Legume | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free High Fiber Low Fat

Pinto Beans

Phaseolus vulgaris Allergen-Free
pinto beans

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Fabaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Mexican|Southwestern American
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Bean plant

The Forktionary Angle

"The chameleonic bean, transforming from a rustic speckled legume into creamy, flavorful dishes that anchor countless cuisines."

Definition

Medium-sized, oval-shaped beans with a mottled pink and brown pattern, developing a creamy texture and earthy flavor when cooked.

Sensory Profile

TasteEarthy, Nutty, Mildly Sweet
TextureCreamy, Mealy, Soft
AromaSubtle, Earthy, Beany
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Key Nutrient

Molybdenum & Fiber

Primary Use

Refried Beans

Soaking Time (dry)

6-8 hours

Nutrition Facts

Per 90g (1/2 cup cooked)
Calories143 kcal
Total Fat0.6 g
Saturated Fat0.1 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein9 g
Total Carbohydrate26 g
Dietary Fiber8 g
Total Sugars0.3 g
Calcium40 mg
Iron2 mg
Potassium450 mg

Chef’s Secret

For the best-flavored refried beans, mash cooked pinto beans with rendered fat (bacon fat or lard) and simmer with aromatics until creamy.

Substitutions

Best Match

Kidney Beans

1:1

Similar robust flavor and hearty texture, excellent in chili and stews.

Black Beans

1:1

Distinctive earthy and slightly sweet flavor, common in Latin American cuisine, holds shape well.

Great Northern Beans

1:1

Milder flavor and slightly firmer texture, but can be used as a general-purpose bean substitute.

Navy Beans

1:1

Creamier and milder, suitable where a less assertive bean flavor is desired.

Buying Guide

Look for consistent color and size in dried beans, free from debris. Canned pinto beans are pre-cooked and convenient.

Flavor Pairings

Tacos Burritos Chili Refried beans Rice Cornbread Enchiladas

Recipes Using Pinto Beans

Preparation Time To Make Course Vegetarian

Three Sisters Stew

Celebrate Thanksgiving with this hearty and flavorful Three Sisters Stew! A vibrant vegetarian main course featuring butternut squash, corn, and beans – the three sisters of Indigenous American cuisine. This comforting stew is perfect for a festive gathering and boasts rich autumnal flavors that will impress your guests. Easy to follow instructions guide you to a delicious, satisfying meal.

See Complete Recipe
Low In Something Vegetables Cuisine Inexpensive

3 Bean Salad Like Kfc

This irresistible 3-Bean Salad is a delicious copycat recipe inspired by a famous chicken restaurant! Even bean-haters will be hooked. We've perfected a zesty, flavorful dressing that gets even better overnight. Feel free to customize – green peppers are optional! This recipe is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a quick and easy side dish.

See Complete Recipe
60 Minutes Or Less Gluten Free Beans Vegetables

30 Minute Chili

This unbelievably delicious chili is your new weeknight dinner hero! Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe (originally from beefitswhatfordinner.com, but spotted in the newspaper!) delivers big flavor in under 40 minutes. I've experimented with different beef cuts and even boosted the beans and tomatoes—it always tastes amazing! Get ready for a flavor explosion that's easy enough for any night of the week.

See Complete Recipe
3 Steps Or Less Soups Stews Preparation Course

8 Can Taco Soup

Craving Taco Soup? This ridiculously easy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes! Simply combine 8 cans of your favorite ingredients (we've provided suggestions!), a little taco seasoning, and you've got a flavor-packed meal the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights!

See Complete Recipe
Cuisine Southwestern United States Chili Low In Something

Amazing Chili

This hearty and delicious chili is the perfect comfort food for a cold winter's night. Made with extra lean beef for a lower fat content, this recipe delivers a thick, rich, and intensely flavorful chili that will leave you wanting more. Easy to make in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, this amazing chili is perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish. Serve with your favorite toppings and sides!

See Complete Recipe
Oven Equipment Low In Something Oven

Anasazi Enchiladas

Recreate the magic of Steamworks Brewing Co.'s legendary Anasazi Enchiladas! This Durango, Colorado favorite, featured in the Rocky Mountain News, boasts a rich flavor profile inspired by the ancient Anasazi ruins at Mesa Verde National Park. Chef Scotty Krick's creation is now in your kitchen – get ready for a taste of Southwestern culinary history!

See Complete Recipe
Bacon Dietary Tomatoes Preparation

Apple Bacon Tomato Soup

A hearty and flavorful soup bursting with smoky bacon, sweet sautéed apples, and juicy tomatoes. This thick and satisfying recipe is elevated with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and served alongside crusty bread for the perfect autumnal meal. Adapted from a popular cooking website.

See Complete Recipe
Course Beginner Cook Meat Beef

Aunt Susan's Taco Soup

This unconventional taco soup recipe might sound unusual at first, but trust us – it's a flavor explosion! Aunt Susan's secret blend of spices creates a rich and satisfying meal that's perfect for a chilly evening. Don't let the unexpected ingredient combinations deter you; this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a new favorite!

See Complete Recipe
Chicken Time To Make Main Ingredient Winter

Awesome Beef Or Chicken Taco Soup

Warm up with this hearty and crowd-pleasing Taco Soup! Perfect for chilly evenings or feeding a large group, this recipe boasts a rich, flavorful broth packed with beef or chicken, beans, and all your favorite taco toppings. Easy to customize and guaranteed to be a family favorite!

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make Preparation Course Baja

Bacon Wrapped Mexican Hot Dogs

Experience a taste of Mexico with these incredible bacon-wrapped hot dogs! A family favorite, these savory dogs are elevated with crispy bacon, zesty toppings, and a flavorful bean base. Forget ordinary hot dogs – this recipe is bursting with authentic flavors and is surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun party snack.

See Complete Recipe
Pennsylvania Dutch Beans Side Dishes Course

Baked Beans Pennsylvania Style

A family heirloom recipe passed down through generations, these Pennsylvania-style baked beans are a magical blend of three bean varieties simmered in a savory, tangy-sweet sauce. The perfect comfort food, this recipe is sure to disappear quickly! Get ready for rave reviews!

See Complete Recipe
Picnic Healthy Healthy 2 Low Cholesterol

Barbecue Pit Bbq Beans

These award-winning BBQ beans are bursting with smoky flavor and a touch of spicy kick! Perfect for potlucks, game day, or a weeknight family meal, even picky eaters will love them. This easy recipe simmers to perfection in your slow cooker or oven, resulting in tender beans with a rich, tangy barbecue sauce. Get ready for rave reviews!

See Complete Recipe
Dietary Meat Crock Pot Slow Cooker Course

Bbq Beans And Sausage Crock Pot

Fall-off-the-bone tender sausage simmered in a rich and smoky BBQ sauce with hearty beans! This easy crock pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Minimal prep, maximum flavor – get ready for a crowd-pleasing BBQ feast!

See Complete Recipe
American Chick Peas Garbanzos Vegetables Mexican

Bean Salad Yes An Other

Spice up your life with this vibrant and healthy Bean Salad! Packed with protein (15g per cup!), fiber, and antioxidants, this recipe is a delicious and nutritious powerhouse. Beans rank #1 on the USDA's list of high-antioxidant foods – a testament to their incredible health benefits. Boost your cholesterol levels, manage blood sugar (great for diabetics!), and enjoy a flavor explosion in every bite. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for a quick lunch, side dish, or healthy snack. Try it today!

See Complete Recipe
Dietary Taste Mood Preparation Soups Stews

Beans 101 Beans And Cornbread

Experience the soul of the Southern US with this classic Beans and Cornbread recipe! This isn't your grandma's beans (unless your grandma's a culinary genius!). We're exploring the simple yet deeply satisfying traditions of preparing tender, flavorful beans, cooked to perfection. Learn variations from simmered-with-onion simplicity to the quick-boil method – both guaranteed to be delicious. Served alongside a side of buttery, crumbly cornbread, this hearty meal is a taste of Southern comfort food at its finest. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering.

See Complete Recipe
Course Main Dish One Dish Meal Beef

Beef And Bean Pot

This hearty Beef and Bean Pot recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal, perfect for busy families! Packed with flavor from ground beef, bacon, and beans, topped with melted cheese and crunchy corn chips, it's a comforting classic that's ready in under 2 hours. A perfect last-minute throw-together dish!

See Complete Recipe
Easy Easy Soups Stews Main Dish

Better Than Paula's Taco Soup

This slow cooker Taco Soup recipe is a hearty, flavorful twist on a classic! Inspired by Paula Deen, but with my own delicious improvements, this recipe is perfect for a chilly evening. Serve it over rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Makes a large batch – perfect for freezing leftovers for future quick meals! Requires a 6-quart slow cooker.

See Complete Recipe
North American Main Dish Beef Equipment

Shredded Chili Beef Filling

This irresistible shredded chili beef recipe, adapted from a renowned chef's cookbook, is perfect for taco and burrito fillings! Impress your guests at your next party with this build-your-own taco bar sensation. The slow-cooked beef is incredibly tender and flavorful, and keeping it warm in a crockpot ensures everyone gets a delicious serving. Get ready for a fiesta of flavor!

See Complete Recipe