How to Make Pinto Beans

5 from 1 vote

This handy guide will give you a complete overview on How to Cook Pinto Beans using dried beans. They are flavorful, creamy, and seasoned simply so that they will pair with any of your favorite Mexican-inspired recipes.

Prep Time10

Cook Time2 40

Total Time2 50

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: people

Calories: 130kcal

Author: The Carefree Kitchen

Ingredients

1 lb Dried Pinto Beans or 4 cans pinto beans
Water only necessary if using dry beans
2 Tablespoons Avocado Oil
2 cups Onions white or yellow, diced
6 cloves Garlic minced (about 2 tablespoons)
1 tsp Dried Oregano
1 tsp Chili Powder
1 pinch Cayenne Pepper
1 teaspoon Cumin
2 tsp Salt
2 large Bay Leaves
1 medium Lime juiced, for serving

Instructions

Pour dried beans onto the counter and and sort out the broken beans. Rinse, drain, and add to a large pot. Cover with cool water about 1" above the beans. Place a lid on the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 hours, or until the beans are soft. (Note: if using canned beans, you can skip this step)
In a large pot, add the avocado oil and heat over medium heat. Add the minced onions and sauté until golden brown, or about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until garlic is soft and tender, or about 2 more minutes.
Next, add in the cooked (or canned) pinto beans along with the oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and bay leaves. Add water until the beans are barely covered and continue to cook on medium heat for about 30 minutes, or until most of the water has evaporated and beans are tender.
Remove from the heat and remove the bay leaves. Squeeze lime juice into the beans and serve immediately as a side dish or in burritos, tacos, quesadillas, salads or nachos. Enjoy!

Notes

*This recipe does not require that you soak the beans. However, if you prefer to pre-soak the beans, here are two simple methods. Note that they will take quite a bit less time to cook after they are soaked:

Overnight Soak (Stovetop Method)

Pour beans into a large bowl and sort out any broken beans. Rinse, drain, then add to a large pot.
Cover with cool water, about 1" above the beans. Place a lid on the pot and let soak overnight or for up to 12 hours.
Rinse beans, add liquid and spices, and cook until desired tenderness is reached ~1 hour.

Cooking Directions (Stovetop Method)

1. Pour beans into a large bowl and sort out any broken beans. Rinse, drain, then add to a large pot.
2. Cover with cool water, about 1" above the beans. Place a lid on the pot and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the beans have reached the desired tenderness.

Nutrition