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This is how you do burgers in the fall.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Burgers w/Baked Cheddar Beer Onion Rings + Fried Egg | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

They need to be big, packed with fall goodness, topped with cheesy beer battered onion rings and finished off with an egg. It’s the only way.

It’s still a totally trashy burger, but healthy because um sweet potatoes, beans, quinoa, onion rings and eggs. All healthiness. All delicious. Don’t you just love when that happens? I certainly do.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Burgers w/Baked Cheddar Beer Onion Rings + Fried Egg | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

So today, I really don’t have a lot of words flowing from my brain to my finger tips. See, the truth is that I live the most boring life and I love it that way, but it’s because of this little blog that I actually have to leave my comfort zone and venture out of my little kitchen and office and into the real world. Which I guess, actually makes my life not all that boring. You could even say that it’s been especially exciting lately, but also especially tiring. Like all I really want to do is make some Halloween cookies with little Asher, but the time is just not there. Story of everyone’s life right? Maybe we’ll get to it on Halloween? Better late than never.

Some days I have loads to say, but today? The only thoughts that are coming to my mind are one, PEACE. You see, Asher, had a friend over… and her friend’s sister (fall break – I swear I never had all these breaks!). Those girls were so stickin loud that my head still hurts, and so demanding. Jeez. You should have seen the house once the friends left, it looked like a tornado or two went through. Amazing the damage that three tiny little girls can do, they even managed to knock over a dirt bike in the garage. Luckily no one got smooshed.

Thought number two? Thought number two is that thought number one makes me so excited that the barn is getting near completion… ok, or at least looking like it will be done this year.  Thank God. It’s so time for the move-out to happen.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Burgers w/Baked Cheddar Beer Onion Rings + Fried Egg | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Thought number three is all about these Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers. They are so good.

This is one of those burgers that got dreamt up on a recent hike. I came home and immediately made them. They just sounded so good that I had to push the other planned recipes for the day aside and focus on these burgers. I was pretty excited about them…still am…clearly.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Burgers w/Baked Cheddar Beer Onion Rings + Fried Egg | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

This burger has all my favorite things, including sweet potatoes. Wow, sweet potatoes are so awesome. I mean, I knew this, but I somehow always forget about them and tend to just grab my all time favorite butternut squash instead. But I am so into sweet potatoes right now, and they are so good for you too. Hello – B6, C, D, iron, potassium, magnesium, carotenoids (which help fight cancer), and more! And can we talk about their gorgeous color? So pretty, so sweet, yep, I just love um. Hoping you do too because I foresee a lot of sweet potato recipes in the future. YUMMERS.

Anyway, these burgers are like chili in a sweet vegetarian form, with cheesy crunchy onion rings and a fried egg, because fried eggs are meant for pretty much every burger. No really, they are. Gotta love a good fried egg.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Burgers w/Baked Cheddar Beer Onion Rings + Fried Egg | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

I used a combo of my favorite crispy quinoa burger and an oldie recipe from the earlier days of the blog to put together these patties. But here’s the thing about these burger patties, they are delicate. You just have to be careful flipping them. Other than that they are simple, and if you do end up smushing them a little, it’s really no big deal. Whatever they look like they will still taste delicious.

The onion rings are so easy. They’d be delicious fried if you are into that, but baked works great too and there’s a lot less mess to clean up. Plus, they can bake while you cook the burgers, which makes the timing for everything pretty perfect. And you guys, they are cheddar beer battered onion rings. Doesn’t that sound so good? They are. They are.

Also, you’d be my hero if you added a brussels sprout slaw to these burgers. I was so close to adding it, but I didn’t want the recipe to get too long. You should do it though!!

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Burgers w/Baked Cheddar Beer Onion Rings + Fried Egg | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

I served these on some homemade whole wheat beer pretzel buns, but we all ended up not eating the top half of the bun. The truth is, these burger would be perfect served in a “lettuce” bun instead of actual buns… wow, did I really just say that? I am not usually a lettuce wrap kind of girl, traditional burgers n’ buns are usually the way I roll, but lettuce just works really well with these since they’re already pretty carb heavy. Don’t get me wrong, buns are still good, but just sayin – lettuce is equally delish. Either way, you’ll love them and they are the perfect healthy dinner for any autumn night.

Oh, and the leftover patties are so good the next day. Think crumbled over a salad or added to a grilled cheese. Double yes!

And you can’t forget a little cheddar cheese too. It’s a chili burger after all.

And you guys, all chili should be topped with cheese. Duh.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Burgers w/Baked Cheddar Beer Onion Rings + Fried Egg | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Chili Style Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers w/Baked Cheddar Beer Onion Rings + Fried Eggs.

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 5 Burgers
Calories Per Serving: 793 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Ingredients

Burgers

Baked Cheddar Beer Onion Rings

  • 2 inch large sweet onions cut into 1/2 slices
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup of your favorite beer I used pumpkin beer
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese crackers finely crushed (gold fish or cheez it's)
  • 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt + 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • 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 worchestire. 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.

Notes

*Adapted from my [Roasted Garlic Sweet Potato Ranch Burgers | https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/roasted-garlic-chipotle-cheddar-sweet-potato-burgers-with-avocado-ranch/].
View Recipe Comments

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Burgers w/Baked Cheddar Beer Onion Rings + Fried Egg | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Don’t let these pictures mislead you, these aren’t really fork and knife burgers. They’re more of a double hands, get messy kind of burger. Which is obviously the best kind of burger.

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Comments

  1. 4 stars
    These have awesome flavor, but despite all my efforts they are just too soft and squishy for me! I cooked per the directions on the first one (making like 4inch patties, not too thick) that were just mush in the middle! And then in the second batch, the next day – I cooked per instructions then put in the oven @ 250 for ten minutes. Pulled them to cool for another five, and better – but still mushy! The flavor is great tho! Added some greens, cheddar and pickled red onions on a brioche bun. Good recipe but just needs a little texture help! Any tips?

    1. Hi Caitlin,
      Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, sorry to hear you are having issues. Is there anything you are adjusting? These really do have a softer texture than a regular burger due to the sweet potatoes and black beans. xTieghan

    1. Hey Erin,
      I really appreciate you giving this recipe a try, I am thrilled that it was enjoyed! xxTieghan

  2. 5 stars
    These are out of this world good! The addition of the onion rings and the pretzel buns makes these burgers next level!!

    1. Hey Kate,
      Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am thrilled that it worked out for you! Happy Holidays! xTieghan

      1. We don’t drink alcohol so I’m wondering if I can just leave the beer out or if I need a substitute?

        1. Hey there,
          You could use sparkling cider in place of the beer. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan

  3. 5 stars
    Short and to the point. YOU’VE DONE IT AGAIN! SO GOOD.

    I increased amounts to feed 5 of us. The spice was great. The burgers were moist. The egg was a perfect soft yolk…. and I sautéed brussels sprouts and added them in.

    Just perfection!

    1. Thank you so much David! I am so glad this recipe turned out so well for you and your family! I hope you are staying healthy and well! xTieghan

  4. Looking forward to making these! I was wondering if you had linked the recipe for the whole wheat pretzel buns? Would love to make those as well!

    1. Hi Liz! I didn’t make these buns. I am sorry, no link to share. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan

  5. 1 star
    This did not work out at all for me. The patties completely fell apart and the crumb would not stick to the onions after the first few. The flavour was alright although the cinnamon was kind of overpowering.

    1. Hi Micaela! I am so sorry to hear that! Are there any questions I could help you with? Please let me know! xTieghan

    2. I noticed that in the recipe it’s not mentioned that when making homemade onion rings, it’s important to peel off the membrane that’s attached to the inside of the rings. Once that’s gone, usually the batter/crumb will stick much better!