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.
The Best Easy Pinto Beans
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:
- 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).
- 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.
- Place lid on the pot and heat over medium-high heat. Boil beans for 1 minute, then turn heat to low.
- Simmer 2-4 hours or until beans are tender.
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