What To Serve With Pinto Beans: 16 Best Side Dishes

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, it's 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.

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The best side dishes to serve with pinto beans are cornbread, cilantro lime rice, tomato sauce, guacamole, grilled vegetables, salsa, turkey meatloaf, mashed sweet potatoes, tostadas, coleslaw, fried plantains, ham and beans, tortilla chips, cheesy quesadillas and roasted cauliflower.

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1. Ham and Beans

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 savory taste of ham and beans complements the earthy flavors of pinto beans, creating a comforting and enjoyable meal.

2. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes are a sweet and velvety side dish that goes well with pinto beans. Made with cooked and mashed sweet potatoes, butter, and a touch of cinnamon, this dish offers a delightful contrast to the savory beans. The smooth and sweet flavors of mashed sweet potatoes complement the earthy taste of pinto beans.

3. Tostadas

Tostadas are a crispy and flavorful side dish that works well with pinto beans. Made with fried or baked corn tortillas, these crunchy discs can be topped with various ingredients, such as lettuce, cheese, and salsa. The crunchy texture of tostadas creates a fun and enjoyable contrast to the creamy pinto beans.

4. Cheesy Quesadillas

Cheesy quesadillas are a simple and delicious side dish that pairs nicely with pinto beans. Made with flour tortillas filled with melted cheese, these quesadillas offer a comforting and satisfying addition to your meal. The gooey cheese and crispy tortilla complement the creamy texture of pinto beans, creating a well-rounded dining experience.

5. Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is a versatile and flavorful side dish that can be served with pinto beans. Made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various herbs and spices, this rich and savory sauce adds a delightful depth of flavor to the meal. The tangy and slightly sweet taste of tomato sauce complements the earthy and creamy pinto beans, creating a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience.

6. Roasted Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower is a healthy and flavorful side dish that goes great with pinto beans. Seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roasted until tender and slightly charred, this dish adds a delicious and nutritious vegetable option to your meal. The caramelized flavors of roasted cauliflower enhance the overall taste experience when enjoyed with pinto beans.

7. Turkey Meatloaf

Turkey meatloaf is a lighter and healthier alternative to traditional meatloaf, making it a great side dish to serve with pinto beans. Made with lean ground turkey, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, this dish provides a delicious protein addition to your meal. The moist and savory taste of turkey meatloaf pairs nicely with the creamy pinto beans.

8. Black Bean and Corn Salad

Black bean and corn salad is a fresh and vibrant side dish that works well with pinto beans. Made with black beans, sweet corn, tomatoes, onions, and a zesty dressing, this salad adds a burst of fresh flavors to your meal. The combination of hearty beans and crisp vegetables provides a delightful contrast to the creamy pinto beans.

9. Cornbread

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 that's perfect for any occasion.

10. Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice is a light and flavorful side dish that pairs nicely with pinto beans. Made with long-grain rice, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime juice, this dish adds a burst of bright flavors to your meal. The fluffy rice complements the creamy texture of pinto beans, creating a well-rounded dining experience.

11. Guacamole

Guacamole is a creamy and zesty side dish that works well with pinto beans. Made with ripe avocados, tomatoes, onions, and lime juice, this classic Mexican dish adds a fresh and vibrant taste to the meal. The smooth and tangy flavors of guacamole enhance the overall enjoyment of the pinto beans.

12. Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a simple and healthy side dish option that goes great with pinto beans. A variety of seasonal vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, can be grilled or roasted to bring out their natural sweetness. The smoky and savory flavors of the grilled vegetables complement the hearty pinto beans perfectly.

13. Salsa

Salsa is a flavorful and versatile side dish that pairs well with pinto beans. Made with fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and cilantro, this zesty condiment adds a tangy and spicy kick to your meal. The bold flavors of salsa provide a delicious contrast to the earthy and savory pinto beans.

14. Tortilla Chips

Tortilla chips are a crunchy and satisfying side dish that works well with pinto beans. These crispy chips offer a delightful crunch and can be served with various dips or salsas. The combination of the crunchy chips and creamy pinto beans creates a fun and enjoyable snacking experience.

15. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a refreshing and tangy side dish that goes well with pinto beans. Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing, this classic American dish adds a crisp and cool element to the meal. The crunchy texture and tangy flavors of coleslaw balance the rich and savory pinto beans nicely.

16. Fried Plantains

Fried plantains are a sweet and tasty side dish that pairs perfectly with pinto beans. These caramelized and tender plantains offer a delightful contrast to the savory beans. The combination of sweet plantains and earthy pinto beans creates a unique and enjoyable flavor experience.

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