10+ Pinto Bean Recipes for Delicious and Easy Meals

Pinto beans are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can elevate many meals. Pinto bean recipes can fit into your diet and satisfy your cravings. They are rich in protein, fiber, and various nutrients, making them a great choice for healthy eating.

In this article, you will discover a variety of pinto bean recipes that are easy to prepare and full of flavor. From simple cooked beans to more complex dishes, there is something for everyone. Get ready to explore the delightful world of pinto beans and find new favorites that you can share with family and friends.

1) Spicy Mexican Pinto Beans

Spicy Mexican pinto beans are a delicious and easy dish to make. You can use canned pinto beans, which save time, or cook dried beans from scratch.

To make this dish, start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot. Then, add jalapeños and chili powder for an extra kick. After that, stir in the pinto beans and let everything simmer with some vegetable broth.

The result is a creamy and flavorful side dish that pairs well with rice or tacos. You may also add chorizo for a meaty flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cans pinto beans (or 1 lb dried pinto beans)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 jalapeños, chopped
• 1-2 tsp chili powder
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
2. Add chopped jalapeños and chili powder.
3. Stir in the pinto beans and vegetable broth.
4. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Season with salt to taste before serving.

2) Southern Style Pinto Beans with Bacon

Southern style pinto beans with bacon are a classic comfort food. They are simple to make and packed with flavor. This dish combines tender beans with the smoky taste of bacon.

To make this dish, you’ll need to soak your pinto beans first. After that, you’ll cook them low and slow for hours. The result is a hearty and delicious meal that pairs well with cornbread.

The bacon adds a rich taste to the beans, enhancing their natural flavor. You can serve this dish as a main course or a side.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried pinto beans
• 3 slices bacon
• 1 small onion, halved
• 3-4 whole garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 cups water
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the dried pinto beans overnight in cold water.
2. In a pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. Add onion, garlic, and soaked beans to the pot.
4. Pour in 8 cups of water and add the bay leaf.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
6. Simmer for 2 to 3 hours until beans are tender.
7. Stir in crumbled bacon before serving.

3) Vegan Pinto Bean Chili

Vegan pinto bean chili is a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal. It’s simple to make and full of flavor. You can enjoy it on a chilly day or serve it at a gathering.

Start by gathering your ingredients. Pinto beans, tomatoes, peppers, and spices come together to create a delicious mix. This chili is not only tasty but also healthy and filling.

To cook, sauté onions and garlic first. Then, add bell peppers and spices. Finally, mix in pinto beans and tomatoes and let it simmer. You’ll have a bowl of comfort that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups pinto beans, cooked
• 2 cups fire-roasted tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until soft.
3. Add the diced bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the chili powder and cumin.
5. Add the cooked pinto beans and fire-roasted tomatoes.
6. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

4) Slow Cooker Pinto Bean Soup

Slow Cooker Pinto Bean Soup is a simple and hearty meal that is perfect for cool days. It combines pinto beans with vegetables and seasoning to create comfort in a bowl.

You don’t need to soak the beans beforehand, making this recipe very easy. Just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work.

Cooking at a high setting, this soup will be ready in about five to six hours. Enjoy the warm, savory flavors that come together beautifully!

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups dried pinto beans (not soaked)
• 32 oz. chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the pinto beans and add them to the slow cooker.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and water.
3. Add chopped onion, carrots, garlic, and cumin.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook on high for 5-6 hours or until beans are tender.

5) Creamy Refried Pinto Beans

Creamy refried pinto beans are a delicious addition to any meal. They are perfect as a side dish or a taco filling. You can make them smooth and creamy with just a few simple ingredients.

To make this dish, you’ll need pinto beans, garlic, onion, and spices. Using canned beans makes the cooking process quicker, so you can enjoy your meal sooner.

You can cook the beans on the stove or in a slow cooker, depending on your preference. Mash them to your desired consistency and add a bit of butter for creaminess if you like.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pinto beans (or 1 can, drained)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onions until they are soft.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Stir in the cooked beans and chili powder.
5. Mash the mixture to your desired texture.
6. Season with salt to taste. Enjoy!

6) Pinto Bean and Cheese Burritos

Pinto bean and cheese burritos are a delicious and filling meal. They are easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. You can customize them with your favorite ingredients for extra flavor.

To make these burritos, you’ll need some pinto beans, cheese, and tortillas. You might also want to add onions, peppers, or spices to suit your taste.

These burritos are great for meal prep. You can make a batch, wrap them up, and freeze them for later. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Ingredients

• 1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or pepper jack)
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1/2 onion, chopped (optional)
• 1-2 peppers, diced (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix pinto beans, cheese, and optional ingredients.
3. Place a portion of the mixture on each tortilla.
4. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in a baking dish.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

7) Simple Stove-Top Pinto Beans

Cooking pinto beans on the stove is straightforward and rewarding. You can enjoy them as a side dish or use them in other recipes.

Start with dried pinto beans that you rinse well. If you prefer to soak them, do so for several hours or overnight. This step helps reduce cooking time.

In a pot, add the beans and cover them with water, about 2 inches above the beans. Then, bring the water to a boil, and let it simmer gently.

You’ll cook the soaked beans for about 1 hour. If you don’t soak them, it may take 1.5 to 3 hours. Check for tenderness along the way.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried pinto beans
• Water (enough to cover the beans)
• Salt (to taste)
• Optional seasonings (like cumin or onion)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the pinto beans under cold water.
2. Soak the beans if desired for a faster cook.
3. Place beans in a pot and cover with water.
4. Bring to a boil over high heat.
5. Reduce heat and let simmer.
6. Cook for 1 hour if soaked, or 1.5 to 3 hours if unsoaked.
7. Add salt and season to taste before serving.

8) Tex-Mex Inspired Pinto Bean Salad

This Tex-Mex inspired pinto bean salad is bright and packed with flavor. It combines pinto beans with fresh veggies for a delicious meal or side dish.

Start by mixing canned pinto beans with corn, diced bell peppers, and chopped red onion. You can add some chopped cilantro for extra freshness. A squeeze of lime juice gives it a nice tang.

For the dressing, use olive oil, cumin, and a pinch of chili powder. This blend enhances the flavors and adds a little kick. Toss it all together and enjoy. This salad is perfect for warm days or as a colorful side at your next barbecue.

Ingredients

• 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn, canned or frozen
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine pinto beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, and chili powder.
3. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently.
4. Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for a bit. Enjoy!

9) Pinto Beans with Ham and Jalapeños

Pinto beans with ham and jalapeños offer a tasty twist to your bean dish. The smoky flavor of ham combined with the spice of jalapeños makes this meal exciting. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends.

To start, soak one pound of pinto beans overnight. Then, chop two jalapeños and half an onion.

In a slow cooker, add the soaked beans, ham hock, jalapeños, onion, and some cracked pepper. Pour in enough water to cover everything.

Cook on low for 8 hours (about 180°F or 82°C) or on high for 4 hours (about 200°F or 93°C).

Ingredients

• 1 pound pinto beans (soaked overnight)
• 2 jalapeños (chopped)
• 1/2 onion (chopped)
• 1 ham hock
• Cracked pepper
• Water (enough to cover)

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the pinto beans overnight.
2. Chop the jalapeños and onion.
3. In a slow cooker, combine soaked beans, ham hock, jalapeños, onion, and cracked pepper.
4. Add water to cover the mixture.
5. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

10) Garlic and Onion Pinto Bean Stew

This Garlic and Onion Pinto Bean Stew is tasty and comforting. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner. You will love how simple it is to make!

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need pinto beans, garlic, onion, vegetable broth, and some spices. These flavors blend together nicely.

First, cook the onions and garlic until they become soft. Then, add the pinto beans and broth to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.

Let the stew simmer until the beans are tender. This usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

Serve the stew hot. It’s great on its own or with some bread!

Ingredients

• 2 cups pinto beans, soaked overnight
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Herbs (like thyme or cumin)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the onions and garlic until soft.

2. Then, add the soaked pinto beans and vegetable broth.

3. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and herbs.

4. Next, bring it to a boil. After that, reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.

5. Serve hot and enjoy!