9 Pinto Bean Substitutes (Direct Swaps)

As a fan of hearty soups, stews, and flavorful side dishes, I've come to rely on pinto beans as a versatile and nutritious ingredient to be used in many of my recipes. Not only do they add a satisfying texture and taste to any dish, but they're also packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. 

While these beans are a fantastic ingredient, there may be times when you don't have any on hand or simply want to switch things up. That's where pinto bean substitutes come in! 

With my many years of home cooking, I've compiled a handful of alternatives to choose from to complete your nutritious meal. Any of these substitutes for pinto beans can be used as direct swaps in some of your favorite recipes, making it easy to enjoy all the benefits of pinto beans without actually using them. 

Like pinto beans, black beans are high in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to your meals. They also have a similar texture, so they can be used in many of the same dishes. One benefit of using black beans as a pinto bean substitute is that they have a slightly stronger flavor, which can add more depth to your dishes.

They also have a darker skin color with a white center, making them visually appealing in certain recipes. Black beans are also a great source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. They are also low in fat, which makes them a perfect healthy option for your recipes.

If you're looking for a direct swap for pinto beans, navy beans are a great option. In fact, navy beans are often used interchangeably because they have a similar texture and flavor, and are a good source of protein and fiber, making them a nutritious swap.

These beans work well in dishes that call for pinto beans, so substituting them is as easy as swapping them out in equal amounts. Even if the bean is smaller in size, it still packs the same flavor profile pinto beans have, which is mild and somewhat creamy.

Kidney beans are similar to pinto beans in both function and nutrition. They're a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, they have a similar texture and flavor profile, so they can be used interchangeably in most recipes.

Kidney beans are a popular ingredient in chilis and salads, and have a mild, nutty flavor that compliments a variety of spices and seasonings. The two beans are comparable in many ways, but differ particularly in cooking times, as kidney beans take slightly longer to cook.

Preparing them overnight by soaking them can help speed up the overall cooking process. Kidney beans also tend to be softer than their counterpart, so you may need to adjust cooking times to better suit their texture.

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are another great pinto beans substitute. They are versatile legumes that are typically used in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, stews, and curries. Chickpeas have a similar texture to pinto beans, making them a viable direct swap.

Nutritionally, chickpeas are comparable to or even more nutrient-dense than pinto beans as they're high in protein, fiber, and several essential vitamins and minerals, including iron and folate. Chickpeas are also low in fat, making them a healthy choice for those watching their fat intake.

Keep in mind that they have a slightly nutty flavor, which may affect the overall taste of your dish, but it can also add a new dimension of flavor. Chickpeas also tend to hold their shape better than pinto beans, making them a great choice to complement nuts in salads and other dishes where you want the beans to retain their shape.

Pinto beans and black turtle beans are very similar in terms of their taste, texture, and nutritional content. With this in mind, black turtle beans are the perfect option for anyone looking to add more plant-based protein and fiber to their diet.

Black turtle beans also contain essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and potassium, with a slightly sweet and earthy flavor and a creamy texture when cooked. This makes them a unique addition you can use them in the same way you would use pinto beans.

Either boiled, baked, or pressure-cooked, they can be added to a majority of dishes for added protein and fiber. To use black turtle beans as a pinto bean replacement, simply swap them out directly, including the soaking & cooking time.

Anasazi beans are a great substitute for pinto beans, offering a similar flavor and texture, while providing all the same nutritional benefits. However the most unique quality of anasazi beans is their color. They have a mottled pattern of white, burgundy, and brown, making them a visually appealing ingredient in cooking.

Anasazi beans also have a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with a huge variety of seasonings. When it comes to cooking, they make a great side dish when cooked with some garlic, onions, and spices, and can be mashed up to make deliciously nutty refried beans.

Lima beans and pinto beans are both legumes, whoch means they share many similarities in terms of their nutritional benefits. Both are high in protein and fiber, low in fat, and cholesterol-free, making them a healthy addition to any diet. 

They are both, also, a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and potassium. However lima beans are larger and creamier compared to pinto beans, which are smaller and denser.

Limas also have a milder flavor, with a nuttier and earthier taste; however they require a longer cooking time compared to pinto beans, as they're denser and take longer to soften.

One of the ‘great’ things about great northern beans is that they're very versatile. These beans have a mild flavor and a creamy texture, making them a perfect base for many different dishes such as soups, stews, chilis, casseroles, and even salads.

Great northern beans are similar in size, shape, and texture to pinto beans, setting them up for an easy direct swap. However, great northern beans may cook a little faster, so if you're using them, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.