Pinto beans are a versatile and nutritious ingredient often found in Mexican and Southern American cuisine.
They can be enjoyed in various forms, such as soups, stews, or as a simple side dish. To elevate your pinto bean experience, its essential to find the right side dishes to accompany them.
Here are 16 amazing side dishes that pair wonderfully with pinto beans, ensuring a delightful and satisfying meal.
There are many great side dishes that go well with pinto beans. Some of them are guacamole, grilled vegetables, salsa, turkey meatloaf, mashed sweet potatoes, tostadas, coleslaw, fried plantains, ham and beans, tortilla chips, cheesy quesadillas, and roasted cauliflower.
Ham and beans is a hearty and flavorful side dish that pairs well with pinto beans. This combination of tender ham and simmered beans offers a delicious and satisfying protein addition to your meal. The earthy flavors of pinto beans go well with the savory flavors of ham and beans, making for a comforting and enjoyable meal.
Mashed sweet potatoes are a sweet and velvety side dish that goes well with pinto beans. This dish is made with mashed and cooked sweet potatoes, butter, and a little cinnamon. It goes well with the salty beans. The smooth and sweet flavors of mashed sweet potatoes complement the earthy taste of pinto beans.
Tostadas are a crispy and flavorful side dish that works well with pinto beans. These crunchy discs are made with fried or baked corn tortillas and can be topped with different things like lettuce, cheese, and salsa. The crunchy texture of tostadas creates a fun and enjoyable contrast to the creamy pinto beans.
Pinto beans are a versatile staple that can be incorporated into all kinds of delicious recipes. Their mild flavor and smooth texture make them highly complementary. But what exactly goes well with pinto beans? From savory proteins to fresh produce, there are many tasty options for building a meal around these nutritious legumes.
Here are 12 of our favorite dishes that pair fantastically with pinto beans:
1. Rice
Rice is a classic partner for beans of all kinds. The starchy grains soak up the bean broth beautifully.
For pinto beans, try spicy Mexican-style rice flavored with tomatoes, onions garlic, and bold spices like cumin and chili powder. Cilantro lime rice also balances nicely with the beans’ earthiness.
2. Tortillas
Warm flour or corn tortillas are natural accompaniments for pinto bean dishes. Use them to scoop up flavorful bean fillings in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and more.
Soft tortillas complement the creamy texture of refried pinto beans perfectly. Serve beans and rice stuffed inside tortillas for an easy yet satisfying meal.
3. Cheese
Rich, melty cheese makes an excellent topping for pinto bean dishes like nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and burritos. Sharp cheddar, Monterey jack, queso fresco, and cotija all pair deliciously with pinto beans.
For a decadent casserole, combine pinto beans with gooey melted cheese, salsa, and tortilla chips. Cheese boosts the protein and adds creamy texture.
4. Salsa
A spoonful of fresh salsa is one of the best condiments for pinto beans. It adds vibrant color and a punch of tangy flavor from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and chili peppers.
Serve an assortment of salsas on the side of any bean dish to allow customization based on individual spice tolerance. Pico de gallo, tomatillo salsa, and salsa verde are all excellent choices.
5. Guacamole
Creamy, buttery guacamole pairs perfectly with pinto beans, especially in Mexican dishes like tacos and tostadas. The rich avocado texture and flavor complement the beans.
Make your own guacamole at home by mashing ripe avocados with lime juice, cilantro, onions, tomatoes, garlic, and salt. Ready-made guacamole also works well.
6. Pickled Vegetables
Quick-pickled onions, jalapeños, or carrots lend a delicious crunch and tart, tangy flavor to pinto bean dishes. They cut through the beans’ density with acidity and texture.
Use pickled jalapeños for heat, radishes for a peppery bite, or carrots for mild sweetness. Add them as a topping, relish, or side.
7. Corn
The natural sweetness of fresh corn balances beautifully with savory pinto beans. Add corn kernels to bean soups, salads, salsas, or tacos for color and texture.
For a hearty vegetarian main, serve pinto beans over corn risotto or polenta. Grilled corn on the cob also complements beans wonderfully.
8. Fried Plantains
In Cuban cooking, creamy beans are often served with fried sweet plantains on the side. Caramelized, slightly crispy plantains offer the perfect contrast to the smooth texture of the beans.
Fried green plantains have a lower sugar content for a more savory flavor. Ripe yellow plantains develop a sweeter taste when fried. Both work well with pinto beans.
9. Mashed Potatoes
Down-home pinto beans and mashed potatoes is a hearty combo for a satisfying meal. For best results, make fluffy mashed potatoes from scratch and prepare pinto beans al dente to retain their shape.
Jazz up instant mashed potatoes by mixing in cheese, bacon, garlic, or green onions. Top with a pat of butter!
10. Greens
Leafy greens like kale, collards, Swiss chard, or spinach provide nourishing accompaniments for bean-based dishes. Sauté greens in olive oil with garlic and seasonings.
The bold flavors of braised greens balance the subtlety of pinto beans. Add beans to cooked greens for a one-pot meal.
11. Eggs
Protein-packed eggs perfectly complement beans’ fiber and plant-based protein. Fry eggs over easy and serve atop bowls of pinto beans, rice, salsa, and avocado for an easy breakfast burrito.
For dinner, bake eggs right in bean dip or substitute beans for meat in burritos and breakfast tacos. The options are endless!
12. Sweet Potatoes
Earthy, creamy sweet potatoes pair nicely with pinto beans. Mash them both together, or serve sweet potato fries or roasted wedges alongside bean dishes.
Add beans to loaded sweet potatoes along with cheese, veggies, salsa, and sour cream or Greek yogurt for a hearty meal.
With so many appetizing ingredients that complement them, pinto beans can be incorporated into all types of mouthwatering recipes for any meal. What are some of your favorite accompaniments?
Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower is a healthy and flavorful side dish that goes great with pinto beans. This dish is a tasty and healthy way to add vegetables to your meal. It is seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then roasted until soft and slightly charred. The caramelized flavors of roasted cauliflower enhance the overall taste experience when enjoyed with pinto beans.
Turkey meatloaf is a better choice than regular meatloaf because it is lighter and healthier. It goes well with pinto beans as a side dish. This dish is a tasty way to add protein to your meal because it is made with lean ground turkey, vegetables, and seasonings that add flavor. The moist and savory taste of turkey meatloaf pairs nicely with the creamy pinto beans.
Black Bean and Corn Salad
Black bean and corn salad is a fresh and vibrant side dish that works well with pinto beans. With its sweet corn, tomatoes, onions, black beans, and tangy dressing, this salad brings a lot of new tastes to your meal. The combination of hearty beans and crisp vegetables provides a delightful contrast to the creamy pinto beans.
Cornbread is a comforting and delicious side dish that goes well with pinto beans. This slightly sweet and crumbly bread offers a delightful contrast to the savory beans. The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying and enjoyable meal thats perfect for any occasion.
Cilantro lime rice is a light and flavorful side dish that pairs nicely with pinto beans. This dish is full of bright flavors because it is made with long-grain rice, fresh cilantro, and tangy lime juice. The fluffy rice complements the creamy texture of pinto beans, creating a well-rounded dining experience.
Guacamole is a creamy and zesty side dish that works well with pinto beans. A classic Mexican dish that tastes great with any meal. It is made with ripe avocados, tomatoes, onions, and lime juice. The smooth and tangy flavors of guacamole enhance the overall enjoyment of the pinto beans.
Southern Style Pinto Beans: How to Cook Them Like a Pro
FAQ
What protein goes well with pinto beans?
What to serve with pinto beans?
Here’s the short answer. The best side dishes to serve with pinto beans are fully-loaded cornbread, cilantro lime rice, pico de gallo, baked sweet potatoes, and kale guacamole. You can also try cheese quesadillas, jalapeno buttermilk ranch coleslaw, carnitas, candied jalapenos, or baked tortilla chips. Ready? Let’s get started!
Are pinto beans healthy?
Pinto beans are extremely nutritious. They are primarily composed of carbohydrates, protein and fiber. In particular, they boast plenty of thiamine, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. Antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids are present in pinto beans which protect the cells against damage free radicles. Kaempferol present in pinto beans may provide anticancer benefits.
What to drink with pinto beans?
The traditional version of this refreshing beverage is actually made with black tea with some sugar and mint. Add in lots of ice, and you’ll have a cool, sweet drink to go with your beans! 11. Quesadillas If you want to make a Mexican dish with your pinto beans, then quesadillas are the way to go!
Are pinto beans good for refried beans?
Pinto beans are a must-have ingredient for lots of popular dishes, including refried beans, chili, or pintos with ham hocks. So whether you’re wanting to whip up up a Southern dish, or head south of the border with your meal, we’ve got you covered.