Flour and Pots

White chicken chili soup is a massive favorite in our house, so why not take all those comforting, vibrant flavors and turn them into a veggie burger? This gives you all the cozy southwest taste without the heavy saturated fat from meat, wrapped up in a fun, handheld meal.

These burgers are baked right in the oven for ultimate ease and quick cleanup, meaning you can enjoy them all year long—rain, shine, or snow! They feature a soft, buttery white bean base loaded with herbs and spices, delivering a wonderful texture and a gentle kick of heat. Stack them high on a bun with your favorite toppings and dig in. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

White beans (navy beans)
Diced green chilis
Bread crumbs
Cotija cheese
Onion powder
Ground cumin
Garlic powder
Chili powder
Dried oregano
Cayenne pepper
Sour cream
Mild salsa verde
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Multigrain or hamburger buns of choice
Havarti or Colby Jack cheese

Optional Topping Ideas -

Pickled or candied jalapeños
Extra salsa verde
Lettuce, fresh spinach, or microgreens
Cilantro jalapeño ranch
Everything Sauce (as featured in my fall magazine)
Fresh avocado or guacamole

How to Make these White Chili Burgers

Step #1 - Pre-Dry the Beans: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Spread your drained, rinsed, and patted-dry white beans into a single, even layer on the sheet. Bake for 15-16 minutes until they slightly start to dry out. (Tip: Use a fork to mix the beans halfway through the baking process so they dry out evenly.)

Step #2 - Prep for Mixing: Remove the beans from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).

Step #3 - Mash and Combine: Pour the slightly dried-out beans into a large bowl. Add the diced green chilis, bread crumbs, cotija cheese, onion powder, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, sour cream, and mild salsa verde. Using a large potato masher or a sturdy fork, stir and mash everything together until you get a rough, cohesive mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step #4 - Form the Patties: Divide the mixture and shape it into 4 to 6 even patties. Place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spaced evenly apart.

Step #5 - Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, gently flipping halfway through.

Step #6 - Melt the Cheese & Serve: Remove the burgers from the oven and top each with a slice of cheese. Return to the oven and broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly crisped. Place the patties onto your hamburger buns, pile on your favorite toppings, and serve immediately!

Nutrition & Recipe Health Notes

These veggie burgers aren't just delicious—they are packed with wholesome, nourishing ingredients that love your body back:

Plant-Based Power & Fiber: Navy beans are an incredible source of dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, and keeps you feeling satisfied and full longer. They also provide sustained, complex carbohydrates without the heavy crash.
Heart-Healthy Fats & Protein: By replacing heavy meat with nutrient-dense beans and wholesome dairy, you significantly cut down on saturated fats while still getting a great protein boost to support muscle repair.
Antioxidant-Rich Spices: Cumin, garlic, onion powder, and chili powder are loaded with powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that boost immune health and add deep, complex flavor without needing excess sodium.
Bone & Immune Support: Cotija cheese and the beans deliver a healthy dose of calcium and minerals like iron, folate, and magnesium, supporting cellular function, bone strength, and natural energy levels.