Beans Recipe

Learn how to make the best easy pinto beans from scratch, or with a stove top, slow cooker, and even with Instant Pot instructions.

Pinto beans are easy to prepare, flavorful, and healthy. As a side dish, pinto beans compliment BBQ meals, fried chicken, ham, and cornbread and mashed potatoes.

There are many pinto bean varieties. Here are a few of the most popular pinto bean strands available on the market today.

beans recipe

The Best Easy Pinto Beans

beans recipe

The best easy pinto beans from scratch, with stovetop, slow cooker and Instant Pot directions. They are an easy, flavorful and healthy side dish to go with all of your Tex-Mex, Mexican, and BBQ meals, or a simple, hearty vegetarian dinner. (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian option)

Prep: 5min

Total: 2h

Yield: 6

Serving Size: 1/2 cup

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1/2 cup, calories 156 calories, Sugar 2.5 g, Sodium 256.5 mg, Fat 1.5 g, Saturated Fat 0.4 g, Trans Fat 0 g, Carbohydrate 27.1 g, Fiber 6.5 g, Protein 8.8 g, Cholesterol 1.5 mg

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb dry pinto beans
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 jalapeno or serrano pepper
  • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
  • Small ham hock, slice of bacon, or pork bone
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (optional)
  • Water
  • Add 1 can diced tomatoes, 1/2 tsp chili powder, and 1 tsp ground cumin

Instruction:

  1. Soak beans overnight: Pour beans into a large bowl or pot. Sift through and pick out any small rocks that may be present. Cover beans with water (at least 3 inches over beans) and let sit on the counter overnight. If you forgot to soak the beans (it happens!), use the quick soak method (see notes).
  2. Drain and rinse beans. Place in a large heavy-bottomed pot with a lid. Add onion, garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, and ham hock, if using. Add spices (this is also the time to add tomatoes and Mexican spices if you are making that version). Add chicken broth if using and fill with enough water to cover beans at least 2 inches with water.
  3. Place lid on the pot and heat over medium-high heat. Boil beans for 1 minute, then turn heat to low.
  4. Simmer 2-4 hours or until beans are tender.

Garlic Green Beans Recipe

FAQ

How do you make beans taste good?

Toss drained/rinsed/dried beans with a bit of olive oil (or avocado oil) and your favorite seasonings. You can add crushed whole seeds (coriander, cumin, fennel, mustard, etc.), woodsy herbs (thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage), red pepper flakes, crushed garlic cloves, and of course salt and pepper.

What is the secret to good beans?

Keep your beans at a simmer, making sure that they do not boil violently, which tends to cause them to break up. Beans expand as they soak and cook, so you may need to add more water to the pot as you go along. Don’t forget to stir your beans occasionally so that they don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

What to add to pinto beans for flavor?

You can use so many different herbs and spices to season pinto beans. I like the combination of cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme, but other great options include adding herbs like sage, rosemary, marjoram.

Are canned beans healthy?

They are an excellent source of fiber, plant-based protein, and other essential nutrients, such as folate and potassium. Despite the potential for contamination, canned beans are generally safe to consume and prove to be a convenient and nutritious alternative to dried beans.

About the author

Helen is an author and editor at helenbackcafe.com, who has a passion for writing about recipes. She loves to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to create delicious and unique dishes.

Among all the foods, pizza holds a special place in her heart, and she loves exploring different variations and toppings to create the perfect slice. Through her writing, Helen hopes to inspire others to get creative in the kitchen and share their love for food with the world.

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