7 Delicious Pint Bean Recipes You Must Try

Embarking on a culinary journey with pinto beans can open up a world of flavor, texture, and nutrition. Pinto beans are known for their distinctive mottled brown and beige appearance, but don't let their simple exterior fool you; they are a powerhouse of flavor when cooked right. This blog post will guide you through 7 delicious pinto bean recipes that are not only tasty but also simple to make. Let's dive into some mouthwatering dishes that will have you looking at pinto beans in a whole new light.

Pinto Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

Enchiladas can be a comforting meal, and when stuffed with a blend of pinto beans and cheese, they become an irresistible treat.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 can (15 oz) of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 1 can (15 oz) of red enchilada sauce
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of chopped onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Oil for frying
  • Fresh cilantro, sour cream, and avocado for serving
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a pan, heat a bit of oil and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
  3. Stir in the pinto beans and cook for about 5 minutes. Add half of the cheese, mix well, and turn off the heat.
  4. Quickly fry each tortilla in oil for about 15 seconds each side to soften. Fill each with the bean mixture, roll up, and place seam side down in a baking dish.
  5. Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Garnish with cilantro, sour cream, and avocado before serving.

💡 Note: You can substitute corn tortillas with flour ones for a different texture.

Pinto Bean Soup

Nothing comforts like a warm bowl of soup, and this pinto bean soup is both hearty and nutritious.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb dried pinto beans, soaked overnight
  • 2 quarts water or chicken/vegetable stock
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 ham hock (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, combine the soaked beans, water/stock, onion, carrots, celery, bay leaves, and ham hock (if using).
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 1.5-2 hours until the beans are tender.
  3. Remove the ham hock, take off the meat, and add it back to the soup. Discard the bone and fat.
  4. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

🌿 Note: For a thicker consistency, you can use an immersion blender to puree some of the soup or mash some beans with the back of a spoon.

Grilled Pinto Bean Burgers

Who says burgers are only for beef? These pinto bean patties will redefine your BBQ game.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 can (15 oz) of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • ¹⁄₂ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ¹⁄₂ onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • Spices like cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste
  • ¹⁄₄ cup grated cheese (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. In a mixing bowl, mash the pinto beans roughly with a fork or potato masher.
  2. Add the breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, and spices. Mix well. If using cheese, fold it in.
  3. Form the mixture into patties. You can make them as large or small as you like.
  4. Grill over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes each side until nicely charred.
  5. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

Pinto Bean Salad

Pinto beans aren’t just for cooked dishes; they can brighten up a salad with their earthy flavors.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 can (15 oz) of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • ¹⁄₂ red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, pepper, and fresh cilantro to taste
• Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, combine the pinto beans, onion, bell pepper, tomato, and jalapeño.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and cilantro.
  3. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss well to combine.
  4. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

🌱 Note: This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to two days, making it a great make-ahead dish.

Pinto Bean Dip

An easy and delicious dip that pairs perfectly with your favorite chips or veggies.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 can (15 oz) of pinto beans, drained (reserve the liquid)
  • 1 clove garlic
  • ¹⁄₄ cup chopped onion
  • 1 jalapeño, deseeded
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp cumin
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Instructions:
  1. In a food processor, blend the pinto beans with garlic, onion, jalapeño, cumin, chili powder, salt, lime juice, and cilantro until smooth. Use some of the reserved bean liquid to achieve the desired consistency.
  2. Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with a sprinkle of chili powder and a few cilantro leaves.
  3. Serve with tortilla chips or veggie sticks.

🌮 Note: You can spice it up by adding more jalapeños or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Pinto Bean Chili

Chili is a classic dish that becomes even more special with pinto beans.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 can (15 oz) of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • ¹⁄₂ cup beef broth or vegetable stock
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Garnish: sour cream, shredded cheese, and green onions
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
  2. Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper, and cook until vegetables are soft.
  3. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat.
  4. Stir in the pinto beans, tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  5. Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve hot, topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and sliced green onions.

Pinto Bean Casserole

A hearty, baked dish where pinto beans are the star, perfect for any potluck or family dinner.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 lb ground beef or sausage
  • ¹⁄₂ cup onion, chopped
  • 1 can (10 oz) tomato soup
  • ¹⁄₂ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips for topping
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a skillet, cook the meat until browned. Add onions and cook until they are translucent.
  3. Stir in the pinto beans, tomato soup, green chilies, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt.
  4. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish. Sprinkle with cheese, then top with breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden and the mixture is bubbly.
  6. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

In wrapping up this exploration of pinto bean recipes, we've journeyed through a diverse collection of dishes from the spicy and bold to the comforting and savory. Pinto beans prove themselves to be versatile, adaptable, and incredibly delicious in various culinary contexts. Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight meal or planning a gourmet dinner, these recipes ensure that pinto beans will be a delightful addition to your cooking repertoire. Remember to enjoy the textures, savor the flavors, and let these dishes bring a bit of warmth to your table, as they offer not just nutrition but also a touch of cultural richness and culinary creativity.

Can I substitute dry pinto beans for canned in these recipes?

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Yes, you can. If using dried pinto beans, you’ll need to soak them overnight and then cook them until they are tender. Use about ¹⁄₃ cup of dry beans per can of beans. Adjust cooking time as needed since dry beans will take longer to cook than their canned counterparts.

Are pinto beans good for dietary restrictions?

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Indeed, pinto beans are excellent for various dietary needs. They are high in fiber and protein, making them a great choice for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to reduce meat consumption. They are also gluten-free and can be part of a low-fat diet when prepared without excessive oil or fatty meats.

What are some health benefits of pinto beans?

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Pinto beans offer numerous health benefits. They are an excellent source of fiber, which helps in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and supports digestive health. They are also rich in folate, which is important for cell function and tissue growth, and contain a good amount of iron, potassium, and antioxidants, contributing to heart health, blood sugar control, and overall wellness.