This post is sponsored by Farm Rich. All opinions are mine.

Skip the meat and give these pinto bean burgers a try! These tasty burgers are loaded with flavor and they’re ready in just 20 minutes!

pinto bean burgers
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I’ve been a vegetarian for over a decade, so I’ve had my fair share of bean burgers! Many recipes are overly complicated just to end up with a bland texture. So after a lot of testing, I’m excited to share this pinto bean burger recipe! It’s packed with flavor and it has a delicious texture. The secret? Crushed up tortilla chips! By using chips instead of oats or breadcrumbs, these burgers have a hearty texture!

What to Serve with Pinto Bean Burgers

Skip the standard french fries and grab a box of Farm Rich Breaded Zucchini Sticks (tender zucchini slices breaded in a savory coating)! These are part of the new Garden Inspirations™ by Farm Rich line of plant-based frozen foods. (They also make these delicious Meatless Meatballs and Breaded Cauliflower Bites) These Breaded Zucchini Sticks are easy to bake in the oven or air fryer and they’re perfect with a burger! They’re deliciously crispy and they even come with a side of tangy marinara sauce for dipping! An easy way to eat more vegetables as a snack, appetizer or side to any meal.

breaded zucchini sticks on a plate

You can find Garden Inspirations by Farm Rich Zucchini Sticks at Kroger, in the frozen vegetable section of the freezer aisle. You can also order them online via Instacart!

Pinto Bean Burger Ingredients

  • Pinto beans– I used canned pinto beans, to save time! Look for low sodium or no salt added beans, if you’re watching your sodium intake.
  • Crushed tortilla chips– These add bulk and texture to the burgers and help them stay together.
  • Fresh cilantro– I love the fresh flavor this adds to the burgers. Don’t use dried cilantro, which doesn’t have much flavor.
  • Onion– You can use white, yellow, or red onion.
  • Flour– A little flour helps these burgers hold together. You can substitute with gluten free flour, if needed.
  • Garlic powder– I prefer to use garlic powder vs. fresh garlic for this recipe.
  • Cumin– A little cumin adds some floral spice.
  • Salt– Obviously a little salt helps enhance the flavor.
  • Avocado oil– A little oil is necessary for cooking the burgers.

How to Make Pinto Bean Burgers

Start by draining, rinsing, and drying the pinto beans. It’s important to pat them dry, so you don’t end up with too much moisture in the burgers. Line a large cutting board with paper towels, then spread out the beans and let them sit for a few minutes. This also helps remove some of the salt from the beans, lowering the sodium.

beans on paper towels

Add the beans, crushed tortilla chips, onion, and cilantro into the food processor.

pinto beans in a food processor

Pulse until combined. Then add the rest of the ingredients and pulse until mixed. Use your hands to shape into patties. Cook in a skillet for 8-10 minutes until browned!

How Do You Keep Bean Burgers from Falling Apart?

Great question! If you’ve made veggie burgers before, you know they don’t always stick together quite like a meat burger. The key is to include a binding agent. In this case, we use some flour and tortilla chips. But since these burgers are vegan, we didn’t use any eggs. They are more fragile than a typical burger, but since they’re cooked on the stovetop in a skillet, it’s not a big deal. I wouldn’t recommend these for the grill, as they may not hold together on the grates.

Are Bean Burgers Good For You?

Yes! These pinto bean burgers are a great source of plant-based protein. They’re lower in fat than traditional burgers and they also have a lot of fiber thanks to the beans! These are definitely a healthy meal option, whether you’re a meat-eater or a vegan!

pinot bean burgers

Pinto Bean Burger Topping Ideas

I like to have plenty of toppings available so my family can customize their burger just the way they like it! Familiar toppings are a great way to get picky eaters to try a new type of burger. Here are some of our favorite toppings:

  • Lettuce
  • Tomato
  • Red Onion
  • Barbecue Sauce
  • Hot Sauce
  • Avocado
  • Mayonnaise
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A burger sitting on top of a plate

Pinto Bean Burger

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Liz Thomson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 Burgers 1x
  • Category: Burgers
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Burgers
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Description

Skip the meat and give these pinto bean burgers a try! These tasty burgers are loaded with flavor and they’re ready in just 20 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 15oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed, patted dry
  • 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips (about 1oz)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped onions
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
  • Toppings: Lettuce, tomato, red onion, BBQ Sauce or Hot Sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place two large paper towels on a cutting board and set aside.
  2. Drain and rinse the pinto beans, then spread onto the paper towels and gently pat to dry.
  3. Add the tortilla chips, pinto beans, onions, and cilantro to a food processor and pulse 3-4 times.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, cumin, and salt.
  5. Add the flour mixture to the food processor and pulse 5-6 times until combined.
  6. The mixture might look dry, but it will hold together when packed.
  7. Shape the mixture into 4 large patties.
  8. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  9. Add the burgers and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side.
  10. Brush with barbecue sauce or hot sauce, if desired.
  11. Place on a bun and add all your favorite toppings + sides!

If you loved this burger recipe, be sure to check out my Chipotle Black Bean Burger recipe!

black bean burger

If you have leftover pinto beans, try my pinto bean soup or these crispy pinto bean tacos!

What’s your favorite burger topping?