Name: Pinto Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 6 Servings
Cuisine: Mexican

Balancing Bowls Verified

January 27, 2026

So simple but so delicious, I love this pinto bean recipe. Whether you're using them as a side dish or the base for your next burrito bowl, these beans are creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make. After smelling them cook, my favorite way to serve them is a simple bowl of brothy beans with some pico de Gallo.

From the Cook

1/8

Pinto Beans

Balancing Bowls Verified

Ingredients

WarningSulphites allergen identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Soak the beans: Place dry pinto beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak overnight or use the quick soak method (bring beans to a boil, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 1 hour). Drain and rinse.

Cook the aromatics: Heat 1 teaspoon of salt and the diced onion in a large pot with a little olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 5 minutes.

Simmer the beans: Add the soaked beans, oregano, cumin, dried ancho chile, and 8 cups of water to the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 45 minutes.

Adjust seasoning: Add the remaining teaspoon of salt and continue to cook for another 45 minutes or until the beans are tender. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Bean Soaking Secrets 💦
Soak dried pinto beans overnight in cold water with a pinch of baking soda to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
Chile Toasting Technique 🌶️
Lightly toast the dried ancho chile in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side to unlock deeper, more complex flavor before adding to the beans.
Aromatics Magic 🧅
Sauté the garlic and onion in a bit of oil before adding beans to create a flavor base that will infuse the entire dish with rich, deep notes.
Liquid Gold Trick 💧
Never let the beans dry out - always maintain about an inch of liquid above the beans during cooking, adding hot water as needed to keep them creamy and prevent burning.
Seasoning Layer Hack 🌿
Add cumin and dried oregano early in the cooking process to allow the spices to bloom and fully integrate their flavors into the beans.

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About the Cook

Balancing Bowls

I'm Nora! Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. If you're here because you're trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you're in the right place.