenne, and breadcrumbs to the food processor. Pulse for about 20 seconds to mix all ingredients well, then scrape down the sides and pulse once more for 10 seconds. This step ensures the mixture is thoroughly combined and ready to hold together on the grill.
Step 3: Chill the mixture
Transfer your black bean mixture into a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape the patties and preventing them from crumbling on the grill.
Step 4: Roast the jalapenos for filling and topping
While the mixture chills, preheat the broiler on high. Brush all 6 jalapenos (2 for the filling and 4 for topping) lightly with olive oil. Place them under the broiler until their skins blacken and blister, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool. Roasting adds a smoky depth to the heat and mellows the raw jalapeno sharpness.
Step 5: Prepare the spicy cream cheese filling
Mix the softened cream cheese with the diced roasted jalapenos reserved for the filling. This creamy, spicy mixture will be stuffed inside the patties, creating that beloved jalapeno popper surprise in every bite.
Step 6: Form and stuff the patties
Divide the black bean mixture into four even portions. Flatten each portion gently to create a patty shape. Make an indentation in the center, then fill it with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the jalapeno cream cheese mixture. Cover with a bit more black bean mixture and carefully seal the edges to encase the cream cheese fully within the patty.
Step 7: Grill the burgers
Preheat your grill to medium-high and brush an oiled grill tray to prevent sticking. Grill the patties for about 8 minutes on each side. You want a lightly crispy exterior with the inside fully heated through. This cooking method locks in the creamy molten filling while creating a satisfying texture contrast.
Step 8: Assemble the burgers
Toast your rolls lightly, then layer each with a grilled black bean patty, a slice of provolone cheese, several slices of the roasted jalapenos for topping, and a generous spread of the jalapeno cream cheese mixture on the bun. Serve immediately for the best melty, spicy, cheesy experience.
How to Serve Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate these burgers beautifully. Add crisp lettuce or baby arugula for a peppery bite, sliced tomatoes for freshness, or even pickled red onions to introduce a tangy contrast. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro enhances the overall brightness and complements the cumin and jalapeno flavors.
Side Dishes
The perfect side pairs well with the bold flavors in this Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers Recipe. Sweet potato fries, smoky grilled corn on the cob, or a crunchy kale slaw with a zesty lime dressing all make excellent companions. For a lighter option, serve with a simple mixed greens salad tossed with avocado and a chili-lime vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to surprise guests, serve these jalapeno popper stuffed black bean burgers as slider-sized appetizers at your next party. Or turn them into a salad topping by serving the patty sliced over a bed of quinoa and roasted veggies with dollops of the cream cheese mixture. The possibilities are endless and deliciously fun to experiment with!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cream cheese filling separate if possible to maintain freshness and texture, especially if you didn’t fully seal the patties.
Freezing
These burgers freeze exceptionally well. After shaping and stuffing them, place the patties on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Freeze the cream cheese mixture separately if you want optimal texture when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen patties overnight in the fridge. Rewarm on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat, about 5-6 minutes per side, until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave to keep that satisfying grilled texture.
FAQs
Can I use canned jalapenos instead of fresh?
Fresh jalapenos are preferred for roasting and stuffing because of their vibrant flavor and texture. Canned jalapenos might work in a pinch but will lack the smoky char and can add extra liquid that may affect the burger texture.
How spicy are these burgers?
These burgers have a noticeable but balanced heat level. Removing seeds and membranes from the jalapenos reduces the intensity, and the creamy cheese filling tempers the spice nicely, making it approachable for most spice lovers.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cashew-based cheese or a plant-based cream cheese alternative. Also, use vegan cheese slices or skip the cheese topping for a delicious vegan twist.
What other beans can I use instead of black beans?
Kidney beans or pinto beans make good alternatives and provide a similar creamy texture. Make sure to rinse and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture in the patties.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart on the grill?
Chilling the mixture thoroughly before shaping and grilling helps a lot. Also, making sure your grill or pan is well-oiled and cooking the patties over medium-high heat will form a crust that helps keep them intact. Don’t flip too early or too often!
Final Thoughts
This Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers Recipe is a sensational way to enjoy a spicy, cheesy, plant-based burger that’s packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, these burgers deliver incredible taste and satisfaction every time. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and prepare to fall in love with this fiery, creamy, veggie-packed masterpiece!
Print
Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers are a flavorful vegetarian twist on classic jalapeno poppers, packed with black beans, spices, and a creamy jalapeno-cream cheese filling. Grilled to perfection and topped with provolone and roasted jalapenos, they make a spicy, satisfying meal perfect for any burger lover looking for a plant-based option.
Ingredients
Vegetable and Base Ingredients
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
- 3 garlic cloves
- 14.5 oz black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed)
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup corn (frozen or fresh, at room temperature)
- 1 green onion, chopped
Spices and Dry Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs
Filling and Toppings
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 jalapenos, diced (for filling, roasted)
- 4 jalapenos (for topping, roasted)
- 4 rolls
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- Olive oil (for brushing jalapenos and oiling grill tray)
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Place onion, one seeded jalapeno, and garlic cloves in a food processor and pulse briefly until roughly chopped.
- Make the burger mixture: Add the black beans, rolled oats, corn, green onion, cumin, curry powder, cayenne pepper, and breadcrumbs to the food processor. Pulse for 20 seconds to combine, scraping down the sides as needed, then pulse an additional 10 seconds until the mixture is well combined but still slightly chunky.
- Chill the mixture: Transfer the black bean mixture to a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the mixture for easier shaping.
- Roast the jalapenos: Preheat the broiler on high. Brush 6 jalapenos (2 for the filling and 4 for topping) with olive oil and broil them for about 10 minutes until the skins are blackened. Remove and let cool.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: Dice the 2 roasted jalapenos reserved for filling and mix them into the softened cream cheese to create a spicy filling.
- Form the patties: Divide the black bean mixture into 4 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a patty shape, create an indentation in the center, fill it with 1–2 tablespoons of the jalapeno cream cheese mixture, then cover and seal the edges to enclose the filling completely.
- Grill the patties: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil a tray or grill grate. Grill the patties for about 8 minutes per side, or until they are crispy on the outside and heated through.
- Assemble the burgers: Place the grilled patties on the rolls topped with provolone cheese slices, sliced roasted jalapenos, and spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture on each roll. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Seed jalapenos carefully to reduce heat if desired.
- For best results, use fresh corn or thaw frozen corn beforehand.
- Using rolled oats adds texture and helps bind the patties without gluten.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook patties in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until crispy and cooked through.
- Roasting jalapenos under the broiler adds smoky flavor, but you can substitute with charred or roasted jalapenos from a grill or stovetop.
- These burgers are best served immediately but can be refrigerated and reheated gently later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
