Chili Style Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers with Baked Cheddar Beer Onion Rings

Adapted from my Roasted Garlic Sweet Potato Ranch Burgers.

Chili Style Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers with Baked Cheddar Beer Onion Rings
Chili Style Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers with Baked Cheddar Beer Onion Rings

Step-by-step

  • In a bowl combine the quinoa, mashed sweet potatoes, mashed black beans, tomato paste, egg, chili powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, pepper, brown sugar and worcestershire. Mix well to moisten the ingredients and then mix in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well again and form into 4 or 5 equal burger patties (I made 4). The mixture will be very wet and sticky, this is fine, just make rough circles. Place on a plate lined with wax paper and place in the fridge while you prepare the onion rings.
  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or a silpat.
  • To make the onion rings, whisk together the flour, buttermilk, beer and dijon mustard in medium size mixing bowl. In another shallow bowl, mix together the cheddar cheese cracker crumbs, Panko bread crumbs, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
  • Now take the slices of onion and dip them through the buttermilk/beer mixture, making sure they are completely covered in batter. Using your other clean hand, dredge the onion ring through the cheddar crumbs, coating completely. Place on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining onion slices. Once you have coated all the onions slices, lightly spray them with olive oil or cooking spray.
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until coating is crisp, flipping half way through. Season with salt, to taste.
  • While the onion rings are baking, cook the burgers. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Remove patties from the fridge and place in the hot skillet. They will be moist and sticky. Cook for 5-6 minutes, then if needed add more oil and flip the burgers very gently (be gentle, they crumble easily when hot). Cook for another 5-6 minutes. It is important to not flip the burgers until they are ready. During the last minute or so of cooking add some cheddar cheese to the top of each burger, cover the pan and cook 2-3 minutes or until the cheese has melted. My burgers were a little moist and very delicate, if they break on you, just put them back together the best you can. Once you remove them from the skillet and they cool slightly, they will firm up.
  • To assemble the burgers, place each burger on a bun (or lettuce), top with an egg and a few onion rings.

A Busy Mom's Deliciously Unexpected Burger Night

Weeknights are a whirlwind. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and ensuring everyone gets a healthy dinner on the table, finding time for anything beyond basic meal prep feels like a luxury. But last week, I decided to buck the trend. I craved something more than the usual chicken nuggets or pasta, and I was craving a break from the usual routine. So, I embarked on a culinary adventure, one that involved sweet potatoes, black beans, and a surprising amount of beer (don't worry, it's in the onion rings!).

The result? These incredible Chili Style Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers with Baked Cheddar Beer Onion Rings. I adapted the recipe from a blog I found (I won't bore you with the details, the link's a bit long!), but let me tell you, the alterations I made are worth their weight in gold. These aren't your average veggie burgers – they're packed with flavor, texture, and a surprising amount of heartiness. The sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that balances the spice from the chili powder and cayenne, while the black beans provide a satisfyingly earthy base. And those onion rings? Oh, my goodness. Crispy, cheesy, and with just the right amount of beer-infused tang, they're the perfect complement to the burgers.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The burger patties are surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. The ingredients are relatively common, and the process is straightforward. Plus, they're wonderfully adaptable – you can customize them to your liking. Want to add some extra veggies? Go for it! Prefer a different type of cheese? Absolutely! The possibilities are endless.

My family absolutely loved them. My kids, who are notoriously picky eaters, devoured their burgers without complaint. Even my husband, who’s usually skeptical of “healthy” alternatives, was impressed. And the best part? The leftovers were just as delicious the next day, making for a quick and easy lunch.

Making these burgers felt like a small act of rebellion against the monotony of everyday life. It was a chance to step outside my usual routine, to experiment in the kitchen, and to create something delicious and satisfying for my family. And believe me, the feeling of accomplishment and the taste of those perfectly crispy onion rings made it all worthwhile. This isn't just a recipe; it's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of life, we can find joy in the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal together.

Beyond the family dinner table, these burgers are perfect for a casual get-together with friends. They're impressive enough to serve to guests, yet simple enough to prepare without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve them on toasted buns, alongside a simple salad, and you'll have a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a good onion ring?

So, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a delicious way to sneak in some extra veggies, and a delightful break from the routine. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Tip: Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and cheeses to find your perfect flavor combination. And if you're short on time, you can always use pre-made mashed sweet potatoes and black beans to speed up the process. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the cooking process!