10+ Pinto Bean Recipes You’ll Love to Try

Pinto beans are a versatile ingredient that can add flavor, nutrition, and heartiness to your meals. These legumes are not only affordable but also packed with protein and fiber, making them a smart choice for your diet.

Whether you’re cooking a comforting soup or a spicy side dish, pinto beans can fit into many recipes.

In this article, you’ll discover a variety of pinto bean recipes suited for different tastes and occasions. From traditional dishes to modern twists, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to explore creative ways to enjoy this nutritious bean in your meals!

1) Classic Smoky Pinto Beans

Classic Smoky Pinto Beans are a delicious and comforting dish. They have a rich, smoky flavor that makes them perfect for any meal. You can enjoy them on their own or as a side with cornbread.

To make these beans, you can use dried pinto beans or canned ones for a quicker option. Cooking them slowly allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

This recipe is easy and brings warmth to your table. With just a few simple ingredients, you will have a tasty dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (about 2 cups) dried pinto beans
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups (950 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the dried pinto beans in water for at least 4 hours.
2. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
4. Stir in the soaked beans, broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat.
6. Simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beans are tender.
7. Adjust seasoning as needed, then serve warm.

2) Spicy Mexican-Style Pinto Beans

Spicy Mexican-style pinto beans are full of flavor. They combine pinto beans with jalapeños, chili powder, and cumin. The ingredients create a hearty dish that can stand alone or serve as a side.

Start by soaking your beans to make them tender. Once they are ready, simmer them with chopped jalapeños and spices for a tasty kick. You can adjust the spice level to match your preference.

These beans work well with rice or tortillas. They are also great in tacos or as a topping for nachos.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried pinto beans
• 1 jalapeño, chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• Water

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the pinto beans overnight in water.
2. Drain and rinse the beans.
3. In a pot, cover beans with fresh water and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, add jalapeño, chili powder, cumin, and salt.
5. Simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until tender.
6. Serve hot.

3) Hearty Pinto Bean Soup

This Hearty Pinto Bean Soup is perfect for a cozy meal. It’s made with pinto beans, fresh vegetables, and flavorful spices. You can enjoy it on a chilly day, and it’s very filling.

Start by cooking onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a pot. Then, add your soaked pinto beans and broth. You can use vegetable or chicken broth, depending on your preference.

Let it simmer for about an hour until the beans are tender. If you want more flavor, try adding herbs like cumin or smoked paprika. This soup is great on its own or served with bread.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pinto beans (dried)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cups broth (vegetable or chicken)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and soak the pinto beans overnight.
2. In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper.
3. Add soaked beans and broth to the pot.
4. Stir in cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for 60 minutes or until beans are tender.

4) Pinto Beans with Avocado and Lime

Pinto beans with avocado and lime make a fresh and tasty dish. This combination is simple yet packed with flavor. It’s perfect as a salad or side.

You’ll need ripe avocados for creaminess and fresh lime juice for a zesty kick. Mixing these ingredients gives you a delightful taste that’s hard to resist.

Serving this dish chilled can enhance the flavors even more. It pairs well with grilled meats and can also be used in wraps.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pinto beans
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 lime (juiced)
• 1 small red onion (diced)
• Fresh cilantro (to taste)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine cooked pinto beans and diced red onion.
2. Cut avocados in half and remove the pit. Scoop the flesh into the bowl.
3. Add lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
4. Gently mix everything together and serve.

5) Cheesy Pinto Bean Dip

Cheesy pinto bean dip is a tasty and easy snack you can make for parties or game days. It pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, veggies, or even as a filling in burritos.

To make this dip, you’ll need cooked pinto beans, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and some spices for flavor. You can customize the recipe by adding salsa or jalapeños if you like some heat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pinto beans
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the cooked pinto beans, cream cheese, and spices.
3. Spread the mixture into a baking dish.
4. Top with shredded cheese.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

6) Southern Pinto Beans with Ham Hocks

Southern pinto beans with ham hocks is a comforting dish that brings warmth to your table. This recipe highlights the rich flavors of beans and smoked ham, making it a favorite for family meals.

To start, you’ll soak the pinto beans overnight. This helps them cook evenly and become tender. Then, you’ll combine the beans with a large ham hock, onions, and garlic in a slow cooker.

Add enough water to cover the ingredients. Cook on low for about 8 hours (around 93 degrees Celsius) or until the beans are soft. The ham hock adds a smoky taste that enhances the dish.

Serve these beans hot as a main dish or a side. They pair well with cornbread for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups dry pinto beans
• 1 large ham hock
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups water

Cooking Instructions:

1. Soak pinto beans overnight.
2. In a slow cooker, combine soaked beans, ham hock, onion, and garlic.
3. Add water to cover the ingredients.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours until beans are tender.

7) Vegan Pinto Bean Chili

Vegan pinto bean chili is a delicious and hearty meal perfect for any day. It’s simple to make and packed with flavors. You can enjoy it on its own or with some bread on the side.

To make this chili, you will need pinto beans, tomatoes, and your favorite vegetables. Spices like cumin and chili powder add warmth and depth.

This dish is not only tasty but also healthy and filling. You can easily customize it by adding corn or bell peppers.

Ingredients

• 2 cans pinto beans (or 3 cups cooked beans)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add the bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the pinto beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
4. Add the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

8) Tex-Mex Pinto Bean Salad

This Tex-Mex Pinto Bean Salad is both tasty and easy to make. It features pinto beans, fresh vegetables, and zesty seasonings. You will enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite.

Start by combining canned pinto beans, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, and jalapeños in a large bowl. Add diced avocado for creaminess and fresh cilantro for a pop of color.

For the dressing, mix lime juice, olive oil, and chili powder. Drizzle it over the salad and toss everything together gently.

Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It pairs well with tacos or can be enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients

• 1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup diced jalapeños
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine pinto beans, tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeños.
2. Add the diced avocado and cilantro.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, and chili powder.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
5. Serve and enjoy!

9) Pinto Bean Tacos

Pinto bean tacos are a tasty and healthy meal option. They are easy to make and packed with flavor. You can enjoy them in warm corn tortillas with a variety of toppings.

Start with cooked pinto beans. You can season them to your liking. Adding spices like cumin or chili powder makes them extra delicious.

Top your tacos with fresh ingredients. Try a crisp slaw made of cabbage, cilantro, and lime. You can also add corn, avocado, or your favorite salsa.

These tacos are perfect for lunch or dinner. They are satisfying and full of nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• ¼ cup water
• Corn tortillas
• Toppings: slaw, corn, avocado, salsa, cilantro

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a pot, add pinto beans, taco seasoning, and water.
2. Cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes.
3. Warm corn tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.
4. Fill each tortilla with the bean mixture and desired toppings.

10) Instant Pot Pinto Beans with Jalapeños

Making Instant Pot pinto beans with jalapeños is simple and delicious. The spiciness from the jalapeños adds a nice kick to your dish. This recipe is great as a side or topping.

Start by rinsing your dried pinto beans. You will need some chopped onions and garlic for extra flavor. The combination creates a savory base.

Once everything is in the Instant Pot, set it to cook on high pressure for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, let the steam release naturally for about 10 minutes.

You can serve these beans warm, alongside your favorite dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried pinto beans
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 jalapeños, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1½ cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the pinto beans and set aside.
2. Add beans, onion, jalapeños, garlic, cumin, and paprika to the Instant Pot.
3. Next, pour in the chicken broth and water.
4. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
5. After 30 minutes, let the steam release naturally for 10 minutes before opening the lid.