How Long to Cook Pinto Beans?

Soaking Pinto Beans

Soaking pinto beans before cooking can reduce their cooking time and make them easier to digest. To soak pinto beans, rinse them in cold water and remove any debris or stones. Then, place them in a large pot and cover with water. The water should be about two inches above the level of the beans. Let the beans soak for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

After soaking, drain the water and rinse the beans again. They are now ready to be cooked using your preferred cooking method. Soaking can reduce the cooking time by up to 50%, so be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Stovetop Cooking Method

The stovetop method is a traditional way of cooking pinto beans. To cook pinto beans on the stovetop, first, soak them as described in the previous section. Drain the soaking water and rinse the beans again.

Next, place the soaked beans in a large pot and cover them with fresh water. The water level should be about 2 inches above the beans. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer gently.

Stir the beans occasionally and add more water as needed to keep them covered. Cook the beans for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until they are tender but not mushy. Add salt and any other seasonings during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Serve hot with rice, tortillas, or other favorite sides.

Slow Cooker Method

The slow cooker method is a convenient and hands-off way to cook pinto beans. Soak the beans as described earlier, drain and rinse them, then transfer them to a slow cooker.

Add enough water or broth to cover the beans by about an inch. Set the slow cooker to low and cook the beans for 6 to 8 hours, or until they are tender. Add salt and seasonings during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

You can also add other ingredients like diced onions, garlic, and diced tomatoes for added flavor. Serve the cooked beans as a side dish or use them in recipes like burritos, tacos, or chili.

Instant Pot Method

The Instant Pot is a popular electric pressure cooker that can also be used to cook pinto beans quickly. Soak the beans as described earlier, then drain and rinse them.

Place the soaked beans in the Instant Pot and add enough water or broth to cover them by about an inch. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 25 to 30 minutes, depending on the quantity of beans.

Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 to 20 minutes, then use the quick-release method to release any remaining pressure. Add salt and seasonings during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

The Instant Pot method can significantly reduce the cooking time of pinto beans, making them ready to serve in less than an hour. Serve them hot with your favorite sides or use them in recipes like salads or soups.

Checking for Doneness and Serving Suggestions

To check if the pinto beans are cooked, taste a few beans to ensure they are tender but not mushy. If they are still hard, continue cooking them for a few more minutes and check again.

Once the beans are cooked to your liking, drain any remaining liquid and serve them hot. Pinto beans can be served as a side dish, added to salads or soups, used in burritos or tacos, or mashed and used as a filling for quesadillas or tamales.

Some popular serving suggestions for pinto beans include serving them with rice, tortillas, or cornbread. You can also add toppings like shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado, or sour cream to enhance the flavor. Enjoy!