into taco night is a no-brainer, but there are plenty of easy ways to use pinto beans, including burgers, stews, and even cornbread salad.
After all, pinto is the most popular bean in the United States, and for good reason!
They’re affordable, packed with protein, and incredibly versatile
.
They work great as a main course, like enchiladas or chili, or as an accompaniment
to your next meal.
So, if you have a can of pinto beans in your pantry, you’re halfway to a tasty and satisfying meal. And these ways of using pinto beans
should take you the rest of the way
.
1.
These pinto bean burgers are a
fantastic way to strain nutrition into your dinner while enjoying something a little naughty. A
can of pinto beans
makes five burgers, and you can quickly freeze a batch for a lazy weekday meal. While pinto beans
are the star of the show, the added sunflower seeds, almonds and red onion make this burger shine
.
Pair it with Mexican-inspired ingredients like salsa and avocado, or go with traditional ketchup and mustard. Either way, you will be happy.
2. Simple stewed pinto beans and collard greens
If you’re looking for unique yet healthy dinner ideas, this recipe is sure to impress
!
Mix stewed pinto beans with lightly cooked collard greens, and add a splash of tahini to keep this dish light
.
It’s incredibly healthy and carb-free too!
3. Crockpot Taco Soup
Who doesn’t love an easy meal from Crock Pot? This slow cook taco soup has all the flavor of taco Tuesday without the fuss.
Use any meat you like (I love chicken to keep it light), or skip meat to keep it vegetarian.
With all those beans, it’s certainly filling enough without it
!
The secret ingredient of this crowd-pleasing dish is the flavor touch of Hidden Valley Ranch’s seasoning package! Yum!
4.
Bean Soup
Bean Soup simply translates as “bean soup.” It’s very popular in northern Mexico and southern Texas, and it’s incredibly easy to prepare.
The ingredients of this dish are simple, but still full of tons of flavor
.
To make it rich and creamy, mix some or all of the cooked soup. Or, skip this step if you want it thick.
Top with a tablespoon of sour cream and garnish with fresh radishes so they are crispy
.
5. Cowboy Chili
Nothing beats a good bowl of chili on a cold day
.
I especially love this recipe because you can play with spices to suit your taste
.
Oh, and it’s super easy to do!
Its base contains meat broth, onion, garlic, cumin and chili powder.
Add ground beef (or more beans to keep it vegetarian), and cook low and slow for at least an hour.
How easy is that?
6
.
Seven-layer cornbread salad Check out this recipe if you want to be the star revelation of your next meal
!
This dish has everything from cornbread to tasty pinto beans. The best part? It doesn’t take time to enslave on the stove!
Prepare your salad in a light bowl to impress your guests. But of course, the flavor will do that no matter which bowl you use.
Opt for store-bought cornbread to save time, or prepare a batch of your own for that extra touch of love.
7
. Frito Pie
There is a weak point in my heart for Frito Pie. It comes together quickly, and it’s very easy to make substitutions as needed.
The base of the cake uses a layer of Fried chips with a cup full of cheese. From there, top the pie with meat, pinto beans, and delicious seasonings.
If you want it vegetarian, swap the meat for shredded “meat” tofu or shredded potatoes
. 8. Paula
Deen’s Taco Soup Paula Deen
knows a thing or two about hearty dinners
.
And this hearty soup seems to use everything in your kitchen cupboards. That said, it all comes together in delicious harmony.
I love topping taco soup with a tablespoon of sour cream or avocado for added creaminess
.
Oh, and we can’t forget the jalapeños!
9. Wendy’s Chili
What’s better than Wendy’s Chili on a cold day? How about Wendy’s chili without leaving home?
To capture the essence of this classic fast food favorite, you’ll need pinto beans and beans, diced tomatoes, vinegar, green peppers, onions, and seasonings
.
The secret ingredient of this chili is found in ground beef. But, instead of using plain ground beef, use burgers instead!
This infuses your chili with a fabulous and touching smoky flavor
.
10. Quick
taco salad Need a taco
solution without the carb-heavy carbs? Try this delicious taco salad!
As the name suggests, it shakes in an instant. And it’s a great option if you don’t have the energy to prepare dinner.
It is incredibly filling with a leafy green base and an abundant portion of meat and beans. Plus, you can dress your salad however you want!
Add a tablespoon of avocado sour cream and a handful of Fritos or tortilla chips. Finish with a splash of lemon juice, and you’ll have a simple but filling meal!
11. Sweet and spicy baked beans These sweet and
spicy baked beans give your BBQ ribs a run for their money
!
The beans get a spicy touch from chopped and canned chipotle peppers, Dijon mustard, and sweet notes of a secret ingredient
.
What’s the secret? Peaches!
I know it sounds strange, But adding this summer fruit helps lift the smoky, spicy notes of bacon and beans
.
Take them to your next barbecue and get ready to share this unique recipe
.
12. Dutch baked pinto pinto beans (refried beans)
Buying canned refried beans is fine if you’re in a time crunch. However, canned pinto beans often have no flavor and don’t add much to your food.
Luckily, making refried beans at home is super simple and a great way to elevate taco night
!
To add flavor to the beans, cook a diced onion in 1/4 cup of lard or bacon
.
Sure, it’s not healthy, but it takes these beans to the next level!
13
. Bean & Cheese Burritos These bean and cheese burritos
fill up incredibly with some amazing flavors
.
The mixture of rice and beans, along with the Mexican seasoning, had a big impact
.
Tip: Make sure the tortilla is warm before rolling. It makes them more flexible and less likely to break.
14. Quinoa Chili Quinu Pumpkin
This fun take on classic chili adds a generous serving of extra quinoa and pumpkin nutrition
.
If you’re tired of the same old chili recipes, this option is a great way to spice up dinner!
It is rich, plentiful and low in calories. So, go ahead and take a second bowl.
15. Southern Smoked Baked Beans
These flavorful, smoked baked beans
are loaded with molasses, dark brown sugar, and bacon fat, making them incredibly rich
.
It is important to note that there are many ingredients in this dish
.
So, be sure to make a checklist of everything you need before you leave for the grocery store.
And while the ingredient list is long, it’s worth the extra effort. This dish is so full of flavor that it is likely to steal the show.
16. Crockpot
Mexican Chicken
Crock Pot Mexican Chicken? Yes, please.
This chicken dish gives me some serious vibes of buffalo chicken sauce. It’s an excellent recipe for those lazy autumn nights, and it’s super satisfying to boot.
Place the ingredients (chicken, salsa, cream cheese, pinto beans, seasonings) in a slow cooker and put it low.
Skip cream cheese to keep calories low.
17. Chicken Enchiladas
These chicken enchiladas are a wonderful weekday meal that is prepared quickly
.
They also freeze incredibly well, so you can make a large batch and freeze them in advance
.
The filling requires chicken, pinto beans, onions, green chiles and shredded cheese.
Fill the tortillas, top with your favorite
enchilada
sauce,
top with cheese and put in the oven
.
Serve with a side of Mexican rice, a nice salad or classic fries and salsa.
