A budget-friendly, nutritious, and delicious burger for one or two people.

Adapted from ‘Eat Well on $4 Cookbook’ by: Leanne Brown

Prepare the Beans:
Mash the black beans in a medium mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth with some texture.
Combine Ingredients:
Add the ground meat, chopped vegetables, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the beans.
Add either the egg or breadcrumbs, depending on your preference or availability.
Mix gently with clean hands or a spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
Form Patties:
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into burger patties.
If the mixture feels too soft, refrigerate the patties for 15–20 minutes to firm them up.
Cook the Burgers:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
Cook burgers for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F for beef or 165°F for poultry).
Optionally, add cheese during the last minute of cooking.
Serve:
Serve on a bun or wrapped in lettuce, topped with your favorite fixings.

Make Ahead: Uncooked patties can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months (separate with parchment paper).
Cooked Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Budget-friendly: Beans stretch your meat further, saving money.
Healthy: Lower in saturated fat, higher in fiber and plant-based nutrients.
Perfect for small households: Makes just 4 burgers, with tips for storing leftovers.