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Hearty, smoky, and deeply comforting, this Southern classic simmers dried pinto beans with a savory ham hock until they're incredibly tender. It's the perfect one-pot meal, especially when served with a side of warm cornbread.
Soak the Beans (8 hours or overnight)
Sauté Aromatics (8 minutes)
Combine and Simmer (2 hours)
Hearty, smoky, and deeply comforting, this Southern classic simmers dried pinto beans with a savory ham hock until they're incredibly tender. It's the perfect one-pot meal, especially when served with a side of warm cornbread.
This southern recipe takes 135 minutes to prepare and yields 6 servings. At 599.97 calories per serving with 42.52g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner or supper.
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Shred Ham and Season (10 minutes)
Serve
Add one or two minced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a spicy kick.
Omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth. To replicate the smoky flavor, add 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke and increase the smoked paprika to 1.5 teaspoons.
After sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until beans are tender.
You can substitute the ham hock with a smoked turkey leg, diced salt pork, or thick-cut bacon for a different smoky flavor profile.
Pinto beans are packed with dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Beans are a fantastic source of protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. Combined with the ham, this dish is a protein powerhouse.
This dish provides important minerals like iron, which is crucial for energy, and manganese, an antioxidant that supports bone health and metabolism.
Yes, it can be a very healthy and balanced meal. Pinto beans are an excellent source of fiber, protein, and essential minerals. The ham hock adds protein and flavor. To keep it healthier, use a low-sodium broth and be mindful of the salt content, as ham is already salty.
A 1.5-cup serving of this Pinto Beans and Ham contains approximately 475-525 calories, depending on the fat content of the ham hock used.
While you can cook them without soaking, it is highly recommended. Soaking reduces the cooking time significantly and helps make the beans more digestible by breaking down some of the complex sugars that can cause gas.
You can, but the flavor will be very different. The slow simmering process allows the dried beans to absorb all the smoky flavor from the ham hock. If using canned beans, you would only need to simmer for about 30-40 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.
This recipe goes great with these complete meals
Tender, juicy beef brisket, slow-cooked in the oven until it's fall-apart perfect. A smoky, savory dry rub and a rich braising liquid create an unforgettable Southern classic that's perfect for feeding a crowd.
Fall-apart tender pork shoulder, slow-cooked for hours in a tangy, smoky spice blend. Shredded and tossed in your favorite BBQ sauce, this is the ultimate filling for sandwiches, tacos, or just piling high on a plate. This recipe leans towards a Memphis-style BBQ, known for its flavorful dry rub and tangy sauce.
Crispy, golden-brown oysters with a savory, seasoned cornmeal crust. This classic Southern delicacy is juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and perfect with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a side of tangy tartar sauce.
Classic Southern-style cornbread muffins that are moist, tender, and perfectly sweet. With a golden-brown top and a fluffy interior, they are the ideal companion for chili, BBQ, or enjoyed warm with a pat of butter.
