How to Cook Pinto Beans on the Stove

If there are two ingredients that are always in my family’s kitchen, it’s pinto beans and flour tortillas.

Growing up, my mom would make a big batch of pinto beans and use them throughout the week in recipes like sopes and burritos, but my childhood favorite was always pinto beans by themselves in a large bowl topped with queso fresco, cilantro, and plenty of fresh flour tortillas. 

Here’s why I love this recipe:

• It’s budget-friendly. Beans are one of the most budget-friendly ingredients you can find at the grocery store. With only a few extra simple ingredients, you can pack them full of flavor.  
• Super versatile. Pinto beans are great as a filling, side, or main dish. Use them in nachos, burritos, sopes, enfrijoladas, molletes, and so much more. 
• Healthy and filling. Pinto beans are a great source of protein and are packed with vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. They’re a great option for making vegetarian and vegan-friendly recipes. 

Soaking versus Not Soaking

You can prepare pinto beans by soaking or not soaking them in water beforehand. Both methods will give you delicious and creamy pinto beans, but here’s why I prefer to soak:

• Easier on digestion. Soaking the beans in water breaks down the sugars and fiber in the beans, which will reduce bloating and gas. 
• Faster cooking. The pinto beans will have had ample time to rehydrate and will cook significantly faster and more evenly than if you don’t soak them. 
• Color. Soaking the beans beforehand gives them a nicer and richer brown color. I find that when I don’t soak them, they’re darker and a little more gray.

All that being said, if you don’t have time to soak them, it’s okay! You can still make these pinto beans. The cook time will just be a little longer.

Ingredients in Homemade Pinto Beans

• Dried pinto beans: A small 1-pound bag will yield lots of leftover beans, but feel free to make more or less depending on your preference. 
• Olive oil: I like to use olive oil when sautéing to add some extra flavor, but feel free to use avocado, canola, or vegetable oil. 
• Onion and garlic: These aromatics add lots of flavor to your pinto beans. 
• Seasonings: I used a combination of chili powder, cumin, oregano, and coarse black pepper. 
• Salt: I prefer to use kosher salt in my recipes, but feel free to use the kind of salt you have. The amount of salt you use is totally up to you and your taste. I recommend adding salt at the end of cooking to keep the beans creamy and soft. Adding salt too early will increase the cooking time and stiffen the beans. 

How to Make Pinto Beans

Sort the dried beans. Rinse and drain the pinto beans under running water. Discard any beans that are cracked or split in half, as well as any rocks or debris.

Soak the beans in a large bowl filled with water, making sure there are 3 inches of water over the beans. Leave them to soak at room temperature for 8-24 hours. If not soaking, omit this step.

Drain the water and rinse the beans under cool water. Set aside. 

Sauté the aromatics. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. 

Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring continuously.

Add the beans and 6 cups of water into the pot with the aromatics. Stir until fully combined.

Cook the beans by bringing the water to a boil, and then reducing to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 1 hour if soaked, or 1 hour and 30 minutes if not soaked. 

Uncover the beans and cook for an additional 30 minutes if soaked or 45 minutes – 1 hour if not soaked. Uncovering the beans allows the broth to thicken slightly and create a creamier consistency. 

Add in kosher salt and taste before adding more if desired. 

Serve immediately with queso fresco and warm flour tortillas or as your favorite side dish.

Ways to Use Pinto Beans

Pinto beans are super versatile and great to use in so many different ways and in different recipes! These beans are used as a base in my charro beans, borracho beans, and refried beans recipes.

They’re also great in dishes bean and cheese burritos, tetelas, enfrijoladas, and sopes.

Slow Cooker and Instant Pot Methods

If you don’t want to make beans on the stovetop, you can absolutely make them in a slow cooker and Instant pot.

This crockpot pinto bean recipe is great when you want the most hands-off approach, and this Instant Pot pinto bean recipe is perfect when you’re super short on time. 

Storing and Reheating

To store, place the beans and broth in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. 

To reheat, place the beans and broth in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat and heat until warmed and the broth starts to bubble. You can also reheat everything in the microwave.

More Authentic Mexican Recipes

• Carnitas
• Birria
• Mexican Tamales
• Chile Verde
• Chicken Enchiladas

This post was originally published in March 2020 and has been updated with new photos, more helpful tips and tricks, and a better recipe.

If you’re looking for the old recipe, you can grab that here.

Photography by Ashley McLaughlin.