How Long Should You Cook Pinto Beans

How long you should cook pinto beans depends on whether you’re using dried beans or canned beans and the texture you’re aiming for.
 
If you’re cooking dried pinto beans on the stovetop, you should cook pinto beans for about 60 to 90 minutes after soaking them overnight.
 
If you’re using a pressure cooker, the cooking time for pinto beans drops to around 25 to 30 minutes.
 
And if you’re working with canned pinto beans, you really just need to heat them for 10 to 15 minutes.
 
So the real answer to how long should you cook pinto beans comes down to your method, your equipment, and how soft you like them.
 
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long to cook pinto beans for every method, plus a few tips to get them perfectly tender every single time.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

How Long to Cook Pinto Beans Based on Your Method

The cooking time for pinto beans really depends on the method you choose.
 
Here’s a breakdown so you know exactly how long you should cook pinto beans no matter what’s in your kitchen.
 

1. Stovetop (Soaked Overnight): 60 to 90 Minutes

If you soak your pinto beans overnight, you should cook pinto beans for 60 to 90 minutes on the stovetop.
 
Bring them to a boil in a large pot, then reduce to a simmer and cover.
 
Check them around the 60-minute mark because how long you cook pinto beans also depends on how fresh they are.
 
Older dried beans take longer to soften, so you may need the full 90 minutes or even a bit more.
 

2. Stovetop (No Soak): 2 to 3 Hours

If you skip the soaking step, you should cook pinto beans for 2 to 3 hours.
 
The beans will still soften, but it takes much longer because the skins and starches haven’t been broken down by soaking.
 
You can speed this up slightly by bringing them to a hard boil for the first 10 minutes, then lowering the heat.
 
But if you’re wondering how long to cook pinto beans without a soak, plan for at least 2 hours.
 

3. Pressure Cooker: 25 to 30 Minutes

A pressure cooker is the fastest way to get tender pinto beans.
 
You should cook pinto beans for about 25 to 30 minutes at high pressure, with a natural release.
 
This method works whether or not you soaked them, though soaked beans will be a little more tender.
 
That’s why how long you cook pinto beans in a pressure cooker is so much shorter than other methods.
 

4. Slow Cooker: 6 to 8 Hours on Low

In a slow cooker, you should cook pinto beans for 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high.
 
Soaking is still recommended here because it helps them cook evenly and reduces the risk of them staying tough.
 
Add enough water to cover them by a couple of inches since they’ll absorb a lot of liquid.
 
So the answer to how long to cook pinto beans in a slow cooker is really about patience, not speed.
 

5. Canned Pinto Beans: 10 to 15 Minutes

Canned pinto beans are already cooked, so you should cook pinto beans from a can for just 10 to 15 minutes.
 
You’re basically reheating them and letting them soak up whatever seasonings you add.
 
There’s no need to simmer them for an hour because they’re already soft.
 
So when someone asks how long to cook pinto beans that come from a can, the answer is short and sweet.
 

Factors That Affect How Long You Cook Pinto Beans

How long to cook pinto beans isn’t just about the clock.
 
Several things can change your cooking time, so keep these in mind.
 

1. Freshness of the Beans

Freshly harvested dried pinto beans cook faster than ones that have been sitting in your pantry for a year or two.
 
Older beans take longer to soften, so you might need to cook pinto beans for an extra 30 minutes or more.
 
That’s why how long you cook pinto beans can vary even when you follow the same recipe.
 

2. Soaking vs. Not Soaking

Soaking pinto beans overnight cuts the cooking time roughly in half.
 
If you’re short on time, a quick soak method works too, but you should still cook pinto beans for a good 90 minutes afterward.
 
So the answer to how long to cook pinto beans always starts with whether you soaked them.
 

3. Altitude

At higher altitudes, water boils at a lower temperature, so you should cook pinto beans longer than usual.
 
You might need to add 30 to 45 minutes to your normal cooking time.
 
That’s another reason how long to cook pinto beans isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.
 

4. Desired Texture

If you want firm beans for salads, you should cook pinto beans for less time.
 
If you want creamy beans for refried beans or soups, cook them longer until they mash easily.
 
So how long you cook pinto beans depends a lot on what you’re making.
 

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Pinto Beans

No matter how long you cook pinto beans, these tips will help you get them right.
 

1. Add Salt at the Right Time

Contrary to old advice, you can salt pinto beans at the start of cooking.
 
It actually helps season them from the inside out, and it won’t make them tough.
 
So don’t worry about when you salt if you’re unsure how long to cook pinto beans.
 

2. Keep Them Covered with Water

Beans absorb a lot of liquid, so check the pot every 20 minutes or so.
 
Add hot water as needed to keep the beans submerged.
 
This matters no matter how long you cook pinto beans because dry beans will burn.
 

3. Taste Test as You Go

The best way to know how long to cook pinto beans is to taste them.
 
Scoop one out, let it cool, and check if it’s soft all the way through.
 
If it’s still chalky in the middle, keep cooking and check again in 10 minutes.
 

So, How Long Should You Cook Pinto Beans?

You should cook pinto beans for 60 to 90 minutes on the stovetop after soaking, 2 to 3 hours without soaking, 25 to 30 minutes in a pressure cooker, or 6 to 8 hours in a slow cooker.
 
Canned pinto beans only need 10 to 15 minutes of heating.
 
The exact time depends on the freshness of your beans, your altitude, and how soft you want them.
 
Hope this post has helped you figure out exactly how long to cook pinto beans for any method you choose.
 
Now go make a pot and enjoy them.