I live for the simple side dish, and it doesn’t get much more simple than The Best Pinto Beans from a Can Recipe. A little red onion and the perfect blend of spices (including one you’ll never suspect), and you’ll be eating these by the spoonful!
I tend to be one of those pinto with chicken, black beans with beef people. My kids are slooooow to the beans scene. It has taken years to convince them and it all started as black beans. Now I’m finally showing them just how crazy delicious pinto beans are, especially if you add in cinnamon. It is a sneaky secret you’d never guess was there but cannot live without.
What Ingredients Do I Need to Make Pinto Beans?
You’ll want to head to the produce section and grab some red onion and cilantro, and the rest of your ingredients are going to come from the spice cupboard, besides the beans themselves, of course! If you’ve ever wondered how to add flavor to canned pinto beans, here is the list of ingredients you’ll need:
- Red Onion
- Garlic Cloves
- Garlic Salt
- Chili Powder
- Cumin
- Cinnamon
- Oregano
- Salt
- Cilantro
- Olive Oil
- Pinto Beans (canned)
The measurements of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
How to Make Canned Pinto Beans Taste Delicious
I promised this recipe would be easy, so let me prove it! Here are the basic steps:
- Sauté the onions in olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and then all the seasonings.
- Add the pinto beans and water.
- Let the beans simmer.
Simple, right?! All of these instructions in full detail can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
Should You Drain Canned Pinto Beans?
The short answer to that is, it depends. It honestly depends on the recipe and how much extra liquids the recipe can handle. For this recipe, we want them drained so all the flavors from the spices and onions can saturate the beans.
I also don’t like the thick, sort of chalky flavor and texture of the liquid that the beans are canned with. I like to give the beans a good rinse then add water if a little extra moisture is needed to cook the beans.
Do You Have to Cook Pinto Beans from a Can?
No, canned beans are fully cooked and ready to eat straight from the can and cold if your heart desires. Which it shouldn’t desire because…ew!
Can I Make This Recipe in the Instant Pot or Slow Cooker?
Yes, this recipe can be made in either the Instant pot or slow cooker.
Instant Pot: Put the Instant Pot on sauté mode and cook the onions and garlic until tender. Then add the spices to bloom them. Add the pinto beans and wate