This easy Pinto Beans and Rice Recipe is sure to please the whole family! It requires minimal ingredients, so it’s easy to whip up in no time. Plus, the combination of beans and rice makes for a tasty dish that is both nutritious and delicious. So what are you waiting for? Give this amazing beans and rice recipe a try today!

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Ingredients Needed for this Recipe

Here’s what you need for this easy, delicious recipe!

Dry Pinto Beans– Dry pinto beans have a longer shelf life, they absorb flavors well and can be used in a variety of recipes. When it comes to cooking dry pinto beans, the most important thing is to soak them overnight. This helps to soften the beans and make them more flavorful.
Salt Pork– Salt pork is a type of cured pork that is typically used as a seasoning or flavoring agent. It is made by curing pork belly with salt and other spices. Salt pork has a high fat content and a salty flavor, which makes it an ideal ingredient for recipes like pinto beans and rice. The fat in salt pork helps to keep the beans and rice moist, while the salt adds flavor and depth to the dish.
Small Onion– Small onions are often overlooked in favor of their larger counterparts, but they actually have a lot to offer in terms of flavor and versatility. When it comes to cooking, small onions tend to be sweeter and more delicate than their larger counterparts. In this dish, the small onions add a subtle sweetness that helps to balance out the earthy flavors of the beans and rice.
Chopped Cilantro– Chopped cilantro is a common ingredient in Mexican and South American cuisine. It has a bright, fresh flavor that pairs well with the earthy taste of pinto beans and rice. This recipe is a great way to add some zest to your weeknight dinner routine. Plus, it’s healthy and satisfying.
Rotel– Rotel is a brand of canned tomatoes with green chilies. The green chilies add flavor and spice to the dish, while the tomatoes add sweetness and acidity. This combination makes for a well-rounded and delicious meal. Additionally, Rotel is easy to find in most grocery stores, making it a convenient option for busy cooks.
Cumin– Cumin is a spice that is used in many different cuisines, including Mexican and Indian. It has a strong, earthy flavor and can be used to add depth of flavor to dishes. Cumin is often used in bean dishes, such as Pinto Beans and Rice, as it helps to enhance the flavor of the beans.
Pepper– Pepper is a versatile spice that can be used in a wide variety of dishes. When it comes to Pinto Beans and Rice Recipe, Pepper gives the dish a slight heat that helps to balance out the richness of the beans and rice. Pepper also adds a bit of depth of flavor to the dish, making it more complex and interesting.
Steamed Rice– Steamed rice is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. For example, it can be used as the base for a stir-fry or as a side dish. Steamed rice is also a good choice for making beans and rice, as it absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients and helps to keep the dish moist.
Shredded Cheese– Shredded cheese is a great way to add a little extra protein and creaminess to your pinto beans and rice recipe. Not only does it taste great, but it also helps to bind the ingredients together. Plus, the cheese provides a nice contrast in texture to the beans and rice.
Sour Cream– Sour cream is the perfect addition to any pinto beans and rice recipe. The acidity of the sour cream helps to balance out the richness of the beans, while the creaminess of the sour cream helps to offset the spiciness of the rice.

pinto beans and rice recipe ingredients list

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Is Pinto Beans and Rice Healthy?

Pinto beans and rice is a dish that is typically associated with Mexican cuisine. However, it is also a popular dish in many other parts of the world, including the United States. Pinto beans and rice is a healthy and filling meal that is perfect for any time of day. The dish is made with brown rice, pinto beans, and spices.

Pinto beans are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, while brown rice is a whole grain that is packed with nutrients. Pinto beans and rice is a simple and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

pinto beans and rice recipe in process photos

What Goes Good with Pinto Beans and Rice?

Pinto beans and rice is a popular dish in many parts of the world, and for good reason – it’s delicious! But what else can you eat with pinto beans and rice to make a complete meal? One easy option is to simply add a side of vegetables. A green salad or sauteed kale are both great choices that will complement the flavors of the dish.

If you’re looking for something a little heartier, try adding grilled chicken or sausage. And of course, no matter what you choose to eat with your pinto beans and rice, don’t forget the hot sauce! A few dashes of your favorite variety will give the dish an extra kick of flavor. So go ahead and experiment – there are lots of different ways to enjoy this classic dish.

What Seasoning Can I Use Instead of Salt?

Pinto beans and rice is a classic dish that is enjoyed by many people around the world. This dish is usually made with white rice, but you can also use brown rice. Pinto beans are a type of legume and they are very healthy for you. They are high in fiber and protein. Pinto beans and rice is a dish that is usually made with salt, but if you are on a low sodium diet, you may be wondering what seasoning you can use instead of salt.

Luckily, there are many different seasonings that you can use to flavor your pinto beans and rice. Some of these seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. You can also add fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley. You can also add cheese, sour cream, or avocado for extra flavor. Pinto beans and rice is a very versatile dish and you can season it however you like.

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More Amazing Cheap Dinner Ideas!

You’ll Love These Other Bean Recipes

Pinto Beans and Rice Recipe

This pinto beans and rice recipe is so easy to follow, and the end result is a delicious dish that everyone will love. Plus, this recipe only uses simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.

Ingredients

2 Pounds Dry Pinto Beans
3 Ounces Salt Pork
1 Small Onion, diced
1/4 Cup Chopped Cilantro
1 Can Rotel
1 Teaspoon Cumin
Pepper, to taste
2-3 Cups Steamed Rice
Shredded Cheese, optional for topping
Sour Cream, optional for topping

Instructions

In a large bowl, cover your beans in water and soak them over night. Soaking them at room temperature is perfectly fine.
The next morning dump the water and thoroughly rinse the beans. There will be a significant amount of dirt in the bottom of the bowl, it can be kind of yucky. Pick out any bad beans and any rocks. Yes, I’ve found rocks.
Once rinsed and picked through, place them in the crockpot and cover in water. It is very important not to fill it up with water to the very top. Make sure your crockpot is only 3/4 of the way full, max.
Place 3 oz of the salt pork in the crockpot.
Chop up a small onion and toss them in the crockpot.
Toss in the chopped cilantro. Less if you want, more if you want.
Toss in a can of Rotel, undrained.
Measure out the cumin and toss it in.
Add a couple of cracks of fresh pepper too.
No salt is needed–that is the purpose of the salt pork.
Cook on high, yes high, for 10-12 hours.
Beans take a long time to cook and with your crockpot this full it will take even longer.
If you want, after 10-12 hours on high, move them to low and let them even cook longer over night. Not a must, but makes the flavors even more amazing.
Once the beans are done, remove the salt pork and serve with cheese and shredded cheese and other toppings.

28 Comments

Heather says:

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I love beans and rice! It is a staple for my family 🙂 My kids prefer black beans, so I almost always have cooked black beans in the fridge or freezer. I sometimes will cook them with seasoning, but more often I cook them plain, and then just add some salsa 🙂

1. Crystal says:
  
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  Heather- I need to make black beans in the crockpot and freeze them. Thanks for the suggestion!
  
Annie~SavorThisMoment says:

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Yum! We actually have beans and rice about once every week or so. Inexpensive and filling, and we’ll even make homemade tortillas, which makes it extra special. Then with leftovers we’ve got lunch for the next day, too. Thanks for sharing your recipe, I’ll try them like this next time!

1. Crystal says:
  
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  Annie- beans are a thrifty solution, aren’t they?
  
Cynthia Smith says:

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I’ve never heard of salt pork before. Where do I get that? Is it sold at regular grocery stores? Could I just use regular salt instead? How much would I use? Oh, I’m in Southern California in case it matters as far as finding salt pork.

1. Crystal says:
  
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  Salt pork is over by the bacon and ham. 12 oz is not as big as it sounds- it is a small square package.
  
  Here is what a package looks like: http://www.shoprite.com/pd/Hormel/Salt-Pork-Cured/12-oz/037600379885/
  
  You could use ham or bacon instead, but more flavoring comes from the salt pork.
  
Barb @ A Life in Balance says:

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I know beans are really frugal, and we’ve just never gotten into them. I remember my mom making baked beans and hot dogs, and loving them. My dh isn’t a big bean fan; maybe that’s why they’re not in my repertoire.

I have been known to sneak black beans into brownies. That’s a start. 😉

Thanks for linking up at Motivation Monday!

1. Crystal says:
  
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  Barb- if your dh is a meat eater it can be hard to eat rice and beans and think you’ve had a meal. I understand.
  
  What I love about beans is that they are high in protein, inexpensive and very filling. Let me know if you give them a try.
  
  Crockpot beans minus the rice are great as a side too.
  
melinda says:

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I’ve never made beans from dried but this makes me want to since the quantity is so much more than I get from 2 cans or precooked.

1. Crystal says:
  
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  Melinda- and you can make a lot and freeze the leftovers so that you always have beans on hand.
  
  Thanks for stopping by!
  
Jaime Jenkins says:

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I grew up on dried beans, but I’ve gotten lazy. Thanks for a great recipe!

1. Crystal says:
  
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  Awesome, Jaime. Glad you like the recipe!
  
  Happy Fall.
  
Gena says:

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What size of a crockpot? Size does matter for amount of water used. Thanks!

1. Crystal says:
  
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  Gena-
  
  I used my 6 qt to make 2 lbs of beans.
  
  And you’re right, size does matter for the amount of food. You do not want to fill the crock more than 3/4 of the way full or it will take days for the beans to cook.
  
Gena says:

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That might explain why it takes so long to cook and I thought I had done something wrong. Thank you so much!

1. Crystal says:
  
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  Gena- here are 10 tips you might find useful for cooking in the crockpot.
  
  https://crystalandcomp.com/2012/09/10-tips-for-cooking-in-your-crockpot/
  
Amanda says:

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Your beans might be taking longer because of the addition of the Rotel at the beginning. Tomatoes (or anything acidic) can increase cooking time. Of course, this really isn’t that big of a deal with the crock pot doing the work 🙂

1. Crystal says:
  
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  Interesting, Amanda. I never knew that.
  
  Thanks for sharing.
  
Kelsey says:

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Thank you for sharing Crystal! I always love a good cheap and easy dinner idea!

1. Crystal says:
  
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  Happy to hear it Kelsey. Inexpressive dinners that are still healthy are always great for meal planning.
  
Michelle says:

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Do you cook black beans the same way you cook the pinto beans?

1. Crystal says:
  
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  You certainly can.
  
Julie says:

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Do you do anything special to freeze? What about to thaw?

1. Crystal says:
  
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  Nothing special. I just toss them in a ziplock bag or a plastic container. Leave some room for things to expanding during the freezing process.
  
Suzie says:

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This seriously looks good. I would love to try this out!

1. Crystal says:
  
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  Suzie- this is such a great meal on a budget!
  
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Crockpot Pinto Beans and Rice Recipe