If you’re looking for an easy, affordable, and nutritious meal, learning how to cook pinto beans is a must. Pinto beans are a pantry staple that you can turn into refried beans, soups, salads, or enjoy as a flavorful side dish. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn exactly how to cook pinto beans from scratch using just a few ingredients. No complicated steps, no fancy tools—just simple home cooking.
Why You Should Learn How to Cook Pinto Beans
Pinto beans are:
- High in protein and fiber
- Budget-friendly and filling
- Perfect for meal prep
- Naturally gluten-free and plant-based
- Versatile and can be used in many dishes
Once you know how to cook pinto beans, you can make them your own by adding spices, herbs, or vegetables. This base recipe is easy, beginner-friendly, and perfect for freezing leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this easy pinto beans recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 pound (about 2 cups) dried pinto beans
- 8 cups water
- 3 teaspoons pre-minced garlic (or 2–3 fresh cloves, minced)
- 2.5 to 3 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste, added at the end)
Optional:
- Bay leaf, onion, cumin, or black pepper for added flavor
Equipment Needed
- Large pot with a lid
- Colander or sieve
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stirring spoon
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Pinto Beans
Step 1: Sort and Clean the Beans
Start by sorting through the beans on a clean surface. Remove any small rocks, twigs, or damaged beans. This step is very important and is often overlooked.
Visit also our other recipe article blog:-How to Cook Frozen Salmon in a Pan – Easy & Delicious Way
Next, place the beans in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Rinse until the water runs clear to remove any dust or dirt.
Tip: This is an essential part of learning how to cook pinto beans properly. Clean beans cook better and taste better.
Step 2: No Soaking Needed
Good news! You do not need to soak the beans for this recipe. While soaking can reduce cooking time, it’s optional. If you’d like to soak:
- Soak in water for 6–8 hours or overnight
- Drain and rinse before cooking
But don’t worry—this recipe works perfectly without soaking.
Step 3: Add Water and Garlic
Transfer your rinsed beans into a large pot. Pour in 8 cups of water. Add 3 teaspoons of pre-minced garlic (or fresh garlic) for flavor. Garlic adds a delicious savory base to your beans.
Do not add salt yet—wait until the end to season, as adding salt too early can make the beans tough.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Place the pot on the stove and set the heat to medium-low. Cover it with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar to allow steam to escape.
Let the beans simmer for 2 hours. Stir occasionally, and check the water level. If it gets too low, add a bit more hot water.
This slow cooking method helps the beans become soft and flavorful. It’s one of the key tips when learning how to cook pinto beans on the stovetop.
Step 5: Add Salt and Final Simmer
Once the beans are nearly done—about 10 to 15 minutes before finishing—add 2.5 to 3 teaspoons of salt, depending on your taste.
Let the beans continue simmering, uncovered, for the final 10–15 minutes. This helps the salt soak in without over-softening the beans.
Step 6: Test and Serve
Check the beans for doneness. They should be:
- Soft and tender
- Easy to mash with a spoon or fork
- Still holding their shape (not falling apart)
If they’re still a little firm, cook for another 10 minutes and test again.
And that’s it—you’ve just learned how to cook pinto beans from scratch!
How to Use Cooked Pinto Beans
Now that you’ve cooked your beans, the options are endless. Here are some ways to use them:
- Make refried beans – Mash with oil or butter and cook in a skillet
- Add to tacos or burritos – Whole or mashed
- Serve with rice – A simple and classic meal
- Use in soups or stews – Add broth, veggies, and seasonings
- Make Mexican-style charro beans – Add tomatoes, onions, and bacon
- Toss into salads – For extra fiber and protein
How to Store and Freeze
Cooked pinto beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them cool completely before storing.
To freeze:
- Divide beans into portions
- Store in freezer-safe containers or bags
- Label with date
- Freeze for up to 3 months
When you’re ready to use them, thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly on the stove or microwave.
Scaling the Recipe
Cooking for a crowd? You can double or triple the batch easily.
For 2 pounds of beans:
- Use 16 cups of water
- 6 teaspoons of garlic
- 5 to 6 teaspoons of salt (added at the end)
Just remember to use a bigger pot!
Add Your Own Twist
Once you’ve mastered how to cook pinto beans, feel free to customize:
- Add a diced onion for sweetness
- Throw in a bay leaf for aroma
- Use cumin or chili powder for Mexican flair
- Add chopped cilantro or lime juice for brightness
Pro Tips for Perfect Pinto Beans
- Don’t skip rinsing—dirty beans = muddy flavor
- Don’t add salt at the start—wait until they’re almost done
- Use low heat for the best texture
- Don’t overcook—they should be soft but not mushy
- Always taste before serving
Conclusion
Now you know exactly how to cook pinto beans the easy way! This basic method gives you flavorful, tender beans every time without needing any special equipment or hours of prep.
With just a few simple steps, pinto beans can become a tasty, healthy part of your meals—ready for tacos, soups, burritos, or side dishes. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never want to buy canned beans again.
