You can make these baked beans on the stove instead of the oven if you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. Baked beans from scratch in under 40 minutes!.
Baked beans and pinto beans are two common varieties of beans used in many dishes. But are pinto beans actually the same as the beans used in baked beans? Let’s take a closer look.
The Beans in Baked Beans
Traditional baked beans are made using navy beans, also known as haricot beans. Navy beans are small, oval shaped white beans
To make baked beans, navy beans are stewed slowly with tomatoes, sugar, and spices to create a sweet, tangy sauce. This bean mixture is then baked to finish cooking the beans and thicken the sauce.
Well-known brands of canned baked beans, like Bush’s, also use navy beans as the base So authentic baked bean recipes rely on the mild flavor and creamy texture of navy beans
What are Pinto Beans?
Pinto beans are a completely different variety of bean than navy beans. They are medium-sized with a beige or light brown color splashed with darker speckles.
When cooked, pinto beans become soft and take on a creamy, almost meaty texture. Their natural flavor is described as earthy and mild.
Pinto beans are very popular in Mexican and Southwestern U.S. cuisine. They are used in dishes like tacos, enchiladas, nachos, chili and more. Refried beans are made from cooked pinto beans mashed with oil or lard.
Key Differences
While both are tasty beans, baked beans and pinto beans have some clear differences:
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Appearance: Navy beans are small and white while pinto beans are larger with a beige/brown color.
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Flavor: Navy beans have an extremely mild flavor while pinto beans are more earthy and nutty.
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Texture: Navy beans become very soft and creamy when cooked. Pinto beans retain a bit more structure.
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Uses: Navy beans are ideal for baked bean dishes. Pinto beans are better for Mexican foods.
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Preparation: Baked beans require lengthy stewing while pinto beans are simply boiled or simmered.
Substitution Potential
Because of their differences, pinto beans are not the best substitute for navy beans in baked bean recipes, and vice versa.
However, in some dishes, swapping one for the other may work depending on the additional ingredients used:
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In chili, pinto beans or navy beans can both work well. The spices and tomatoes will flavor the beans.
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For bean salads, either bean can be used if you adjust seasonings to suit the bean flavor.
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In soups focused on other ingredients, subtly flavored navy beans or earthy pinto beans may both blend in fine.
But for traditional baked bean dishes or Southwest cuisine recipes, sticking with the called-for bean variety is recommended for ideal flavor and texture.
Nutrition Comparison
Navy beans and pinto beans are both healthy, excellent sources of plant-based protein and fiber.
Per 1 cooked cup serving:
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Pinto beans contain around 15 grams protein, 15 grams fiber
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Navy beans contain around 14 grams protein, 19 grams fiber
So their nutritional values are quite similar and both make healthy additions to a balanced diet.
Availability
Dried pinto beans and navy beans can be easily found in most grocery stores year-round. Canned baked beans and canned pinto beans are also widely available.
Make sure to check the labels if using canned beans, as sodium content can vary greatly between brands. Low-sodium or no-salt-added versions are good options to control salt intake.
The Bottom Line
While both delicious beans, navy beans and pinto beans are definitively not the same. Baked beans rely specifically on navy beans, while pinto beans have their own distinct uses in Mexican cuisines.
Their different flavors, textures, and cooking methods make them not very interchangeable in recipes. But both offer nutritional benefits and can add protein and fiber to your diet.
Understanding their unique characteristics allows you to use each bean variety properly so your recipes turn out right every time.
Can I freeze leftover beans?
Yes you can! Baked beans will last up to 6 months in the freezer when properly stored.
Bring the beans to room temperature, then put them in a container that can go in the freezer and cover it tightly. Put it in the fridge for a few hours to really chill them.
Once the beans are cold all the way through, put the container in the freezer and mark the date it should be used by.
When ready to use the frozen baked beans, thaw for at least a day in the refrigerator.
Once the beans are fully thawed, heat them up in a pan over low heat on the stove or in the microwave on low, stirring every now and then, until they are fully heated through.
Steps for the best baked beans recipe
- In a pot with a heavy bottom, cook ¼ pound of diced thick-cut bacon.
- Add ½ cup chopped onion and sauté another 2-3 minutes.
- Add to the pot the ½ cup strong black coffee.
- Then add ½ cup ketchup and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce.
- Next add 1 tablespoon brown sugar.
- Lastly, add 3 cups cooked pinto beans and stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and cover the pot.
- Cook for 30 minutes and serve!
The Secret to Cooking Beans The Right Way So You’re Not Farting All Day!
FAQ
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