Pinto Beans Ham
Warm, hearty, and full of comforting flavors, this Pinto Beans Ham recipe is the epitome of Southern-inspired comfort food. Tender pinto beans are slow-simmered alongside a smoky ham hock, aromatic garlic, onions, and a blend of savory spices like cumin and chili powder. The ham infuses the dish with rich, smoky depth, while the beans soak up all the flavorful broth, creating a creamy, satisfying dish perfect for chilly days. With minimal prep and simple pantry staples, this recipe is both easy and budget-friendly, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Serve it with a side of fluffy cornbread or steamed white rice for a soul-warming meal that feeds the whole family. Whether you're looking for a protein-packed dish or a taste of traditional Southern cuisine, this Pinto Beans Ham recipe hits all the right notes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- 1 large ham hock (or diced cooked ham)
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 8 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water and remove any debris or damaged beans. Place them in a large bowl, cover with water, and let soak overnight (or for at least 6-8 hours). Alternatively, use the quick soak method: boil the beans in water for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let them soak for 1 hour.
Drain the soaked beans and set aside.
Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the ham hock (or diced cooked ham) to the pot, along with the drained pinto beans.
Pour in the chicken broth or water, ensuring the beans are fully submerged. Stir in the bay leaf, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the flavors are well combined.
If using a ham hock, remove it from the pot once the beans are tender. Shred the meat off the bone and return the shredded ham to the pot, discarding the bone.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve the pinto beans and ham warm, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Pair with cornbread or white rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
326 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 10.2 g | 13% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.2 g | 16% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 55 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 2753 mg | 120% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.8 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.5 g | 27% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.6 g | ||
| Protein | 31.2 g | 62% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 75 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 772 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
