Delicious and Healthy Pinto Bean Recipe Ideas

Pinto beans are small, flavorful beans that are popular in many different foods. They’re often used in Three-Bean salads, minestrone soups, stews, chili, casseroles, and other popular dishes. You can also substitute pinto beans for many different types of beans, making them very versatile. For example, any recipe that calls for cannellini or white beans will taste just as delicious with pinto beans added or swapped out!

Since pinto beans are very high in fiber, you may want to consider adding this healthy ingredient to your next meal. Not sure where to start? Take a look at some of these delicious pinto bean recipe ideas!

Dinner ideas with pinto beans

It’s super easy to make quick and filling dinners with pinto beans! Most of these can be on the table in less than 30 minutes:

1. Bean and cheese enchiladas

Pinto beans are great in Mexican foods! These bean and cheese enchiladas have just the right amount of heat, and they take just 25 minutes to make.

2. Beans and greens with bacon

This simple recipe for beans and greens with bacon is perfect on top of pasta. It’s a hearty meal you’ll want to make again and again!

3. Beans and ramen

This beans and ramen recipe combines pinto beans, instant ramen noodles, and veggies. It’s a quick and easy way to get a healthy dinner on the table after a long day!

4. Ratatouille with beans and polenta

Even meat-eaters will love this vegetarian dish! Next time you want a hearty meal packed with vegetables, this recipe for ratatouille with beans and polenta is the perfect solution.

5. Sweet potato and bean burritos with corn salsa

If you’re a fan of burritos, you’ll love this recipe for sweet potato and bean burritos with corn salsa. Make a big batch and freeze them individually, so you always have a quick lunch or dinner ready to go!

Tasty pinto bean meal ideas

With just a bit of creativity, you can make a wide range of dinners with pinto beans! Take a look at these five delicious ideas:

1. Baked cod with chorizo & beans

This recipe for baked cod with chorizo and beans pairs a light, tasty fish with the smokey flavor of chorizo sausage. The beans will soak up all the flavors perfectly! Serve this dish with a side of roasted potatoes and green beans.

2. Baked eggs with beans and lamb sausage

A hearty, one-pan meal that’s sure to satisfy, this recipe for baked eggs with beans and lamb sausage is packed with protein, fiber, and tons of flavor. Serve it with a side salad for dinner or as the perfect addition to your next brunch!

3. Bean and bacon breakfast tacos

Another delicious dish to serve for breakfast or brunch, these bean and bacon tacos are both tasty and healthy. Since you can whip them up in just 10 minutes, they’re also perfect for busy mornings!

4. Freezer bean and cheese burritos

When it’s time for your weekly meal prep, consider adding these freezer bean and cheese burritos to the menu! They taste even better than the store-bought version and are great for a quick breakfast or lunch when you’re on the go.

5. Two-Bean enchilada casserole

Made with both black beans and pinto beans, this Two-Bean enchilada casserole is always a crowd-pleaser. Before serving it, top it with lettuce, tomato, olives, and sour cream!

Side dishes made with pinto beans

Pinto beans make great side dishes! Serve these recipes with your favorite meat or bring them to your next potluck event:

1. Zesty Three-Bean salad

The perfect side for your next BBQ or party, you can make this zesty Three-Bean salad in just 25 minutes! But, you’ll want to plan ahead, since this tastes best after the flavors meld for 24 hours.

2. BBQ beans with peppers

Made-from-scratch BBQ sauce is the star in this bean dish. Best of all, you can have BBQ beans with peppers on the table in just 25 minutes!

3. Bean and farro salad

Farro, feta, dill, and pinto beans combine to make this incredible bean and faro salad. It’s super hearty and packed with fiber! You can also make it into a meal by topping it with roasted salmon, grilled shrimp, or shredded rotisserie chicken.

Delicious bean-based soups and chilis

Tossing a can of pinto beans into soup or chili will make it more filling and satisfying! In the recipes below, feel free to substitute pinto beans for other types or add them in addition:

1. Florentine bean soup

This simple florentine bean soup can cook all day in the slow cooker. Not only will it make your house smell amazing, but you’ll also be able to enjoy a delicious, filling meal with almost no effort!

2. Jamie’s minestrone

Packed with veggies and fresh ingredients, this minestrone soup is an excellent alternative to the canned version!

3. Minestrone with mushrooms and feta

A delicious twist on the classic soup, this recipe for minestrone with mushrooms and feta is a hearty vegetarian soup that’s always super satisfying!

4. Mom’s ham and bean soup

The ham hocks in this ham and bean soup give it a smoky, hearty flavor that’s perfect for enjoying on a cold day! Make it even better by serving it with fresh-baked crusty bread.

5. Pinto bean and potato chili

There’s nothing like a hot bowl of chili to hit the spot. This recipe for pinto bean and potato chili has a mild flavor and just a bit of heat. It’s also quick and easy to make. You can prep it in just 10 minutes!

6. Quick sausage minestrone

Made with Italian sausage, potatoes, beans, and either escarole or swiss chard, this quick sausage minestrone is sure to become one of your favorite recipes!

7. Three-Bean chili

There are some surprising ingredients in this Three-Bean chili, but they come together amazingly! Try it at least once—you won’t be disappointed!

Make pinto beans the star of your next meal!

Now that you have so many excellent pinto bean recipe ideas, you can confidently add these healthy beans to your next weekly menu plan! If you want to save some time, you can skip the trip to the grocery store. Just head over to Instacart, create your grocery list, and let a professional shopper take care of it for you!

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