Pinto Beans with Sausage and Ham

Hearty, smoky, and irresistibly savory, this Pinto Beans with Sausage and Ham recipe is the ultimate comfort food for cozy dinners. Made with tender, slow-simmered pinto beans, smoky sausage, and diced ham, this dish is packed with layers of satisfying flavor. Aromatic vegetables like onion, green bell pepper, and garlic complement the rich broth that's infused with smoked paprika, thyme, and just a touch of cayenne for optional heat. Perfectly suited for beginner and seasoned cooks alike, this one-pot wonder is both easy to make and deeply soulful. Serve it with crusty cornbread or fluffy rice to sop up every last drop of the flavorful sauce. With minimal prep and big, bold flavors, this recipe is a delicious way to showcase Southern-inspired cooking at its best.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried pinto beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 ounces smoked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa), sliced
• 8 ounces ham, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the pinto beans thoroughly and remove any debris. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Let the beans soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and diced ham. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat starts to brown.

Step 3

Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained pinto beans, bay leaf, dried thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 90-120 minutes or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally, checking that there is enough liquid to cover the beans; add more chicken broth or water as needed.

Step 7

Once the beans are tender and the flavors have melded, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.

Step 9

Serve hot with a side of cornbread or rice for a complete, comforting meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2746.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2504.9

Total Fat 140.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.7g
Cholesterol 313.5mg	0%
Sodium 12198.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 157.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 46.6g	0%
Total Sugars 20.1g
Protein 159.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 508.9mg	0%
Iron 22.1mg	0%
Potassium 5047.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.9%

Protein: 25.2%

Carbs: 24.9%