As I’ve spent more time in the kitchen over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the humble pinto bean for its versatility and nutritional value. These beans aren’t just a fantastic source of protein (15g per 1 cup of cooked pinto beans), fiber (15g per 1 cup, cooked), vitamins, and minerals; they’re also packed with antioxidants. Their earthy flavor and creamy texture make them very versatile, perfect for a wide range of ingredients and dishes. From traditional Mexican meals to innovative modern cuisine, pinto beans have a significant presence in various culinary traditions.
Beans are also a great way to spend less at the grocery store. Whether canned, jarred, or dried, you can make beans the main event or mix them in with meat recipes to stretch it a bit further. If you want to eat more beans, but they mess with your digestion, I recommend trying to take a digestive enzyme 15 minutes before the meal and see if that helps you.
Today, I’m excited to share with you a collection of pinto bean recipes that I’ve enjoyed making for my family, along with some favorites from fellow food enthusiasts. These dishes, ranging from comforting soups to flavorful side dishes and even hearty main courses, showcase just how wonderful and adaptable pinto beans can be. I hope these ideas are useful as you meal plan!
10 Recipes With Pinto Beans
Crock Pot Pinto Beans
Well Plated by Erin simplifies simple pinto bean preparation with her Crock Pot Pinto Beans. This no-soak recipe infuses pinto beans with a rich blend of sautéed onion, jalapeno to give it a medium heat kick, and southwestern spices, perfect for a variety of dishes or even as a standalone side.
Pinto Bean Soup
Savor the comfort of The Cozy Cook’s Pinto Bean Soup, a rich medley of vegetables, pinto beans, and sausage. This adaptable recipe, perfect for slow cookers, offers a hearty meal with its blend of simple, flavorful seasonings.
Oven Baked Bean Burritos
In my own kitchen, I’ve created Oven Baked Bean Burritos, a quick 20-minute meal that combines refried pinto beans, rice, spices and cheese in a tortilla wrap. These burritos are not only delicious but also freezer-friendly, ideal for those nights when you need a meal in a pinch. The kids dip them in sour cream, and I like mine served over iceberg and cabbage for an added fresh crunch.
Pinto Bean Casserole (Easy Mexican Recipe)
The Picky Eater Blog introduces a cozy Pinto Bean Casserole, a one-pot meal ready in less than 30 minutes. This vegetarian and gluten-free dish us brimming with pinto beans, quinoa, and veggies, and is seasoned with a mix of warm spices for a quick, flavor-rich dinner.
Pinto Bean & Cheese Freezer Burritos
From my personal recipe archive are these Pinto Bean & Cheese Freezer Burritos, a fusion of pinto beans, brown rice, and cheese, all wrapped in a tortilla. They’re a breeze to reheat from frozen, making them a go-to for those bustling days. These were a go-to toddler meal for my kids when they were younger.
Pinto Bean Casserole
Southern Eats & Goodies offers a classic Southern Pinto Bean Casserole, an easy-to-make dish that combines pinto beans with corn, tomatoes, and chilis, topped with cheese. It’s a hearty meal that can be made in a Dutch oven and brings the comfort of traditional Sunday suppers to your table.
The Best Homemade Bean Dip Recipe
A Spicy Perspective presents a versatile Homemade Bean Dip, ideal for any social event. This creamy, easy-to-make dip, featuring pinto beans, sweet onion, garlic, and more, is a hit with chips, crackers, or veggies, and can be made on the stove or in an Instant Pot.
Pinto Bean Salad with Avocado and Tomatoes
Kalyn’s Kitchen offers a refreshing Pinto Bean Salad with Avocado and Tomatoes, a perfect choice for warmer days. This salad, with its marinated pinto beans and mix of avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro, is a light yet flavorful option for lunch or as a side dish.
Spanish Pinto Bean Stew
This Spanish Pinto Bean Stew is what great food and simple, healthy eating is all about. It is packed with nutrients from the tomato, onion, bell pepper, potato, spinach and more. It’s loaded with flavor thanks to the garlic, paprika, and broth. It comes together in about 40 minutes. Serve it next to a crunchy baguette and a bottle of Spanish wine for the full experience.
Healthy Turkey Chili with Pinto Beans
The classic flavor of this simple turkey chili with pinto beans comes from basic pantry ingredients, fresh vegetables and spices! It has less saturated fat than traditional chili and might taste even better as a leftover meal the next day once the flavors have had extra time to meld. Add a dollop of sour cream for a cozy meal to eat with friends while watching football.
Pinto beans have become a staple in my kitchen, offering incredible versatility in a myriad of delicious ways at a low price. Whether I’m in the mood for a warming soup, a hearty main course, or a light salad, these pinto bean recipes cater to all tastes and occasions. They’re not only nutritious but also full of flavor, making them a fantastic ingredient for any meal.
I hope these pinto bean recipe ideas inspire you to experiment with, adapting them to your taste and dietary needs. If you’re new to cooking with beans, I encourage you to play around with them a try and savor the delightful, healthful meals you’ll create with pinto beans; they are hard to mess up.
If you are looking for other healthy side dish recipes, my easy green beans recipe is a kid favorite for their crunch and simple seasonings. For a vegetarian main dish, this hearty vegetable and lentil marinara is delicious over spaghetti. And for a bean-focused lunch entry, I can’t tell you how much this chickpea “chicken” salad will hit the spot.