Master the Basics and Make it YOUR Own
Watch our base recipe video to learn the basic skills, and discover how you can customize stovetop beans to your taste!
This is a variation of our stovetop dried beans base recipe. At To Taste, we love recipes that are as nourishing as they are delicious, and our Healthy Pinto Beans are just that. Whether you’re whipping up a wholesome weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the days ahead, this recipe is a versatile, flavor-packed essential. Tender beans infused with smoky spices, a touch of acidity, and a pop of freshness—every bite is comforting, satisfying, and downright delicious.
Must-Know Cooking Skills to Level Up your Kitchen Game
To make this recipe even easier, check out these videos to master the basics:
Plus, we’ve got an awesome Knife Skills 101 course to help you slice and dice like a pro!
Culinary Tips for Perfect Pinto Beans
Sort and Soak: Always rinse and sort your beans to remove debris. For the best texture, soak your beans overnight at room temperature for 8–12 hours. Use a bowl large enough for the beans to expand as they absorb water, and cover them by 2 inches. Short on time? Try the quick soak method or our Instant Pot recipe!
Layer the Flavor: Don’t skip sautéing the onions, garlic, and spices—it’s the foundation of the dish!
Low and Slow: Simmering the beans gently ensures a creamy texture without breaking them apart. For softer beans, keep the lid partially covered. For firmer beans, leave uncovered. Be mindful of water evaporation, as you may need to add more liquid during cooking.
Adjust as Needed: Monitor the liquid level while cooking. Beans should always be submerged for even cooking.
Taste for Doneness: Cooking time will vary depending on the type, soak time, and age of your beans. To check, taste a bean or smush one between your fingers. If it’s soft, it’s done! If not, don’t panic, just keep simmering.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
- Beans: Try black beans or red beans for a fun twist.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Sub canola or avocado oil for other heart healthy options.
- Onion: Use yellow, white, or red onion or shallots. You can also sub 1 Tablespoon onion powder.
- Garlic Cloves: Sub 1 ½ teaspoons pre-minced garlic, 1 ½ teaspoons garlic flakes, ¾ teaspoon granulated garlic, or ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Spices: For similar flavor, you can sub a Mexican seasoning blend. Missing one of the spices listed in the recipe? Just leave it out; there will still be plenty of flavor!
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Can’t find them? Regular diced tomatoes with a pinch of smoked paprika will do the trick.
- Water: Substitute some or all of the water with low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth for a richer flavor. If using regular broth, reduce added salt.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Sub with fresh lime juice for a citrusy kick.
- Cilantro: Not a fan? Some people say it tastes like soap (and it’s actually genetic!)! Fresh parsley or scallions work just as well.
We love buying our spices from The Spice House. They have great quality, variety, and flavor!
Recipe Variations: Make it Your Own!
Feeling spicy? Add minced jalapeno or a canned chipotle in adobo. Add them with the garlic when cooking.
Want some bean inspiration?
Use our stovetop bean base recipe as a guide, take a look at our variation, and then create your own signature recipe!
Equipment Recommendations: The Essentials
You just need a few basic tools for this recipe. Here’s your shopping list:
- Large Bowl – for soaking those beans.
- Measuring Spoons – precision makes a difference.
- Liquid Measuring Cup – for a faster more accurate measure of water.
- Dutch Oven or Saucepan – Perfect for simmering to perfection.
- Cutting board & Chef’s knife – to cook like a chef, of course!
Want to level up your kitchen game? Check out our Essential Equipment Guide for all the must-have tools!
Health Benefits of Healthy Pinto Beans
When you combine pinto beans, spices, and cilantro, you’ve got a dish that’s as good for you as it is delicious!
Pinto Beans
Pinto beans are more than just tasty—they’re a nutritional powerhouse! High in fiber, plant-based protein, and essential minerals, these beans promote heart health, improve digestion, and keep you feeling full and energized.
Spices
Spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika are rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and support overall health. Plus, they’re a great way to add bold flavor without relying on extra salt.
Cilantro
Cilantro isn’t just a garnish—it’s packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with powerful antioxidants that support immunity and decrease inflammation.
Serving Suggestions
Healthy Pinto Beans are incredibly versatile:
- Serve over rice with some sliced avocado or guacamole for a simple, balanced meal.
- Add to tacos or burrito bowls as the star protein, or pair with our Mexican shredded chicken.
- Use as a hearty side dish alongside Mexican roasted fish or beef tacos with mushrooms.
Learn how to build a healthy balanced meal with our Whole Life Plate, meal plan, and book!
Storage & Reheat Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! Store cooked pinto beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or defrost in the microwave, then gently bring them to a simmer on the stovetop.
Want a Faster Way to Cook Dried Beans? We Got You Covered!
Try out these tasty Instant Pot varieties. Same flavor; half the cook time!
Share the Love – Leave us a Review!
Unlike many other recipe blogs, we actually encourage you to tweak our recipes. Not because they’re in need of change, haha, but because we believe one of the secrets to success in the kitchen is cooking to YOUR taste. Make the recipe, leave us a review, and tell us if you made any changes! We love hearing how you’ve made it your own.
Healthy Pinto Beans
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion diced ¼” (~1 cup)
- 3 garlic cloves minced (~1 ½ teaspoons)
- 1 Tablespoon cumin
- ½ Tablespoon chili powder
- ½ Tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups water ~2 inches above top of beans
- 14 ounce can crushed or diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt to taste
- 2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Place beans in a colander and rinse under cold water. Pick out any rocks or beans that are broken or shriveled. Transfer beans to a large bowl and cover with water, 2” above the top of the beans. Soak for 8-12 hours.
- The next day or after soaking, drain and rinse beans.
- Heat a Dutch oven or 4-quart pot or saucepan over medium heat. Add oil. Once oil is simmering, add onions and sauté until translucent, ~5 minutes. Add the garlic and spices and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
- Add the beans, salt, bay leaf, and tomatoes. Add enough water or broth to cover beans by ~2 inches. Bring beans to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and partially cover.
- Simmer for 45-90 minutes, or until beans are tender. While the beans cook, add more water if needed to ensure the beans remain submerged. Once cooked, add vinegar and any additional salt to taste. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ Questions:
How long does it take to cook dried pinto beans?
After soaking, dried pinto beans typically take 45–90 minutes to become tender when simmered on the stovetop. Cooking time varies depending on the age of the beans, soaking time, and cooking temperature.
Why are my pinto beans still hard after cooking?
Pinto beans may remain hard if they are old, under-soaked, or not cooked long enough. Hard water can also affect cooking time. Continue simmering until the beans are fully tender, adding more liquid as needed to keep them submerged.
What seasonings taste best with pinto beans?
Can I make healthy pinto beans without soaking them?
Yes. You can cook pinto beans without soaking, but they will require a longer cooking time. Plan for several additional hours of simmering and monitor the liquid level throughout cooking.
