I love making pinto beans because they are simple, comforting, and full of flavor. This recipe has been a favorite in my family for years, and it always feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the cozy taste of homemade beans.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are easy to find in any kitchen or grocery store. Pinto beans might be new if you haven’t cooked with dried beans before, but they are usually found in the beans or rice aisle. The spices like cumin and bay leaf add a nice touch, and you can find them in the spice section of the supermarket. If you don’t have fresh garlic or onion, you can use powdered versions, but fresh always tastes best.

Ingredients For Pinto Beans Recipe
Pinto beans: These dried beans are the main ingredient and become soft and creamy when cooked.
Water: Used to cook the beans and help them soften.
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the beans.
Garlic: Gives a nice, aromatic taste that complements the beans.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a little bit of heat and depth.
Cumin: A warm spice that gives the beans a slightly smoky flavor.
Bay leaf: Adds a subtle herbal note while the beans cook.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
One of the most helpful little moves in this Pinto Beans Recipe is how you chop the onion. Getting the pieces just right makes a big difference in how the flavor spreads through the beans while they cook. Here’s a simple way to chop an onion evenly:
- Cut off the top of the onion (the pointy end), but leave the root end intact. This keeps it together while you chop.
- Peel off the outer skin.
- Place the onion flat on the cutting board, then slice it in half from top to root.
- Lay one half flat, then make several vertical cuts from the top almost to the root, but don’t cut all the way through.
- Next, make horizontal cuts across the onion, again stopping before the root.
- Finally, slice down across the onion to create small, even pieces.
Chopping the onion this way helps it cook evenly and melt into the beans, giving you a nice, balanced flavor. If the pieces are too big, some might stay crunchy, and if they’re uneven, some parts might burn while others are still raw. Even pieces mean the onion softens just right during the last 30 minutes of simmering.
When I first tried this, I didn’t keep the root end on, and the onion fell apart all over the place. It made chopping a mess and took longer! Now, I always keep that root end intact—it’s like a little handle that makes everything easier. Plus, chopping the onion this way saves time and keeps your fingers safer because your hand stays out of the knife’s path. Give it a try next time you’re cooking beans or any dish with onion!
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
dried pinto beans - Substitute with black beans: Black beans have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a good alternative in most recipes.
dried pinto beans - Substitute with kidney beans: Kidney beans are slightly larger but have a similar taste and can be used interchangeably in many dishes.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds more depth of flavor compared to plain water.
water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can enhance the savory taste of the beans.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor than onions.
onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a subtle onion-like flavor and can be used in place of onions.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used when fresh garlic is not available, though the flavor will be less intense.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a mild garlic-like flavor along with a hint of onion.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add saltiness along with a rich umami flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct replacement for table salt with a slightly different mineral content.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor, often used in lighter-colored dishes.
black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a different kind of spiciness.
cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a similar earthy flavor and can be used as a substitute.
cumin - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder often contains cumin and can provide a similar flavor profile.
bay leaf - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can add a similar earthy and slightly minty flavor to the dish.
bay leaf - Substitute with oregano: Oregano offers a robust flavor that can complement the other ingredients well.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How To Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the pinto beans to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to spoilage.
- Transfer the cooled beans to an airtight container. Glass jars, BPA-free plastic containers, or resealable freezer bags work well.
- Label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of freshness.
- Store the beans in the refrigerator if you plan to use them within 3-5 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for quick meals.
- For longer storage, place the beans in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to 6 months without losing flavor or texture.
- When freezing, consider portioning the beans into smaller containers or bags. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
- To thaw frozen beans, transfer them to the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, place the sealed container in a bowl of cold water.
- Reheat the beans gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
- If reheating on the stovetop, use a low to medium heat setting. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
- For added flavor, consider reheating the beans with a bit of olive oil or butter, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
- Enjoy your pinto beans as a side dish, in soups, stews, or as a filling for tacos and burritos.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method: Place your leftover pinto beans in a saucepan. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to keep them moist. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This method helps maintain the beans' texture and flavor.
Microwave Method: Transfer the beans to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. This is a quick and convenient option.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the beans in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. This method is great for reheating larger quantities.
Slow Cooker Method: If you have time, transfer the beans to a slow cooker. Set it on low and heat for 1-2 hours. This method is ideal for keeping the beans warm for a longer period without drying them out.
Instant Pot Method: Use the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add the beans and a bit of water or broth. Stir occasionally until heated through. This method is quick and retains the beans' flavor well.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large pot: A large pot is essential for cooking the beans and ensuring they have enough space to expand and cook evenly.
Lid: A lid is necessary to cover the pot while simmering the beans, helping to retain heat and moisture.
Colander: A colander is used to rinse and sort the beans before cooking, ensuring they are clean and free of debris.
Measuring cups: Measuring cups are needed to accurately measure the dried pinto beans and water.
Knife: A knife is used to chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the beans and other ingredients as they cook.
Timer: A timer helps keep track of the cooking times for the beans to ensure they are cooked to perfection.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Soak beans overnight: Soaking pinto beans overnight reduces cooking time and ensures even cooking.
Use a pressure cooker: A pressure cooker can cut down the cooking time significantly, making the beans tender in about 30 minutes.
Pre-chop ingredients: Chop the onion and garlic in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Batch cooking: Cook a large batch of beans and freeze portions for quick meals later.
Instant pot: An Instant Pot can be a great alternative to traditional simmering, saving you time and effort.

Pinto Beans Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pinto beans
- 6 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Rinse and sort the beans.
- In a large pot, combine beans and water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add onion, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, and bay leaf. Simmer for another 30 minutes or until beans are tender.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Pink Dippin Sauce Recipe5 Minutes
- Avocado Tacos Recipe20 Minutes
- Vegan Cashew Alfredo Sauce Recipe20 Minutes
- Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe35 Minutes
- Shark Bite Cocktail Recipe5 Minutes
- Soft Boiled Eggs Microwave Recipe5 Minutes
- Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe30 Minutes
- Grilled Italian Sausage Sandwich Recipe25 Minutes
Leave a Reply