Pinto Bean Recipe

User Reviews

5

34 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    5 hrs

  • Total Time

    5 hrs 10 mins

  • Servings

    6

  • Calories

    272 kcal

  • Course

    Side Dish

  • Cuisine

    American

Pinto Bean Recipe

This Pinto Bean Recipe uses dried pinto beans cooked slowly with a ham bone or bacon for savory depth, alongside spices like oregano, chili powder, and garlic powder. Soaking the beans overnight tenderizes them, and slow cooking makes the beans soft and flavorful. This preparation is ideal for hearty sides or main dishes and supports versatile cooking methods including slow cooker, stovetop, or Instant Pot.

Description

The Pinto Bean Recipe features dried pinto beans soaked overnight, then cooked with aromatics such as onion and seasonings including oregano, chili powder, black pepper, and garlic powder. A ham bone or cooked bacon adds smoky meat flavor that infuses the beans slowly. Whether cooked in a slow cooker, on the stovetop simmered until tender, or in an Instant Pot under pressure, the beans develop a creamy texture with a rich, savory profile.

The slow cook or simmer method allows the beans to soften thoroughly while fully absorbing the smoky and spiced broth. On the stovetop, maintaining a gentle simmer for 2-3 hours is key, with additional water added as needed. This recipe yields a comforting pot of beans suitable for serving alongside cornbread, rice, or as a base for other dishes.

After cooking, the beans should cool completely before refrigerating in airtight containers, where they keep for several days. For longer storage, portioning into freezer-safe containers preserves their texture for up to three months. When reheating, warming gently while adding some water helps maintain moisture. This recipe provides a classic, meaty pinto bean dish with flexible cooking options and clear storage guidance.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 pound pinto beans picked over and rinsed, dried
  • 1/2 /2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 /2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 /2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 /2 teaspoon black pepper ground
  • 1/2 /2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 1 ham bone or 1/2 pound cooked bacon

Instructions

Slow Cooker Pinto Beans Recipe:

  1. Add the dried beans to all large stockpot and allow to soak overnight. Drain the dried beans and pour into crock of slow cooker. Add in all other ingredients and combine well. Add water until the beans are fully covered.
  2. Cook the pinto beans on high until beans are tender, about 5 hours.

Stovetop Pinto Beans Recipe:

  1. Add the dried beans to all large stockpot and allow to soak overnight. Drain the dried beans and add in all other ingredients and combine well. Add water until the beans are fully covered.
  2. Bring the beans to a boil over high heat and boil for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to low and allow the pinto beans to simmer until they tender when pressed against the side of the stockpot with a wooden spoon, 2 to 3 hours. Add water to the beans as needed.

Instant Pot Pinto Beans Recipe:

  1. Add the dried beans, as well as all of the remaining ingredients, to a 6-quart pressure cooker. Add water until the beans are fully covered, taking care not to fill the pressure cooker more than half full of water.
  2. Seal the pressure cooker and cook the beans under high pressure for 30 minutes. Use either the "quick release" method or the natural release method with your pressure cooker. The quick release method will quickly release the pressure from your pressure cooker so that you may remove the lid. The natural release method releases the pressure more slowly, but allows the beans to continue cooking a bit longer and are somewhat more tender.

Notes

  • Soak dried pinto beans overnight to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
  • Use a ham bone or bacon to impart rich, smoky flavor to the beans during cooking.
  • Cook the beans fully until tender, adding water as needed to maintain coverage and prevent drying.
  • Once cooled, store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
  • Reheat the beans gently over low heat, adding water if necessary to preserve texture and moisture.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 272kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 49g (16%) Protein 16g (32%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 0.2g (1%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g (2%) Monounsaturated Fat 0.2g (1%) Sodium 207mg (9%) Potassium 1090mg (23%) Fiber 12g (48%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 54IU (1%) Vitamin C 6mg (7%) Calcium 94mg (9%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 272 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 272kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 49g 16%
Protein 16g 32%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 0.2g 1%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g 2%
Monounsaturated Fat 0.2g 1%
Sodium 207mg 9%
Potassium 1090mg 23%
Fiber 12g 48%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 54IU 1%
Vitamin C 6mg 7%
Calcium 94mg 9%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5

34 reviews
Excellent

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