How To Make Ham And Beans With Pinto Beans

How to Make Ham and Beans with Pinto Beans

To make ham and beans with pinto beans, you’ll need a smoked ham hock or leftover ham bone, dried pinto beans, and a few pantry staples.
 
This classic Southern comfort dish is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to throw together in one pot.
 
Whether you’re using a leftover holiday ham bone or picking up a smoked ham hock from the store, the result is a rich, savory pot of goodness that feeds a crowd.
 
If you’ve been searching for how to make ham and beans with pinto beans the right way, you’re in the right place.
 
The key is low and slow cooking, letting those pinto beans soak up all that smoky ham flavor until they’re tender and creamy.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about making ham and beans with pinto beans, from soaking to seasoning to serving.
 
Let’s get cooking.
 

Ingredients for Ham and Beans with Pinto Beans

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this ham and beans with pinto beans recipe work.
 
The ingredient list is short, but each one plays an important role.
 

1. Dried Pinto Beans

You’ll need one pound of dried pinto beans for this recipe.
 
Dried beans give you the best texture and flavor when making ham and beans with pinto beans.
 
Canned beans work in a pinch, but they won’t absorb the ham flavor the same way and tend to get mushy.
 
Pick through your dried beans to remove any stones or shriveled beans before soaking.
 

2. Smoked Ham Hock or Ham Bone

This is where all that incredible flavor comes from when you make ham and beans with pinto beans.
 
A smoked ham hock, ham shank, or leftover ham bone all work beautifully here.
 
If you have leftover ham from a holiday dinner, toss that bone right in.
 
You can also add chunks of diced ham later for extra meatiness.
 

3. Aromatics and Seasonings

You’ll want an onion, a few cloves of garlic, and some basic seasonings.
 
Salt, black pepper, and a bay leaf are really all you need.
 
Some folks like to add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce for a little kick.
 
A little smoked paprika can deepen that smoky flavor even more when making ham and beans with pinto beans.
 

How to Make Ham and Beans with Pinto Beans Step by Step

Now let’s get into the actual process of making ham and beans with pinto beans.
 
This isn’t complicated, but there are a few steps you don’t want to skip.
 

1. Soak the Pinto Beans Overnight

The night before you plan to make ham and beans with pinto beans, rinse your dried beans under cold water.
 
Place them in a large bowl and cover with at least two inches of cold water.
 
Let them soak overnight, or at least eight hours.
 
This softens the beans and helps them cook evenly.
 
If you forgot to soak, you can do a quick soak by boiling the beans for two minutes, then letting them sit for an hour.
 

2. Drain and Add Everything to the Pot

After soaking, drain and rinse your pinto beans.
 
Add them to a large Dutch oven or heavy pot along with your ham hock or ham bone.
 
Toss in your chopped onion, minced garlic, and bay leaf.
 
Cover everything with about six to eight cups of fresh water or broth.
 

3. Simmer Low and Slow

Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
 
Cover the pot and let it cook for about two to three hours.
 
Stir occasionally and check the liquid level.
 
You want the beans fully submerged, so add more water if needed.
 
The beans are done when they’re tender and creamy, and the ham is falling off the bone.
 

4. Remove the Ham and Season the Beans

Once the ham is cool enough to handle, shred the meat and discard the bone and any fat.
 
Return the shredded ham to the pot.
 
Now taste your ham and beans with pinto beans and adjust the salt and pepper.
 
Remember, ham is salty, so wait until the end to season.
 
If you want a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot.
 

Tips for the Best Ham and Beans with Pinto Beans

Here are a few extra tips to make your ham and beans with pinto beans turn out perfect every time.
 

1. Don’t Skip the Soak

Soaking is important for texture and digestibility when making ham and beans with pinto beans.
 
It also cuts down on cooking time significantly.
 

2. Add Acid at the End

A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors.
 
Acid also helps break down any remaining firmness in the beans.
 

3. Serve with Cornbread

There’s nothing better alongside a bowl of ham and beans with pinto beans than hot cornbread.
 
The sweetness of the cornbread balances the savory, smoky beans perfectly.
 

So, How Do You Make Ham and Beans with Pinto Beans?

You make ham and beans with pinto beans by soaking dried beans overnight, then simmering them low and slow with a smoked ham hock, onion, garlic, and simple seasonings until everything is tender and flavorful.
 
It’s a humble dish that delivers big comfort, and it’s forgiving enough that you can tweak it to your taste.
 
Now that you know how to make ham and beans with pinto beans, grab your pot and get simmering.
 
Your kitchen is about to smell amazing.