pinto beans and ham recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
pinto beans and ham recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best pinto beans and ham recipe

I’m so glad you asked for my pinto beans and ham recipe. This dish has been a staple in my household for years, and I’m happy to share it with you. I first learned about this recipe from my mother-in-law, who grew up in the Southern United States.

She would make it for family gatherings and special occasions, and it was always a hit. The combination of tender pinto beans, flavorful ham, and aromatic spices is just magic. As I started making it for my own family, I realized that it’s not just a delicious meal, but also a great way to get some fiber and protein into our diets.

My kids love helping me cook the beans and adding the spices, making it a fun and interactive process for all of us. Whether we’re having a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a big gathering, this recipe never fails to impress. It’s easy to make ahead and reheat, too, which makes it perfect for busy families like mine.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile – we love serving it with crusty bread, over rice, or even as a filling for tacos or burritos. I’ve made it for potlucks, church suppers, and even as a side dish for holidays like Christmas and Easter.

My family requests it frequently, which tells me that they love it just as much as I do! So if you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that will please even the pickiest eaters in your household – look no further than this pinto beans and ham recipe.

Southern Pinto Beans and Ham

Southern Pinto Beans and Ham

4.5 from 1371 votes

A hearty and comforting dish of slow-simmered pinto beans flavored with smoky ham. This classic Southern recipe is perfect for a filling meal on a cold day.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 45 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beans

1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed and picked over
1 meaty ham bone or 1 pound ham hocks
8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For Serving

Cooked white rice or cornbread
Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the dried pinto beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water by 2 inches.
2Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.
3Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly before cooking.
4In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the soaked beans, ham bone or ham hocks, and 8 cups of water or broth.
5Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
6Let the beans simmer gently for 1 hour.
7After 1 hour, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
8Stir the mixture well and continue to simmer, covered, for another 1 to 1.
5 hours.
9The beans are done when they are tender and creamy, and the ham is falling off the bone.
10Remove the ham bone or hocks from the pot, shred any meat from the bone, and return the meat to the pot.
11Discard the bone and any fat.
12Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
13For a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon.
14Serve hot over rice or with cornbread, garnished with parsley or green onions if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with lid
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 3.5g❤️Cholesterol: 40mg🧂Sodium: 750mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 12g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For a quicker version, use canned pinto beans and reduce the simmering time to 30 minutes. Soaking the beans overnight is not required but helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility.

Watch Video Of How Southern Pinto Beans and Ham Works

This pinto beans and ham recipe is one of my go-to dishes when I need to feed a crowd or have leftovers for the next day. It’s easy to make ahead and reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.

You can also freeze individual portions for later use – just thaw them out when you’re ready to enjoy them again! One of my favorite ways to serve this dish is with some crusty bread on the side – we love dipping our slices into the rich broth that forms at the bottom of the pot.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Pinto Beans and Ham

Q: What type of ham should I use in this recipe?

I recommend using a boneless ham steak or a small can of diced ham for this recipe. You can also use leftover ham if you have some on hand.

Q: Can I substitute other types of beans for pinto beans?

Yes, you can use other types of beans such as navy beans or Great Northern beans in place of pinto beans.

Q: How do I cook the pinto beans from scratch?

Cooking pinto beans from scratch requires soaking them overnight in water before boiling them until tender.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker by cooking the pinto beans and ham on low for 8-10 hours.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is gluten-free since it doesn’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

Similar Posts