Old Fashioned Country Beans

Savor the comforting flavors of the South with this hearty Old Fashioned Country Beans recipe. Packed with tender pinto beans, smoky ham hock, and a medley of savory aromatics like onion, garlic, and bay leaf, this dish is slow-simmered to perfection for a rich, deeply satisfying taste. Sprinkled with just the right amount of paprika, black pepper, and a hint of optional hot sauce, these beans deliver a perfect balance of warmth and seasoning. Whether served solo or paired with cornbread, rice, or your favorite homestyle sides, this rustic, protein-packed meal is as nourishing as it is nostalgic. Ideal for cozy family dinners, this one-pot classic is effortless to prepare and brimming with old-school charm, perfect for anyone craving a taste of timeless Southern comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:195 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried pinto beans
• 1 large smoked ham hock
• 1 medium onion
• 4 pieces garlic cloves
• 8 cups water
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 2 pieces green onions (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Sort and rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly, discarding any debris or damaged beans.

Step 2

Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with at least 2 inches of water. Soak the beans overnight, or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse before cooking.

Step 3

In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the soaked beans, smoked ham hock, and 8 cups of water.

Step 4

Peel and dice the onion, then peel and mince the garlic cloves. Add both to the pot along with the bay leaf.

Step 5

Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6

As the beans cook, periodically check the water level. If it starts to get too low, add more hot water to keep the beans submerged.

Step 7

Once the beans are tender, remove the ham hock from the pot. Shred the meat from the bone and return the meat to the beans, discarding the bone.

Step 8

Season the beans with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir well and taste, adjusting the seasonings as needed. Optionally, add hot sauce for a little kick of spice.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf and discard. Serve the beans hot, garnished with thinly sliced green onions.

Step 10

Enjoy this hearty dish on its own, or serve it alongside cornbread, rice, or your favorite comfort food sides.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3033.1 grams (3033.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1754

Total Fat 76.70g	98%
Saturated Fat 26.10g	131%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.10g
Cholesterol 318mg	106%
Sodium 7684mg	334%
Total Carbohydrate 141.70g	52%
Dietary Fiber 44.60g	159%
Total Sugars 9.60g
Protein 128.80g	258%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 457mg	35%
Iron 17mg	92%
Potassium 3621mg	77%

*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: 38.9%

Protein: 29.1%

Carbs: 32.0%