Pinto Beans

Phaseolus vulgaris Legume, Bean

Pinto Beans Legume, Bean

At a Glance

  • Category Legume, Bean

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

Medium-sized, oval beans with a mottled pink and brown skin that fades to a uniform pale pink or beige when cooked, offering an earthy flavor.

Key Nutrient Molybdenum & Fiber
Primary Use Refried Beans
Soaking Time (dry) 6-8 hours

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Pinto Beans are:

Earthy Nutty Mild Creamy (texture when cooked)

Chef’s Secret

Cook pinto beans with aromatics like onion, garlic, and bay leaf, then mash some against the side of the pot to naturally thicken the cooking liquid for a richer texture.

Best Substitutes

Kidney Beans

firmer texture
Ratio 1:1

Small Red Beans

Ratio 1:1

Cannellini Beans

different flavor
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Select dry beans that are firm, whole, and free from cracks. Canned should be low-sodium and rinsed thoroughly.

Recipes Using Pinto Beans

Main Ingredient Course Beans Equipment

Big Bean Pot

This hearty Big Bean Pot recipe is perfect for your next potluck or barbecue! Feed a crowd with this incredibly versatile dish – easily doubled and adaptable to your pantry staples. Swap bacon for ham or your favorite sausage, and use black beans if you prefer. Cook it low and slow in a crockpot or bake it to bubbly perfection in the oven. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Dietary North American Soups Stews 60 Minutes Or Less

Best Ever Low Fat Mexican Soup

This incredibly flavorful, low-fat Mexican bean soup is a family favorite! Packed with hearty beans and zesty Mexican spices, it's quick, easy, and perfect for a healthy weeknight meal. Double the recipe and freeze individual portions for a grab-and-go lunch or dinner. Your kids will devour this delicious and surprisingly low-fat soup!

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Chicken Beans Easy American

Baked Beans Supreme Aka Gene Brown Beans

This legendary baked bean recipe comes straight from a BBQ champion—Gene Brown! Passed down through generations, these beans are so good, they'll become a family favorite. Imagine tender beans simmered in a rich, smoky sauce, bursting with flavor. Serve over fluffy rice for a hearty and unforgettable meal. Get ready to experience BBQ bliss!

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One Dish Meal Vegetarian Crock Pot Slow Cooker Vegetables

Bean And Cornbread Casserole Crock Pot

This hearty and flavorful Bean & Cornbread Casserole, inspired by our rivals, is slow-cooked to perfection in your crock-pot! Enjoy tender beans in a rich tomato sauce, topped with a fluffy, golden cornbread. A crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Main Dish One Dish Meal Main Dish Time To Make

2 Bean Chili

Warm up your soul with this hearty 2 Bean Chili! A comforting and flavorful chili recipe perfect for a chilly evening. Made with tender beans, savory spices, and a hint of cheese, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to be a family favorite. Get the recipe now!

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Course Soups Stews Course Easy

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.

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Beans Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less Main Ingredient

Amarillo Chili

Dive into a fiery bowl of Amarillo Chili! This hearty recipe, simmered for over 2 hours, delivers a rich, smoky flavor with tender chunks of pork and beef. Perfect for chilly evenings or game day gatherings, our Amarillo Chili is a crowd-pleaser you won't want to miss. Get the recipe now!

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Course Low Cholesterol African Healthy 2

African Red Beans

Experience the rich, layered flavors of Africa with this incredible red bean recipe! Chef Angela Shelf Medearis's family-inspired recipe has been tweaked for modern kitchens, delivering tender, flavorful beans without the excessive oil. This recipe is perfect for a hearty weeknight meal or a flavorful side dish. Enjoy the journey of bold spices and satisfying texture. Prep time includes overnight soaking (or quick soak option).

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Meat Beef Comfort Food 4 Hours Or Less

All American Chili

Warm up with this hearty and flavorful All-American Chili recipe! Perfect for a cozy family dinner or game-day feast, this chili is packed with savory sausage, tender beef, and kidney beans. Easy to follow instructions guide you to a delicious, crowd-pleasing chili in under 3 hours. Get ready for the ultimate comfort food!

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Course Low Carb Low In Something Low Calorie

Awesome Chili No Onions

Say goodbye to onion intolerance woes! This vibrant and flavorful chili is bursting with rich, smoky flavors – and you'd never guess it's onion-free. Perfect for chili lovers who need to avoid onions, this recipe delivers a satisfying and deeply delicious chili experience. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Main Dish Meat Ground Beef Stews

Beef Bean Chile Verde

This vibrant Beef Bean Chile Verde recipe, inspired by EatingWell, bursts with flavor! Tender beef simmers in a rich sauce of fire-roasted tomatoes, fragrant spices, and hearty beans. A quick and easy weeknight meal that's both satisfying and delicious. Perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy family dinner!

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Course Time To Make Beans Easy

Bbq D Pork Nachos

Fire up the grill for these incredible BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos! A summer sensation bursting with smoky pulled pork, zesty beans, spicy jalapenos, and melted cheese. This easy recipe is perfect for a crowd and guaranteed to be a hit at your next get-together. Get grilling!

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4 Hours Or Less Chili Preparation Beans

3 Bean Veggie Chili

This hearty and flavorful 3-Bean Veggie Chili is a family favorite! Packed with protein-rich beans, vibrant veggies, and a zesty tomato base, it's the perfect comforting meal for a chilly evening. Easy to make and even better the next day, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for deliciousness!

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Course Soups Stews Main Ingredient Main Dish

Beanie Weenie Soup In The Crock Pot

Comfort food at its finest! This easy crock-pot recipe delivers a delicious and satisfying Beanie Weenie Soup, perfect for a chilly evening. Made with simple ingredients and slow-cooked to perfection, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy with a fresh salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

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Taste Mood Main Ingredient Chili Beef

15 Minute Chili

Craving chili but short on time? This vibrant and healthy 15-minute chili recipe, inspired by SparkPeople, is your answer! Packed with flavor and ready in a flash, it's perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy this lighter take on a classic comfort food, perfect for meal prepping or a quick weeknight dinner.

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Healthy Vegetarian 60 Minutes Or Less Stove Top

Chili Cookoff Winner

This award-winning chili recipe, a crowd-pleaser at last year's Super Bowl party, delivers a delicious kick without overwhelming your taste buds. Made with all-organic ingredients (easily sourced at Trader Joe's for incredible value!), this vegetarian chili is hearty and flavorful. Feel free to add cooked ground meat for a heartier chili, but it's equally amazing on its own. Garnish with fresh jalapeños for an extra burst of heat! Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make, restaurant-quality chili.

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Preparation To Go Seasonal Technique

Bean Medley Salad

This vibrant and flavorful Bean Medley Salad is a crowd-pleaser! Fast, easy, and cheap to make, it's perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or a light weeknight meal. Even picky eaters will gobble this up – our family recipe is guaranteed to be a new favorite. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Cuisine Main Ingredient Chicken American

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!

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