pinto beans with ham bone recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best pinto beans with ham bone recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my favorite recipes that’s been passed down through generations in my family – pinto beans with ham bone. This hearty dish is a staple in many Southern households, and for good reason.

The combination of tender beans, rich ham broth, and the subtle flavor of the ham bone is absolute perfection. As a busy mom, I love that this recipe is easy to make and can be customized to feed a crowd or just my family on a weeknight.

My kids adore helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a hit with them. In fact, my daughter has even asked me to make it for her friends when they come over for playdates.

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is – it’s perfect for a casual dinner at home or as part of a larger gathering. We’ve served it at potlucks, family reunions, and even just as a comforting meal after a long day.

And let’s not forget about the health benefits – pinto beans are packed with fiber, protein, and all sorts of good stuff that’ll keep you feeling full and satisfied. My husband raves about the leftovers, saying they’re even better the next day.

I have to agree – the flavors meld together beautifully after some time in the fridge or freezer. So if you’re looking for a tried-and-true recipe that’ll become a staple in your household like it has in mine, look no further than pinto beans with ham bone.

Pinto Beans with Ham Bone

Pinto Beans with Ham Bone

4.6 from 1612 votes

A hearty and comforting dish featuring tender pinto beans slow-cooked with a flavorful ham bone. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 40 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb dried pinto beans
1 ham bone
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large tomato, diced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 bay leaf
6 cups water
salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the pinto beans under cold water and pick out any debris.
2Place the beans in a large pot and cover them with water.
3Let them soak for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4Change water and drain.
5Place the ham bone in a large pot and cover it with water.
6Bring to a boil over high heat.
7Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 1 hour.
8Remove the ham bone from the pot and set it aside to cool.
9Once cool enough to handle, remove any meat from the bone and chop it into small pieces.
10Reserve the meat and set the bone aside.
11In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
12Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
13Add the diced tomato, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, and bay leaf.
14Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
15Add the soaked and drained pinto beans to the pot.
16Pour in 6 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
17Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 to 1.
5 hours, or until the beans are tender.
18Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
19Add the reserved ham meat to the pot and stir to combine.
20Season with salt and pepper to taste.
21Continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the flavors have melded and the beans are very tender.
22Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
23Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
24Serve the pinto beans hot, with the ham bone meat on top.
25This dish can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of cornbread or rice.

🔧Equipment

Large pot with lid
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 12g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute a smoked turkey bone for the ham bone for a different flavor profile. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

This pinto beans with ham bone recipe is truly a classic – and for good reason!

Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also super easy to make and packed with nutrients from those amazing pinto beans.

My family loves when I serve this up on a weeknight because we know we’ll have plenty of leftovers for days (or even weeks) later – making meal prep a breeze.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pinto Beans with Ham Bone

Q: What type of ham bone should I use?

A: For this recipe, you want to use a smoked ham bone – preferably one from a pork shoulder or butt. You can find these at most butcher shops or well-stocked grocery stores. If you can’t find a smoked ham bone, you can substitute with regular pork bones or even beef bones. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: Can I use canned pinto beans instead of cooking dried ones?

A: While it’s technically possible to use canned pinto beans, I highly recommend cooking dried beans for this recipe. The texture and flavor just aren’t the same as canned beans. Plus, cooking dried beans is relatively hands-off – just soak them overnight and then cook them until they’re tender.

Q: How long do pinto beans take to cook?

A: Pinto beans typically take around 8-10 hours to cook on low heat or 5-6 hours on high heat in a slow cooker. If you’re using an Instant Pot or other pressure cooker, it’ll take significantly less time – usually around 30-40 minutes.

Q: Can I make this recipe without the ham bone?

A: While the ham bone does add an incredible depth of flavor to this dish, you can still make it without one. Simply omit the ham bone and use some extra bacon or pancetta to add smokiness instead.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Leftovers from this recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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