Hearty, smoky, and irresistibly savory, this Pinto Beans with Sausage and Ham recipe is the ultimate comfort food for cozy dinners. Made with tender, slow-simmered pinto beans, smoky sausage, and diced ham, this dish is packed with layers of satisfying flavor. Aromatic vegetables like onion, green bell pepper, and garlic complement the rich broth that's infused with smoked paprika, thyme, and just a touch of cayenne for optional heat. Perfectly suited for beginner and seasoned cooks alike, this one-pot wonder is both easy to make and deeply soulful. Serve it with crusty cornbread or fluffy rice to sop up every last drop of the flavorful sauce. With minimal prep and big, bold flavors, this recipe is a delicious way to showcase Southern-inspired cooking at its best.
Rinse the pinto beans thoroughly and remove any debris. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Let the beans soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and diced ham. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat starts to brown.
Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained pinto beans, bay leaf, dried thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 90-120 minutes or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally, checking that there is enough liquid to cover the beans; add more chicken broth or water as needed.
Once the beans are tender and the flavors have melded, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve hot with a side of cornbread or rice for a complete, comforting meal.
Calories |
2505 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 140.4 g | 180% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.2 g | 206% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 314 mg | 104% | |
| Sodium | 12199 mg | 530% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 157.9 g | 57% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 46.6 g | 166% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.1 g | ||
| Protein | 159.4 g | 319% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 509 mg | 39% | |
| Iron | 22.1 mg | 123% | |
| Potassium | 5048 mg | 107% | |
*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.