How To Make Ham And Pinto Beans

Making ham and pinto beans is one of the easiest, most comforting meals you can put together at home.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to make ham and pinto beans that taste like they’ve been simmering all day, you’re in the right place.
 
The good news is that you can make ham and pinto beans with just a handful of ingredients and a little patience.
 
This dish is a Southern staple, and once you learn how to make ham and pinto beans, it’ll become a regular in your rotation.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make ham and pinto beans step by step, plus a few tips to make them even better.
 
Let’s get cooking.
 

How to Make Ham and Pinto Beans the Right Way

Learning how to make ham and pinto beans starts with understanding the two main ingredients.
 
You need dried pinto beans and a good piece of ham, and everything else is just flavor support.
 
When you know how to make ham and pinto beans properly, you get creamy beans and tender, savory ham in every bite.
 
Here’s what makes this recipe work.
 

1. Start With Dried Pinto Beans, Not Canned

If you want to know how to make ham and pinto beans that taste authentic, start with dried beans.
 
Canned beans work in a pinch, but dried pinto beans give you that rich, creamy texture you can’t fake.
 
Rinse them well and pick out any stones or shriveled beans before you begin.
 
Soaking them overnight is the easiest route, but a quick soak works too if you’re short on time.
 

2. Choose the Right Ham

How to make ham and pinto beans really comes down to the ham you pick.
 
A smoked ham hock, ham shank, or leftover ham bone gives you the deepest flavor.
 
If you’re using cubed ham, that works too, but add a little smoked paprika to make up for the missing bone.
 
The ham does double duty here, flavoring the beans while it cooks down into something tender.
 

3. Build Flavor With Simple Aromatics

When you make ham and pinto beans, onion, garlic, and a bay leaf go a long way.
 
Sauté the onion and garlic first so they soften and release their sweetness.
 
This step is what separates okay beans from beans you’ll crave.
 

Step-By-Step: How to Make Ham and Pinto Beans

Now that you know the basics, here’s how to make ham and pinto beans from start to finish.
 

1. Soak the Beans

Rinse your dried pinto beans and place them in a large bowl.
 
Cover them with water by a few inches and let them soak overnight.
 
If you’re in a hurry, boil them for two minutes, then let them sit for an hour.
 

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat a little oil and cook your diced onion until soft.
 
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
 
This is the base that makes ham and pinto beans taste so good.
 

3. Add the Ham and Beans

Add your ham hock or ham pieces to the pot along with the drained beans.
 
Pour in enough water or broth to cover everything by about two inches.
 
Toss in a bay leaf, then bring everything to a boil.
 

4. Simmer Low and Slow

Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
 
Cover the pot and let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
 
Stir occasionally and add more liquid if the beans start looking dry.
 

5. Season and Finish

When the beans are tender, pull out the bay leaf and any ham bone.
 
Shred the ham and stir it back into the pot.
 
Taste and add salt, pepper, or a pinch of cayenne if you like a little kick.
 

Tips for Making Ham and Pinto Beans Even Better

A few small tweaks can take your ham and pinto beans to the next level.
 

1. Don’t Salt Too Early

Salting beans at the start can keep them from softening properly.
 
Wait until they’re tender, then season to taste.
 

2. Add Acid at the End

A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice brightens the whole pot.
 
Add it right before serving so the flavor stays fresh.
 

3. Serve With Cornbread

There’s no better partner for ham and pinto beans than warm cornbread.
 
The combination is classic for a reason.
 

4. Let Leftovers Shine

Ham and pinto beans taste even better the next day.
 
Store them in the fridge for up to four days and reheat gently on the stove.
 

So, How Do You Make Ham and Pinto Beans?

You make ham and pinto beans by soaking dried beans, simmering them with ham and aromatics, and letting time do the work.
 
It’s a simple dish, but the flavor is deep and satisfying.
 
Now that you know how to make ham and pinto beans, you can feed a crowd without breaking a sweat.
 
So grab your beans and ham, and get a pot going this week.