How Much Do Homemade Black Bean Burgers Actually Cost?
Black bean burgers are one of the most budget-friendly meals you can make at home — but how do they stack up against popular store-bought plant-based brands? A single 15 oz can of black beans typically costs $1.00–$1.50 and yields four generous patties. Add a quarter-cup of rolled oats as a binder, one egg, and a pinch of spices, and your entire batch comes in well under $3.00 — around $0.60–$0.75 per patty.
Compare that to popular plant-based brands: Beyond Burger and Impossible Burger patties routinely run $3.00–$4.50 per patty, and even store-brand veggie burgers hover around $1.50–$2.00 each. Going homemade can cut your per-patty cost by 70–80% compared to premium brands.
What Goes Into a Homemade Black Bean Patty?
A classic batch (4 patties) uses:
- Black beans — one 15 oz can, drained and roughly mashed.
- Rolled oats — about ¼ to ½ cup to absorb moisture and hold the patty together.
- Egg — one egg binds everything. A flax egg works for vegan versions at a similar cost.
- Spices — cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. A typical seasoning mix costs only a few cents per batch when bought in bulk.
- Bun — optional in this calculator, but a standard hamburger bun adds $0.40–$0.75 to the per-serving cost.
Tips to Lower the Cost Even Further
- Buy dry black beans in bulk. A pound of dried black beans cooks to roughly 3 cups — about two cans worth — at half the price.
- Make a double batch and freeze. Pre-formed raw patties freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
- Season from pantry staples. If you already keep cumin and smoked paprika on hand, your marginal spice cost is near zero.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many patties does one can of black beans make?
One standard 15 oz can of black beans (drained) makes approximately 4 medium-sized patties. If you prefer smaller sliders or thicker restaurant-style patties, you might get 3–5 patties per can depending on how much you pack each one.
Are homemade black bean burgers cheaper than store-bought veggie burgers?
Yes, significantly. Homemade black bean patties typically cost $0.60–$0.80 each, while store-bought plant-based burgers range from $1.50 to $4.50 per patty. Even the most affordable frozen veggie burgers usually run $1.00–$1.50 each.
Can I make these vegan by skipping the egg?
Yes. Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, rested for 5 minutes). The cost is similar — ground flaxseed runs about $0.05–$0.10 per tablespoon in bulk — and the patties hold together just as well after chilling in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking.
How long do homemade black bean burger patties last?
Formed patties keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, place uncooked patties on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid (about 2 hours), then transfer to a zip-lock bag. Frozen patties stay good for up to 3 months.
What is the cost difference if I use dried beans instead of canned?
Dried black beans typically cost $1.50–$2.00 per pound, and one pound of dry beans yields about 3 cups of cooked beans — roughly equivalent to two 15 oz cans. That brings your per-batch bean cost down to around $0.50–$0.65, saving $0.15–$0.65 compared to canned beans.