Name: Pinto Beans And Ham
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 15 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound dried pinto beans plus water for soaking; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large yellow onion (diced); 3 stalks celery (chopped); 6 cloves garlic (minced); 5 cups low sodium beef broth; ½ teaspoon coarse ground pepper; ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme (can sub dried oregano); ½ teaspoon chili powder (can sub ground cumin); 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning (optional: add only if you like heat); 2 cups ham (cubed); 1 ham bone or hock; salt (to taste, if needed); chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Pinto beans and ham is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The combination of tender pinto beans and savory ham creates a hearty meal that’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Picture a big pot bubbling on the stove, filling your kitchen with that rich, smoky aroma. Just thinking about it brings back memories of family gatherings and Sunday dinners, where everyone would gather around the table, bowls in hand, for a feast that was simple yet packed with flavor.

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This recipe is a true Southern classic that showcases how a few humble ingredients can create something extraordinary. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a filling side dish, pinto beans and ham checks all the boxes. It’s budget-friendly and easy to make, taking just fifteen minutes of prep time before you let the magic happen on the stove. I invite you to gather your ingredients and get ready to experience a dish that not only warms you up but also brings people together.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Pinto Beans And Ham
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Pinto Beans And Ham

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 2 hours and 30 minutes, plus some overnight soaking time for the beans.
Irresistible Flavor: Expect a delightful blend of savory, smoky, and mildly spicy flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The deep, rich color of the beans combined with the chunks of ham makes for a dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a main dish or side dish, it’s great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even Sunday lunches.
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free, making it accessible for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound dried pinto beans: These provide the hearty base of your dish. Make sure to choose high-quality beans for optimal flavor and texture.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, adding a rich layer of flavor. Feel free to substitute with canola or vegetable oil if you prefer.
1 large yellow onion (diced): This will create a savory foundation. You could also use a white or sweet onion for different flavors.
3 stalks celery (chopped): Adds a nice crunch and a subtle earthiness to the dish. Don’t skip this if you can help it!
6 cloves garlic (minced): Essential for depth of flavor. You can amp up the garlic if you love that aromatic punch!
5 cups low sodium beef broth: Provides the liquid base and savory depth. Using low-sodium keeps the dish balanced; you can control the salt later.
½ teaspoon coarse ground pepper: For seasoning, enhancing the flavor without overwhelming it.
⅛ teaspoon dried thyme: This herb brings a warm, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the beans and ham.
½ teaspoon chili powder: Adds a hint of spice and depth. If you prefer a different flavor profile, substitute with ground cumin.
1 teaspoon cajun seasoning (optional): If you enjoy a bit of heat, this is a great addition to kick things up a notch.
2 cups ham (cubed): Use leftover ham or source a good-quality deli ham for the best taste. The more flavor, the merrier!
1 ham bone or hock: This will infuse the dish with a rich, smoky flavor. If you don’t have one on hand, you can omit it or use additional ham.
Salt (to taste, if needed): Be mindful of how much you add, especially if your broth and ham are already salty.
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Just a sprinkle for color and freshness at the end.

How to Make Pinto Beans And Ham

Soak the Beans: Rinse the dried pinto beans with cool water in a colander, sorting through to discard any small stones or debris. Drain and place them in a large bowl, covering with at least 3 to 4 inches of water. Cover the bowl and let the beans soak overnight at room temperature. This step is crucial; it softens the beans, ensuring a tender texture and reducing cooking time.
Sauté the Vegetables: When you’re ready to cook, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chopped celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and allow it to cook for another minute until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Pour 5 cups of low sodium beef broth into the Dutch oven along with ½ teaspoon of coarse ground pepper, ⅛ teaspoon of dried thyme, ½ teaspoon of chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning (if using). Toss in the cubed ham and the beans. Give everything a good stir, making sure the beans are submerged in the broth, and then add the ham bone or hock, nestling it right into the pot.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook with the lid slightly ajar for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. You want the beans to become soft and for the broth to thicken into a rich, gravy-like consistency. If the broth becomes too thick before the beans are cooked through, just add a little water as needed.
Finishing Touches: After 2 hours, remove the ham bone from the pot. Pull off as much meat as possible and stir it back into the beans. This adds an extra layer of ham flavor throughout.
Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste your dish and add salt if needed. Serve hot over rice for a delightful meal, garnishing with chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color.

Storing & Reheating

Pinto beans and ham can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours after cooking. Once cooled, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Just portion out the servings in sturdy freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is simple—just place it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, which is about 10-15 minutes. Do remember, the texture and flavor may change slightly after freezing, so a dash of broth or water during reheating can refresh the dish.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid over-soaking the beans; soaking them for too long can cause them to break down during cooking.
Using low sodium beef broth allows you to control the seasoning better; you can always add more salt but can’t take it away if it’s too salty.
If you like your dish spicy, taste-test the broth while it simmers and adjust the Cajun seasoning accordingly.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf to the pot during cooking, removing it before serving.
This dish can be made ahead of time; the flavors meld beautifully overnight.

When it comes to comforting meals, pinto beans and ham stands out. You get that wonderful blend of savory ham and creamy pinto beans, making it a beloved dish across generations. Don’t hesitate to add your twist or favorite seasonings. The beauty lies in its simplicity, letting you enjoy wholesome ingredients at their best. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it on a cozy weekday evening, this dish has a way of making everything feel just right. So gather those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s cook up some delicious memories together!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make pinto beans and ham in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After soaking the beans, you can sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for about 3 to 4 hours until the beans are tender. Just remember to add enough liquid to keep the beans submerged.

What can I serve with pinto beans and ham?

This comforting dish pairs beautifully with cornbread, rice, or even a simple green salad. For an extra kick, consider serving it with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

How do I know when the beans are done cooking?

The best indicator is the texture. The beans should be soft and tender but not falling apart. It’s important to stir occasionally, as some beans may cook faster than others.

Can I use canned beans instead?

Yes, you can use canned pinto beans for a quicker option! Just rinse and drain them, then add them to the pot along with the broth and seasonings, cooking everything for about 20-30 minutes to blend the flavors. You won’t need to soak or cook them for as long!

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Pinto Beans And Ham