The secret to these black bean burgers is using a slow cooker.

Learn how to make black bean burgers.

Easily make the burgersvegetarianby omitting the bacon and swapping the chicken broth for vegetable when slow-cooking the beans.

black bean burgers - Southern Living

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

What Do Black Bean Burgers Taste Like?

They also happen to be better for you.

Store any leftover buns or toppings separately.

ingredients for black bean burgers - Southern Living

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Avoid overheating, which could dry them out.

1cupchoppedred bell pepper (about 8 oz.)

3thick-cut bacon slices, chopped (about 4 oz.

black beans in a colander - Southern Living

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Cook onions and bacon:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high.

Add garlic, and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Cover and cook on LOW until beans are tender, about 6 hours.

onion, bell pepper, and bacon

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Cover and chill mixture 30 minutes.

Form bean mixture into 4 (8 oz.)

patties; chill 30 minutes.

black beans in slow cooker - Southern Living

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Assemble burgers:

Top each patty with 1 slice of Muenster cheese; cook until melted.

cooked black beans in slow cooker

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

comeback sauce in a bowl - Southern Living

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blended black bean mixture

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

black bean burger mixture

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

black bean burger patties - Southern Living

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

cooked black bean burger patties

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

building black bean burgers

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox