15 Pinto Bean Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Pinto beans are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many tasty dishes. Their creamy texture and mild flavor can enhance soups, stews, and even salads. Whether you are looking to prepare a comforting chili or a quick side dish, pinto beans can easily adapt to your favorite recipes.

These beans are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a smart choice for any meal. You can enjoy them in various ways, from traditional dishes to creative modern takes. Get ready to explore the world of pinto bean recipes and discover how they can elevate your cooking.

1) Classic Cowboy Pinto Beans

Classic Cowboy Pinto Beans are a hearty and simple dish to make. They pair well with many meals and can be enjoyed as a side or a main feature.

To start, gather the following ingredients. You’ll need 1 pound of dried pinto beans, 6 cups of water, 1 chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of cumin, and pepper to taste. You can also add 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled, for an extra flavor boost.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried pinto beans
• 6 cups water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• Pepper to taste
• Optional: 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the pinto beans under cold water.
2. In a large pot, combine beans and water. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to simmer and add onion, garlic, salt, and cumin.
4. Cook for about 2 hours, or until beans are tender.
5. Stir in pepper and bacon if using.

Enjoy your Cowboy Beans!

2) Vegetarian Pinto Bean Chili

Vegetarian pinto bean chili is a warm and filling dish packed with flavor. You’ll enjoy the hearty beans combined with fresh vegetables and spices.

To start, gather your ingredients. You can use canned or cooked pinto beans for convenience. Fresh garlic, onions, and bell peppers add great taste.

This chili can be customized to your liking. Add your favorite spices or vegetables for a personal touch.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pinto beans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in pinto beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 20 minutes on low heat.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

3) Savory Pinto Bean Burgers

Pinto bean burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meat burgers. They are easy to make and packed with flavor. You can prepare them in just about 20 minutes.

To start, mash pinto beans in a bowl and mix in spices like cumin and chili powder for added taste. You can also add breadcrumbs to help the mixture hold together. Form the mixture into patties for grilling or frying.

Serve these savory burgers on a bun with your favorite toppings. Fresh vegetables, avocado, and salsa work great. Enjoy a tasty meal that everyone will love!

Ingredients

• 1 can pinto beans, drained
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Mash the pinto beans in a bowl.
2. Stir in the breadcrumbs, spices, onion, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape the mixture into patties.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 180°C).
5. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side.

4) Mexican-Style Charro Beans

Mexican-style charro beans are a delicious and hearty dish made with pinto beans. This recipe often includes ingredients like bacon, tomatoes, and spices that add a great taste.

To make these beans, you first need to cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Then, add onions and garlic for more flavor. After that, mix in the pinto beans and some broth. Let it simmer so the flavors can blend together.

You can enjoy charro beans on their own or as a side dish with rice or tortillas. They make a perfect addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pinto beans
• 4 slices of bacon
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tomatoes, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the bacon in a pot until crispy.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Stir in the pinto beans and diced tomatoes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add cumin.
5. Simmer for about 30 minutes on low heat. Adjust with salt and pepper.

5) Hearty Pinto Bean Soup

Hearty pinto bean soup is a perfect dish for chilly days. It is warm, filling, and packed with flavor. You can customize it to suit your taste by adding different spices or vegetables.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot. Then, add your rinsed pinto beans and vegetable broth. You can also throw in diced tomatoes and bell peppers for more depth.

Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes (150°C) until the beans are tender. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some spices like cumin or chili powder.

Serve your soup with a side of cornbread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pinto beans
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• Spices to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté the onions and garlic in a pot.
2. Add rinsed pinto beans and vegetable broth.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes and bell pepper.
4. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes (150°C).
5. Season with spices.
6. Serve hot with cornbread.

6) Spicy Pinto Bean Dip

This Spicy Pinto Bean Dip is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. It combines creamy pinto beans with just the right amount of heat. The best part? It’s quick and easy to make!

Start by heating some olive oil in a pan. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they’re soft. Then, combine these with pinto beans, pickled jalapeños, and spices in a food processor.

Blend everything until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency. Serve it with tortilla chips or veggies for dipping.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, to taste
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Sauté onions and garlic until soft, about 6 minutes.
3. Add the beans, jalapeños, and spices to a food processor.
4. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed.
5. Adjust seasoning and serve with chips or veggies.

7) One-Pot Pinto Beans with Bacon

Making One-Pot Pinto Beans with Bacon is simple and delicious. This dish combines the rich flavors of bacon with the hearty texture of pinto beans.

Start by cooking bacon in a large pot until it’s crisp. Remove the bacon, leaving some fat in the pot. Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot and cook until soft.

Next, add rinsed pinto beans and enough water to cover them. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat. Let the beans simmer until they’re tender.

You’ll enjoy the smoky flavor of the bacon blended with the beans. This dish is perfect on its own or as a side.

Ingredients:

• 4 strips of bacon
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups dried pinto beans, rinsed
• 6 cups water
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp.
2. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving fat in the pot.
3. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in pinto beans and water. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer until beans are tender, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
6. Add salt to taste and chop bacon to mix in before serving.

8) Pinto Bean and Cheese Burritos

Pinto bean and cheese burritos are a delightful meal that you can easily prepare at home. They’re perfect for lunch or dinner and are full of flavor and nutrition.

You will need flour or whole wheat tortillas to wrap up the delicious filling. Start with cooked pinto beans and add some cheese. Feel free to include extras like spinach or seasoned rice for added taste.

To cook them, grill the burritos until they are golden and crispy. This makes them warm and gives them a nice texture.

Ingredients

• Flour or whole wheat tortillas
• Cooked pinto beans
• Shredded cheese
• Spinach (optional)
• Seasoned rice (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Spread cooked pinto beans on a tortilla.
2. Add shredded cheese and any optional ingredients.
3. Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then roll it up tightly.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
5. Grill the burrito until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

9) Southern Pinto Beans with Ham Hocks

Southern pinto beans with ham hocks are a classic comfort food. This dish is hearty and flavorful, and the beans are cooked slowly with ham hocks, which adds a rich taste.

To make this dish, you start with dried pinto beans. Soaking them helps to cut down on cooking time. As they cook, the beans absorb the smoky flavor from the ham hocks.

Serve the beans alongside cornbread to make a delicious meal. Enjoy the warm, homey flavors that remind you of family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried pinto beans
• 2 ham hocks
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak beans in water overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the beans.
3. In a large pot, combine beans, ham hocks, broth, onion, garlic, black pepper, salt, and paprika.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours until the beans are tender.

10) Creamy Pinto Bean Mash

Creamy pinto bean mash is a simple and delicious dish. It is perfect as a side or a spread. You’ll love how easy it is to make.

Start by cooking your pinto beans until they are tender. Once cooked, drain any excess water and return them to the pot.

Next, mash the beans with a fork or a potato masher. You can add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired creaminess.

Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you enjoy. Some people like to add garlic or cumin for extra flavor.

Serve your creamy mash warm or cool as a dip. It pairs well with tacos or as a spread on toast.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pinto beans
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth (or water)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: garlic, cumin, or other spices

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pinto beans until tender.
2. Drain excess water.
3. Mash beans in a pot.
4. Add broth and mix until creamy.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
6. Serve warm or cool.

11) Pinto Bean and Avocado Salad

Pinto bean and avocado salad is a colorful and healthy dish. It’s easy to make and brings together wonderful flavors. The creaminess of the avocado pairs well with the hearty pinto beans.

You can add fresh veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers to make it even better. A squeeze of lime juice adds a nice zing. This salad is perfect as a side or a light meal.

Ingredients

• 1 can pinto beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the pinto beans, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Gently toss to combine and serve.

12) Pinto Beans with Smoked Sausage

Pinto beans with smoked sausage is a delicious and comforting meal. This dish combines hearty beans with flavorful sausage, making it perfect for any occasion.

Start by soaking your pinto beans overnight. This softens them and helps with cooking. When you’re ready, drain and rinse the beans.

In a large pot, add your soaked beans and cover them with water. You can add smoked sausage, chopped onions, and garlic for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Let it simmer until the beans are tender.

Feel free to add spices like chili powder or black pepper according to your taste. Serve this dish warm, and enjoy it with cornbread or rice.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pinto beans
• 1 smoked sausage link, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Water
• Chili powder, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the pinto beans overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the beans.
3. In a large pot, add the beans and cover with water.
4. Add sliced sausage, onion, and garlic.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
6. Simmer until the beans are tender, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
7. Season with chili powder and black pepper before serving.

13) Slow-Cooker Pinto Beans and Rice

Slow-cooker pinto beans and rice is a comforting and simple dish. You can prepare it easily and let the slow cooker do most of the work for you.

Start by rinsing your pinto beans. You will need enough water to cover them by about two inches. If you want extra flavor, add pork like bacon or ham hock along with your seasonings.

Set your slow cooker on low and let it cook for about 6 to 8 hours. The beans become tender, and all the flavors will blend nicely.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pinto beans
• 6 cups water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1-2 cups rice
• Optional: bacon or ham hock for flavor
• Seasonings of your choice (like pepper, garlic, or onion)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the pinto beans and place them in your slow cooker.
2. Cover with water, ensuring it’s about two inches above the beans.
3. Add salt and any optional pork.
4. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
5. Once done, stir in the rice and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes.

14) Pinto Bean and Cornbread Casserole

Pinto Bean and Cornbread Casserole is a tasty and easy meal. It’s a great option if you want something warm and filling. The layers of beans and cornbread create a delicious taste.

Start by browning some meat and onions. After that, mix in some soup and pinto beans. Let it all simmer to blend those flavors.

Prepare your cornbread mix according to the package. Pour the meat mixture into a casserole dish and top it with the cornbread. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. You can also add cheese on top if you like!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground meat
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can of pinto beans
• 1 can of soup (like cream of mushroom)
• Cornbread mix
• Shredded cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown ground meat and onion in a pan.
2. Drain the mixture and add soup and pinto beans.
3. Simmer for a few minutes.
4. Prepare cornbread mix as directed.
5. In a casserole dish, add the meat mixture and top it with cornbread.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.

15) Zesty Pinto Bean Tacos

Zesty pinto bean tacos are a delicious and easy meal. They are perfect for a quick dinner or a fun taco night. You can customize them with your favorite toppings.

Start by mashing cooked pinto beans in a bowl. Mix in taco seasoning for extra flavor. Then, spread the mixture on warm tortillas.

Add fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, or avocado. You can also sprinkle cheese on top for a tasty twist. If you like spice, drizzle some hot sauce over the tacos.

Serve these tacos with a side of salsa or guacamole for extra zest. They are satisfying and full of flavor!

Ingredients

• 1 can pinto beans or 2 cups cooked pinto beans
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 4 corn or flour tortillas
• 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Cheese (optional)
• Hot sauce (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mash cooked pinto beans in a bowl.
2. Stir in taco seasoning.
3. Warm tortillas in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
4. Spread the bean mixture on each tortilla.
5. Top with lettuce, tomato, and avocado.
6. Add cheese and hot sauce if desired.
7. Serve and enjoy!