How Do You Cook Canned Pinto Beans

You can cook canned pinto beans by simply heating them up on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in the oven, and they’re already fully cooked so you’re really just warming them through and adding flavor.
 
Canned pinto beans are one of the most convenient pantry staples you can keep on hand.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to cook canned pinto beans without making them mushy or bland, you’re in the right place.
 
The good news is that cooking canned pinto beans takes just a few minutes and you can dress them up for almost any meal.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to cook canned pinto beans on the stove, in the microwave, and in the oven, plus a few simple ways to season them so they taste homemade.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

How Do You Cook Canned Pinto Beans on the Stovetop?

Cooking canned pinto beans on the stovetop is the most popular method and it gives you the most control over flavor.
 
Here’s how to cook canned pinto beans this way:
 

1. Drain and Rinse the Beans

Start by pouring your canned pinto beans into a colander and draining the liquid.
 
Give them a quick rinse under cool water.
 
Rinsing canned pinto beans removes excess sodium and that thick, starchy liquid that can make your dish taste metallic.
 
If you’re cooking canned pinto beans for a recipe that calls for the liquid, you can skip this step.
 

2. Add Them to a Saucepan

Place your rinsed canned pinto beans in a small saucepan.
 
Add just enough water, broth, or a mix of both to cover the beans.
 
Using broth instead of water is one of the easiest ways to make canned pinto beans taste better.
 

3. Season as They Warm

This is where you can really make canned pinto beans taste homemade.
 
Toss in a clove of garlic, a pinch of cumin, some chili powder, or a few slices of onion.
 
A bay leaf or a splash of olive oil also goes a long way.
 

4. Simmer Gently

Turn the heat to medium-low and let them simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes.
 
Stir occasionally and don’t let them boil hard, or the beans will break apart.
 
When they’re heated through, taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
 

Other Ways to Cook Canned Pinto Beans

You don’t always need a stove to cook canned pinto beans.
 
Here are two more quick methods:
 

1. Microwaving Canned Pinto Beans

If you’re short on time, cooking canned pinto beans in the microwave works great.
 
Pour the drained beans into a microwave-safe bowl with a couple of tablespoons of water or broth.
 
Cover it loosely and heat on high for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
 
Let them sit for a minute before serving.
 

2. Baking Canned Pinto Beans

If you want something heartier, you can cook canned pinto beans in the oven like a quick baked bean dish.
 
Mix them with a little barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and mustard in a baking dish.
 
Bake at 350°F for about 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly.
 
This is a great way to turn plain canned pinto beans into a crowd-pleasing side.
 

Ways to Season and Serve Canned Pinto Beans

Plain canned pinto beans are fine, but a little effort makes them unforgettable.
 

1. Add Aromatics and Spices

Onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika are classic additions.
 
A spoonful of bacon grease or a chopped slice of bacon adds smoky depth.
 

2. Mash Them for Refried Beans

Cooking canned pinto beans and then mashing them gives you quick refried beans.
 
Just sauté some onion, add the beans, and mash with a potato masher or the back of a spoon.
 

3. Use Them in Soups and Stews

You can also cook canned pinto beans right into chili, soups, and stews.
 
Add them near the end of cooking so they hold their shape.
 

So, How Do You Cook Canned Pinto Beans?

You cook canned pinto beans by draining and rinsing them, then warming them on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in the oven with a little liquid and seasoning.
 
Canned pinto beans are already cooked, so the goal is simply to heat them through and build flavor.
 
Whether you simmer them with garlic and cumin or bake them into a saucy side, cooking canned pinto beans is fast, easy, and forgiving.
 
Give one of these methods a try the next time you need a quick, hearty addition to your meal.