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A close up of the pinto beans in a dutch oven showing the pot liquor
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4.60 from 5 votes

How to Cook Pinto Beans on the Stove Top

This recipe gives you detailed instructions for how to cook pinto beans on the stove top
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pintos on the stovetop, pinto beans
Servings: 12
Calories: 99kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 16 oz bag of pinto bean
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion - diced
  • 2 cloves garlic - minced
  • 4 slices of thick cut applewood smoked bacon - cut into 1 inch pieces
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 4 tsp chicken broth concentrate
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  • Rinse the bag of beans well and remove any that look like they are past their prime. If unsure - chuck it.
  • Pour the beans into a large bowl and cover with at least 2 inches of water and allow to soak overnight. Alternately, you can boil the beans at a steady boil for about 10 minutes before you begin to cook them. Whether you soak or parboil, pour the water off from this step.
  • In a six quart stock pot on medium heat, heat the olive oil and saute the onion and garlic until they smell really good and the pieces become translucent.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and add the beans, bacon, salt, chicken broth concentrate and one bay leaf and enough cool clean water to cover the beans by 2 inches. (If you are sensitive to salt, then you can always decrease the amount)
  • Heat the beans on medium until they come to a light boil then reduce the heat to low.
  • Stir the beans occasionally and don’t let them get to a strong boil. Cook until done. I tell doneness by tasting - you could also spoon some out and smash it in your fingers. If it is smashy- through and through - they are done.

Notes

  • Stir the beans frequently to prevent scorching. 
  • You'll want to add a little water or broth if the beans start looking dry and if some of the liquid has evaporated. 
  • Remember that canned beans are already cooked, so essentially you are just warming them up BUT if you put raw bacon in the beans, you'll need to wait until it is fully cooked through before serving. 

Nutrition

Calories: 99kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 152mg | Potassium: 203mg | Fiber: 3g | Vitamin C: 1.2mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.9mg