As I’ve spent more time in the kitchen over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the humble pinto bean for its versatility and nutritional value. These beans aren’t just a fantastic source of protein (15g per 1 cup of cooked pinto beans), fiber (15g per 1 cup, cooked), vitamins, and minerals; they’re also packed with antioxidants. Their earthy flavor and creamy texture make them very versatile, perfect for a wide range of ingredients and dishes. From traditional Mexican meals to innovative modern cuisine, pinto beans have a significant presence in various culinary traditions.

Beans are also a great way to spend less at the grocery store. Whether canned, jarred, or dried, you can make beans the main event or mix them in with meat recipes to stretch it a bit further. If you want to eat more beans, but they mess with your digestion, I recommend trying to take a digestive enzyme 15 minutes before the meal and see if that helps you.

Today, I’m excited to share with you a collection of pinto bean recipes that I’ve enjoyed making for my family, along with some favorites from fellow food enthusiasts. These dishes, ranging from comforting soups to flavorful side dishes and even hearty main courses, showcase just how wonderful and adaptable pinto beans can be. I hope these ideas are useful as you meal plan!

10 Recipes With Pinto Beans

Crock Pot Pinto Beans

Well Plated by Erin simplifies simple pinto bean preparation with her Crock Pot Pinto Beans. This no-soak recipe infuses pinto beans with a rich blend of sautéed onion, jalapeno to give it a medium heat kick, and southwestern spices, perfect for a variety of dishes or even as a standalone side.

Pinto Bean Soup

Savor the comfort of The Cozy Cook’s Pinto Bean Soup, a rich medley of vegetables, pinto beans, and sausage. This adaptable recipe, perfect for slow cookers, offers a hearty meal with its blend of simple, flavorful seasonings.

Oven Baked Bean Burritos

In my own kitchen, I’ve created Oven Baked Bean Burritos, a quick 20-minute meal that combines refried pinto beans, rice, spices and cheese in a tortilla wrap. These burritos are not only delicious but also freezer-friendly, ideal for those nights when you need a meal in a pinch. The kids dip them in sour cream, and I like mine served over iceberg and cabbage for an added fresh crunch.

Pinto Bean Casserole (Easy Mexican Recipe)

The Picky Eater Blog introduces a cozy Pinto Bean Casserole, a one-pot meal ready in less than 30 minutes. This vegetarian and gluten-free dish us brimming with pinto beans, quinoa, and veggies, and is seasoned with a mix of warm spices for a quick, flavor-rich dinner.

Pinto Bean & Cheese Freezer Burritos

From my personal recipe archive are these Pinto Bean & Cheese Freezer Burritos, a fusion of pinto beans, brown rice, and cheese, all wrapped in a tortilla. They’re a breeze to reheat from frozen, making them a go-to for those bustling days. These were a go-to toddler meal for my kids when they were younger.

Pinto Bean Casserole

Southern Eats & Goodies offers a classic Southern Pinto Bean Casserole, an easy-to-make dish that combines pinto beans with corn, tomatoes, and chilis, topped with cheese. It’s a hearty meal that can be made in a Dutch oven and brings the comfort of traditional Sunday suppers to your table.

The Best Homemade Bean Dip Recipe

A Spicy Perspective presents a versatile Homemade Bean Dip, ideal for any social event. This creamy, easy-to-make dip, featuring pinto beans, sweet onion, garlic, and more, is a hit with chips, crackers, or veggies, and can be made on the stove or in an Instant Pot.

Pinto Bean Salad with Avocado and Tomatoes

Kalyn’s Kitchen offers a refreshing Pinto Bean Salad with Avocado and Tomatoes, a perfect choice for warmer days. This salad, with its marinated pinto beans and mix of avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro, is a light yet flavorful option for lunch or as a side dish.

Spanish Pinto Bean Stew

This Spanish Pinto Bean Stew is what great food and simple, healthy eating is all about. It is packed with nutrients from the tomato, onion, bell pepper, potato, spinach and more. It’s loaded with flavor thanks to the garlic, paprika, and broth. It comes together in about 40 minutes. Serve it next to a crunchy baguette and a bottle of Spanish wine for the full experience.

Healthy Turkey Chili with Pinto Beans

The classic flavor of this simple turkey chili with pinto beans comes from basic pantry ingredients, fresh vegetables and spices! It has less saturated fat than traditional chili and might taste even better as a leftover meal the next day once the flavors have had extra time to meld. Add a dollop of sour cream for a cozy meal to eat with friends while watching football.

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If you’re new to cooking with pinto beans, these quick tips can help you get even more out of them.

What Are Pinto Beans Used For

Pinto beans are incredibly versatile and work in everything from soups and stews to tacos, burritos, dips, and salads. They’re commonly used in Mexican and Southwestern cooking, especially alongside rice, cheese, green chiles, and spices. Pinto beans also mash well, making them ideal for refried beans, spreads, and hearty fillings.

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What Goes Well With Pinto Beans

Pinto beans pair beautifully with bold flavors and simple staples alike. They work especially well with rice, tortillas, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, eggs, and fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro. A splash of acid (lime juice or vinegar), a sprinkle of cheese, or a dash of hot sauce can instantly elevate their flavor.

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How To Make Canned Pinto Beans Taste Good

Canned pinto beans are convenient, but a few small tweaks make them taste homemade.

Rinse and Drain Well

Rinsing removes excess sodium and the starchy liquid from the can, giving you a cleaner base to season.

Sauté With Aromatics

Warm beans in olive oil or butter with onion, garlic, cumin, or chili powder for deeper flavor.

Add Broth or Spices

Simmering beans briefly in broth, taco seasoning, or a pinch of smoked paprika adds richness.

Finish With Acid and Heat

A squeeze of lime juice, spoonful of salsa, green chiles, or hot sauce brightens everything right before serving.

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What To Do With Leftover Pinto Beans

Cooked pinto beans store well and can be repurposed easily throughout the week.

Turn Them Into Lunch Bowls

Add beans to rice or quinoa bowls with veggies, cheese, and a drizzle of dressing.

Mash for Wraps or Toast

Lightly mash with seasoning for quick burritos, quesadillas, or even toast toppings.

Freeze for Later

Portion beans into freezer bags with a little cooking liquid for easy future meals.

Stir Into Soups and Skillets

Leftover beans bulk up soups, scrambled eggs, or one-pan dinners without much effort.

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Fresh Pinto Bean Tips (New Since This Post Was First Published)

Over the years, I’ve found that pinto beans shine most when treated like a base—not the afterthought. Don’t be afraid to season aggressively, layer textures, or use them across multiple meals in a week. They’re budget-friendly, endlessly adaptable, and even better the next day once flavors settle.

Pinto beans have become a staple in my kitchen, offering incredible versatility in a myriad of delicious ways at a low price. Whether I’m in the mood for a warming soup, a hearty main course, or a light salad, these pinto bean recipes cater to all tastes and occasions. They’re not only nutritious but also full of flavor, making them a fantastic ingredient for any meal.

I hope these pinto bean recipe ideas inspire you to experiment with, adapting them to your taste and dietary needs. If you’re new to cooking with beans, I encourage you to play around with them a try and savor the delightful, healthful meals you’ll create with pinto beans; they are hard to mess up.

If you are looking for other healthy side dish recipes, my easy green beans recipe is a kid favorite for their crunch and simple seasonings. For a vegetarian main dish, this hearty vegetable and lentil marinara is delicious over spaghetti. And for a bean-focused lunch entry, I can’t tell you how much this chickpea “chicken” salad will hit the spot.