Award-Winning Pinto Bean Recipe with SuckleBusters Seasoning

How to Make Award-Winning Pinto Beans : BBQ-Worthy Beans That Steal the Show

How to Make Award-Winning Pinto Beans: If you think pinto beans are just filler for your plate, think again. With the right seasoning and a few smart techniques, you can turn this humble legume into a smoky, savory star that holds its own next to brisket, ribs, or pulled pork. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to cook Texas-style pinto beans using the best pinto bean seasoning on the market — SuckleBusters Pinto Bean Seasoning. It’s an easy, reliable way to serve beans that taste like they came straight out of a Texas cook-off.

Why SuckleBusters Pinto Bean Seasoning?

Unlike generic spice blends, SuckleBusters Pinto Bean Seasoning is handcrafted with a proven competition recipe that combines bold chili flavor with Texas authenticity. This all-natural blend includes salt, garlic, onion, black pepper, chile pepper, and spices—everything you need to infuse beans with deep, slow-cooked flavor.

What truly sets it apart is balance: it enhances the earthy notes of the beans without overpowering them, giving you that unmistakable down-home taste in every bite. You get rich, savory depth with just the right amount of chili warmth, making these beans stand out on any BBQ plate.

It’s also incredibly convenient. Each kit comes pre-measured and includes a quick-cook recipe designed for 1 lb of dried pinto beans. No guessing proportions or digging through a dozen spice jars. Just soak your beans, add the seasoning, and let the flavors build as they simmer low and slow. For pitmasters and busy home cooks alike, it’s the easiest way to serve up award-winning beans every time.

Why it works: Every ingredient in SuckleBusters seasoning has a job. Garlic and onion build a savory base, black pepper adds gentle heat, and chile powder delivers the bold, rich flavor Texas beans are known for. And since it’s made without MSG or preservatives, you get clean, honest flavor with every spoonful.

Ingredients You'll Need

1 lb dried pinto beans (soaked overnight or quick-soaked), or canned beans in a pinch
1 packet SuckleBusters Pinto Bean Seasoning
6 cups water (or enough to cover the beans by about 2 inches)
Optional: 1/2 lb diced smoked sausage or bacon for extra smoky flavor
Optional: 1 diced jalapeño or 1 poblano pepper for added heat and depth
Optional: 1 small onion, finely chopped
Optional: Chicken or beef broth instead of part of the water for richer flavor

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Soak the Beans: Rinse the dried pinto beans and remove any debris or broken beans. Soak overnight in cool water. For a quick soak, bring the beans and water to a boil for 2 minutes, then cover and let sit for 1 hour. Drain before cooking.
Add to Pot: Place the soaked beans in a heavy-bottomed pot, Dutch oven, or cast iron pot. Add 6 cups of fresh water or enough to cover the beans by about 2 inches.
Add Seasoning and Optional Ingredients: Stir in the entire packet of SuckleBusters Pinto Bean Seasoning. If using sausage, bacon, jalapeños, poblano, or onion, add them now so they can simmer and flavor the beans from the start.
Simmer Low and Slow: Bring the pot just to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally and add small amounts of hot water as needed to keep the beans submerged and prevent sticking.
Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust with a bit of extra seasoning, broth, or salt if needed. Serve hot with your favorite BBQ meats, over rice, or alongside warm cornbread or tortillas.

For an extra hit of BBQ character, you can also set the pot (or Dutch oven) on your smoker instead of the stovetop and let the beans pick up gentle smoke while they simmer.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pinto Beans

Don't salt too early: If you decide to add extra salt beyond what’s in the SuckleBusters seasoning, wait until the end of the cooking process. Adding additional salt too early can toughen the beans and extend cooking time.
Use broth instead of water: For deeper flavor, substitute part or all of the water with chicken or beef broth. This builds a richer, more complex pot liquor (the cooking liquid) that’s perfect for spooning over rice or cornbread.
Add smoke: For true BBQ flavor, toss in a chunk of smoked meat—like brisket trimmings, smoked sausage, or ham hock—or cook the beans on your smoker instead of the stovetop. Low-and-slow smoke plus SuckleBusters seasoning is a winning combination.
Stir gently: As the beans soften, stir with a gentle hand so you don’t break them up too much. You want creamy beans with a few breaking down naturally, not a full pot of mush.
Let them rest: Like chili and stew, beans taste even better the next day after the flavors have fully developed. Make a double batch and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week.

Best BBQ Pairings

These Texas-style pinto beans are built for BBQ night. Here are some of the best ways to serve them:

Next to sliced smoked brisket or beef ribs
Alongside pulled pork sandwiches and coleslaw
With BBQ chicken, turkey, or smoked sausage links
Scooped over rice with warm tortillas on the side
Paired with fresh-baked cornbread or cast iron cornbread muffins

They’re hearty enough to act as a main dish and versatile enough to work as a side for just about any smoked meat you’re serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to soak the beans overnight?

Soaking isn’t mandatory, but it helps reduce cooking time and can make beans easier to digest. The overnight soak is the most hands-off method, but a quick soak (boil for 2 minutes, then sit covered for 1 hour) works well if you’re short on time.

Can I use canned beans?

You can use canned beans in a pinch, but the flavor and texture won’t be quite the same. Dried beans absorb more of the seasoning during the long cook time and develop a creamier interior, which makes a big difference when you’re after that “all-day simmered” flavor.

Is SuckleBusters Pinto Bean Seasoning spicy?

It has a mild chili warmth, but it’s not overly spicy. Most folks would consider it family-friendly. If you want to turn up the heat, you can add diced jalapeños, poblanos, or your favorite hot sauce to taste.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Soak the beans, then add them to your slow cooker with water or broth, seasoning, and any optional ingredients. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or until the beans are tender. Slow cooker beans are especially convenient for busy days or when your smoker is already packed with meat.

Can I cook these beans on a smoker?

Absolutely. Use a Dutch oven or heavy pot, follow the same recipe, and place the pot on your smoker at around 250°F. Check the liquid level occasionally and stir gently. You’ll get all the benefits of the seasoning plus an extra layer of wood smoke.

Where can I buy the seasoning?

You can grab it right here: SuckleBusters Pinto Bean Seasoning Kit at DDR BBQ Supply. It’s one of the easiest ways to bring authentic Texas bean flavor to your table.

Visit Us at our Retail Store or Online BBQ Store

Our online BBQ store is open 24-7 but if you'd rather shop in person, visit our retail store in Northwest Arkansas. It's packed with top-quality grills, smokers, BBQ rubs, sauces, accessories, and expert advice.

Whether you're looking for something specific or just want to explore the best in BBQ gear, we’re here to help you cook with confidence. You’ll find top-quality grills, smokers, BBQ rubs, sauces, accessories, and expert advice you won't find online. Stop by and experience hands-on shopping the way it should be!

We're located at 14696 US Hwy 62, Garfield, AR 72732. We're open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Come pay us a visit!

Better Gear. Better BBQ.