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If you’re wondering what to serve with your pinto beans, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I list 45 of the most popular side dishes for pinto beans.

In a rush? Here’s the short answer.

The best side dishes to serve with pinto beans are fully-loaded cornbread, cilantro lime rice, pico de gallo, baked sweet potatoes, and kale guacamole. You can also try cheese quesadillas, jalapeno buttermilk ranch coleslaw, carnitas, candied jalapenos, or baked tortilla chips.

Ready? Let’s get started!

Fully-loaded cornbread

This recipe is a must-try if you’re more of a savory cornbread person.

It’s delightfully moist and packed with all the fixings – creamed corn, bacon bits, green chiles, cheddar cheese, and green onions!

Perfect with a bowl of creamy, nutty pinto beans.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Fully loaded cornbread
Make it sweet
Brown butter honey cornbread
Make it different
Buttermilk cornmeal biscuits

Cilantro lime rice

You don’t have to go to Chipotle to enjoy its famed cilantro lime rice!

Cook your rice in broth instead of water, to infuse the grains with a savory flavor. And then add some chopped fresh cilantro and lime juice to achieve the signature zesty finish.

Serve the rice with a healthy scoop of pinto beans for a delicious meatless meal.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a one-pot dish, so you have less clean-up to do.

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Cilantro lime rice
Make it healthier
Cilantro lime quinoa
Change the flavor
Spanish rice

Candied jalapenos

Also known as cowboy candies, these morsels are the perfect topping for your pinto beans.

They’ll provide a sweet and spicy kick that will balance out your creamy, savory pinto beans.

Psst… you can use whatever seasonings you want – try ground turmeric, celery seeds, or smoked paprika.

Why we love this recipe: you can get so much use from a single batch.

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Candied jalapenos
Skip the spice
Quick pickled red onions
Make a sauce
Jalapeno lime crema

Pico de gallo

Add a pop of freshness to your pinto beans with pico de gallo.

This classic Mexican condiment is made with fresh, juicy tomatoes, smoky jalapenos, sharp onions, and cilantro tossed with lime juice.

Pro-tip: Let your pico rest for a day to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Why we love this recipe: it will transport you straight to Mexico.

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Pico de gallo
Add a fruity note
Spicy pineapple salsa
Fire up the oven
Chipotle corn salsa

Kale guacamole

This isn’t your traditional guacamole, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

You’re still getting that creamy condiment we all know and love, with the additional benefit of some nutrient-loaded curly kale.

Scoop a dollop over your pinto beans for a cooling contrast.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a clever way to sneak more veggies into your meal.

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Kale guacamole
Stick to the basics
Authentic guacamole
Make it crispy
Baked avocado fries

Baked sweet potato

Baked sweet potatoes are simple but oh-so-satisfying.

Just pop them in the oven, and about an hour later you’ll have tender, fluffy potatoes with deliciously crisp skins.

You can enjoy them with just a pat of butter, but they go great with saucy pinto beans.

Why we love this recipe: it’s perfect when you don’t want to spend any time cooking.

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Baked sweet potatoes
Make it indulgent
Twice-baked sweet potatoes with bacon and chives
Get creative
Sweet potato tots

Huevos rancheros

Huevos rancheros is a traditional Mexican breakfast dish featuring a fried egg topped with pico de gallo and served over charred corn tortillas.

Black beans or refried beans are usually added to make it more satisfying, but why not try pinto beans?

Psst… you can have this for dinner too!

Why we love this recipe: it energizes you for the whole day.

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Fresh huevos rancheros
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Cheesy chili eggs

Cheese quesadillas

Looking for something you can whip up in a flash?

Cheese quesadillas are the way to go.

This recipe uses a Monterey jack and sharp cheddar, but you can try different combinations of chihuahua cheese, Oaxaca, pepper jack, and mozzarella.

Pair them with a piping-hot bowl of pinto beans for a quick dinner.

Why we love this recipe: you only need three basic ingredients.

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Cheese quesadillas
Add veggies
Broccoli cheese quesadilla
Make it low-carb
Keto buffalo chicken quesadilla

Jalapeno buttermilk ranch coleslaw

If you’re as big a coleslaw fan as I am, you need to try this recipe.

Instead of a mayo dressing, this recipe uses a homemade ranch dressing that gives your crisp veggies a creamy, tangy flavor.

You can use your favorite bottled ranch dressing if you’re in a rush, but homemade will always be superior.

Why we love this recipe: it’s lighter than mayo-based slaws.

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Jalapeno buttermilk ranch coleslaw
Make it dairy-free
Apple cider vinegar coleslaw
Switch up the veggies
Jicama slaw

Country fried steak

Try some Southern-Mexican fusion with a crispy beefsteak.

It’s normally served with a pepper gravy, but you can skip this with the pinto beans and spoon them all over it instead.

All it needs is a green salad on the side for some color.

Why we love this recipe: it’s ideal even for busy weeknights.

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Buttermilk fried chicken
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Fried oyster mushrooms

Baked tortilla chips

You can get tortilla chips from the store, but it’s super easy to make your own at home.

And you know exactly what’s gone into making them.

All you need is a couple of corn tortillas, oil, and your choice of seasoning (salt and lime juice here)

They’re perfect for scooping up some pinto beans.

Why we love this recipe: it’s quick and easy.

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Baked tortilla chips
Skip the tortillas
Baked tostones
Fire up the grill
Grilled flatbread

Grilled lime chicken fajita salad

Keep things light and summery with this fajita salad.

It’s loaded with a medley of romaine lettuce, grilled bell peppers, and avocado slices. But the true game changer is the grilled chili lime dressing.

It doubles as a marinade too – just set some aside to soak your chicken in.

Why we love this recipe: it’s restaurant-quality.

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Grilled lime chicken fajita salad
Skip the leafy greens
Avocado black bean salad
Ditch the chicken
Citrus shrimp and avocado salad

Sopes

Sopes are thick, crispy corn cakes with an indent in the middle where you can nestle your toppings.

And you can top them with anything – this recipe uses refried beans and chorizo, but pinto beans with some guac and pico de gallo work wonders too.

Pro-tip: use the edge of a spoon to easily form the rims and indents.

Why we love this recipe: you only need five ingredients to make these.

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Sopes
Make it crunchy
Homemade tostada shells
Make it Colombian-inspired
Arepas

Baked shredded beef taquitos

Need another dish to complete your Tex-Mex spread? You can’t go wrong with these taquitos.

Each corn tortilla is filled with a cheesy shredded beef filling, then rolled and baked until they’re golden and crispy.

The rolls are usually enjoyed as a snack, but try pairing them with pinto beans for a filling meal.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a fun option.

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Baked shredded beef taquitos
Make it meatless
Green chile chickpea taquitos
Make it fusion
Air fryer avocado Southwest egg rolls

Carnitas

Carnitas is Mexican pulled pork and it’s delicious mixed in with pinto beans.

It’s not quick to make, but it’s definitely worth the wait.

Especially if you take the time to crisp the egdes.

Pro tip: don’t t be tempted to skip the orange – it’s an essential ingredient.

Why we love this recipe: it’s great for meal preps.

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The best side dishes to serve with pinto beans

Fully-loaded cornbread
Cilantro lime rice
Candied jalapenos
Pico de gallo
Kale guacamole
Baked sweet potato
Huevos rancheros
Cheese quesadillas
Jalapeno buttermilk ranch coleslaw
Country fried steak
Baked tortilla chips
Grilled lime chicken fajita salad
Sopes
Baked shredded beef taquitos
Carnitas