These hearty chilli beef and bean burgers combine lean beef mince with red kidney beans and a gentle kick of spice for a flavourful, protein-packed meal. Perfect for barbecues, weeknight dinners, or a healthier take on the classic burger.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with flavour and a hint of spice.
- High in protein from both beef and beans.
- Uses wholemeal rolls for added fibre.
- Quick to make and great for grilling or barbecuing.
- Easy to customise with your favourite toppings.

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For The Burgers
- 1 small onion, quartered
- 210 g canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 250 g lean beef mince
- Wholemeal breadcrumbs (from 1 slice of bread)
- 2 teaspoons mild chilli powder, or to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon tomato purée
To Serve
- 1 extra-large tomato, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- Lettuce leaves
- 4 wholemeal rolls
Directions
- Prepare The Mixture
- In a food processor, chop the onion.
- Add the kidney beans, beef mince, breadcrumbs, chilli powder, beaten egg, and tomato purée. Process until combined.
- Shape The Patties
- Form the mixture into 4 patties.
- Chill until ready to cook.
- Cook
- Barbecue or grill for 5–7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Assemble
- Place patties in wholemeal rolls.
- Add sliced tomato, red onion, and lettuce leaves.
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10–14 minutes
- Total time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
- Add chopped fresh herbs like coriander or parsley for extra freshness.
- Use black beans instead of kidney beans.
- For extra heat, swap mild chilli powder for hot.
- Top with avocado slices for creaminess.
Storage/Reheating
- Store cooked patties in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan, oven, or microwave until piping hot.
- Patties can be frozen (raw or cooked) for up to 3 months.

FAQs
Can I Make These Burgers Without A Food Processor?
Yes, mash the beans with a fork, finely chop the onion, and mix everything by hand.
Can I Cook Them In A Frying Pan?
Yes, cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side.
Can I Use Dried Beans?
Yes, but cook them fully before using.
Can I Make Them Vegetarian?
Yes, replace beef mince with more beans or a meat-free mince alternative.
How Do I Stop Burgers From Falling Apart?
Ensure the mixture is well combined and chilled before cooking.
Can I Make Them Ahead?
Yes, shape the patties and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
What’s The Best Bread For Serving?
Wholemeal rolls are recommended, but brioche buns or crusty rolls work too.
Can I Freeze The Patties?
Yes, freeze on a tray, then store in a bag or container.
Are These Burgers Spicy?
They have a mild heat; adjust chilli powder to your taste.
Can I Add Cheese?
Yes, top with cheese slices in the last minute of cooking.
Conclusion
These chilli beef and bean burgers are a tasty, protein-rich twist on a classic, with just the right amount of spice. They’re simple to make, satisfying to eat, and perfect for grilling season or a quick, hearty meal at home.
Print
Chilli Beef And Bean Burger
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Lean beef mince and kidney beans combine with mild chilli spice to create a hearty, high-protein burger served in wholemeal rolls with fresh toppings.
Ingredients
Burgers: 1 small onion (quartered), 210 g canned red kidney beans (drained and rinsed), 250 g lean beef mince, wholemeal breadcrumbs (from 1 slice of bread), 2 tsp mild chilli powder (or to taste), 1 egg (beaten), 1 tbsp tomato purée
To Serve: 1 extra-large tomato (sliced), 1 red onion (sliced), lettuce leaves, 4 wholemeal rolls
Instructions
- Prepare mixture: In a food processor, chop onion. Add kidney beans, beef mince, breadcrumbs, chilli powder, beaten egg, and tomato purée. Process until combined.
- Shape patties: Form into 4 patties. Chill until ready to cook.
- Cook: Barbecue or grill patties for 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Assemble: Place patties in wholemeal rolls. Add sliced tomato, red onion, and lettuce leaves.
Notes
- Chilling patties helps them hold their shape during cooking.
- Adjust chilli powder for your preferred spice level.
- Patties can be frozen raw or cooked for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg