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Southern pinto beans simmered low and slow with smoked ham, served in a white bowl on a rustic wooden table with cast iron cornbread in the background.

Southern Pinto Beans (Old-Fashioned, Slow-Simmered Comfort)

These Southern pinto beans are soaked overnight, then slow-simmered with smoked ham, onion, and garlic until tender, creamy, and full of rich, old-fashioned flavor. This humble Southern staple is easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect served with skillet cornbread or over a bowl of hot rice.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Soak Time 8 hours
Total Time 10 hours 40 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Southern Cooking
Servings 6
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Large heavy pot or Dutch oven
  • Colander
  • cutting board
  • sharp knife
  • Wooden Spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound dried pinto beans
  • 8 cups water or chicken broth for extra flavor
  • 1 ham hock ham bone, or 6 slices bacon
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions
 

  • Spread the dried pinto beans out on a baking sheet or clean counter. Pick through and discard any small stones or damaged beans. Place beans in a colander and rinse well under cold water.
  • Transfer the rinsed beans to a large bowl or pot and cover with at least 2–3 inches of cold water. Cover loosely and let soak overnight (8–12 hours) at room temperature.
  • In the morning, drain and rinse the beans again.
  • Add the soaked and drained beans to a large heavy pot or Dutch oven. Pour in fresh water (or chicken broth), then add the ham hock, diced onion, garlic, bay leaf, and seasonings.
  • Bring the pot to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low.
  • Cover and simmer gently for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and creamy.
  • Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.

Notes

Nutritional values provided are estimates only and are calculated based on general nutritional data for the listed ingredients. Actual values may vary depending on the specific brands, measurements, and preparation methods used. For precise dietary information, please consult a registered dietitian or use a verified nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients you use.
  • Pinto beans provide excellent fiber and plant protein
  • Sodium comes primarily from the ham hock
  • Iron and potassium are naturally high in beans
  • Naturally low sugar and no trans fat

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 18gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 820mgFiber: 14gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 4.2mg
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