These BBQ bean sliders are a deliciously hearty and satisfying vegetarian option that's perfect for any summer gathering. It features the smoky flavor of BBQ beans combined with the sweet and tangy crunch of coleslaw.
This bean slider recipe perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors for a vegetarian slider that is as satisfying as it is delicious. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make and budget-friendly too!
If you're a fan of this recipe, you'll also love my vegan lentil tacos, tempeh tacos, and chickpea salad sandwich, all of which offer the same great flavors and are perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends.
Why This Is The Best BBQ Bean Sliders Recipe
- Tasty: The combination of smoky BBQ beans, crunchy coleslaw, and soft burger buns is a flavor explosion you don't want to miss!
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 20 minutes to make, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without the hassle.
- Family Favorite: These sliders are a hit with both kids and adults, making them a perfect choice for family dinners.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients, this recipe proves that delicious meals don't have to break the bank.
Key Ingredients
Here's an overview of some key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.
- Avocado Oil: This heart-healthy oil will be the medium for cooking our onions and garlic, giving the dish a hint of avocado flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a robust, aromatic flavor to the dish.
- Pinto Beans: These beans, a staple in Mexican cuisine, provide a creamy texture and earthy flavor to our sliders.
- BBQ Sauce: The tangy, sweet, and smoky flavor of BBQ sauce adds a delicious twist to the beans, giving our sliders that classic barbecue flavor.
- Cabbage: Shredded cabbage adds a satisfying crunch to our coleslaw, balancing out the soft texture of the beans.
- Carrot: Grated carrots add a pop of color and a touch of natural sweetness to our coleslaw.
- Vegan Mayo: This creamy condiment binds our coleslaw together and adds a rich, tangy flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: A teaspoon of this condiment adds a tangy, sharp flavor that helps to balance out the sweetness in our coleslaw.
- Whole Wheat Burger Bun: Sliced horizontally in half, these buns are the perfect vessel for our delicious bean and coleslaw mixture.
Serving Suggestions
- For a complete meal, serve these BBQ pinto bean sliders with a side of crispy sweet potato fries. The sweetness of the fries perfectly complements the savory flavor of the sliders.
- Want a lighter option? Pair your pinto bean sliders with a refreshing mixed green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad will balance the richness of the sliders.
- For a fun, casual gathering, serve these sliders with a variety of toppings like avocado slices, tomato, and red onion. Let your guests customize their sliders to their tastes!
Recipe Variation Ideas
- Spicy: If you're a fan of heat, simply add a teaspoon of hot sauce to the pinto bean mixture.
- Sweet: For those who have a sweet tooth, replace the regular BBQ sauce with a sweet and tangy one.
- Different Sauce: If you're not a fan of BBQ sauce, don't worry. You can still enjoy these sliders. Try replacing the BBQ sauce with a creamy, tangy sauce like aioli.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for pinto beans, you can also use black beans or a mixture of both. This substitution can add a different texture and flavor to your sliders, making them a versatile dish for any bean lover.
Yes, it is. If you're not a fan of BBQ sauce, you can replace it with a sauce that suits your flavor. Consider a tangy, sweet sauce for a different twist on the recipe. Remember, changing the sauce will alter the overall flavor of the dish, so choose a sauce that complements the pinto beans well.
Absolutely! If you're following a vegan diet, you can easily make this dish vegan by replacing the honey with a vegan-friendly sweetener like agave nectar or maple syrup. This simple swap will keep your pinto bean sliders just as flavorful and delicious, but in line with your dietary preferences.
To store leftovers, simply place the BBQ beans in an airtight container and it'll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
If you've made a big batch of the beans and want to freeze some for later, you're in luck. The cooked BBQ beans can be frozen. Put them in a freezer-friendly container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Recipe
BBQ Bean Sliders
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 onion small, minced
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 3 c Pinto beans cooked and drained
- ½ c BBQ sauce
- 2 c cabbage shredded
- 2 carrot grated on large holes of box grater
- 4 green onions chopped
- 2 tablespoon vegan mayo
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 whole wheat burger buns sliced horizontally in half
Instructions
- Heat oil in a medium skillet over a medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 more seconds.
- Add beans and reheat them for 3 minutes. Transfer beans to a medium bowl and mix with BBQ sauce.
- To make coleslaw, in a medium bowl, combine cabbage, carrot, green onion, vegan mayo, honey, mustard, salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Add a heaping ½ cup of BBQ beans to each bun, then top with ½ cup of the slaw. Enjoy!
Notes
- Mince the onion and garlic finely for even flavor distribution.
- While this recipe calls for pinto beans, you can also use black beans or a mixture of both for a different flavor.
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- When sautéing the onion, take your time. Let it cook slowly until it's translucent and fragrant. This will add a sweet, savory flavor to your pinto bean mixture.
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- The creamy coleslaw is a key part of these sliders. You can adjust the flavor to your liking by adding more honey for sweetness or a bit of Dijon mustard for a tangy twist.
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- The type of BBQ sauce you use can greatly affect the flavor of your sliders. Whether you like it smoky, spicy, or sweet, there's a BBQ sauce out there for you. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding additional toppings or condiments to suit your taste preferences, such as sliced avocado, pickles, or hot sauce.
Nutrition
Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
Bob says
I’m not understanding this recipe, are the beans drained and loose? The recipe also says mashed and patties?!
Iryna Bychkiv says
Bob, thanks so much for your comment! You're absolutely right to ask — the beans should be drained but not mashed. They’re meant to stay whole and just be combined with the BBQ sauce before forming into sliders. I apologize for the confusion — the mention of mashing was a mistake, and I’ll update the recipe to reflect that. Appreciate you catching it!
Kulia says
I love bean burgers, but bean sliders? That's something new. The recipe is worth to try, thank you.