How Long Do Beans Take To Cook On The Stove

Beans take anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours to cook on the stove, depending on the type of bean, how old they are, and whether you soaked them first.
 
That’s a pretty wide range, I know, but once you understand what affects cooking time, you’ll be able to plan your meals with confidence.
 
If you’ve ever stood over a pot wondering how long do beans take to cook on the stove, you’re definitely not alone.
 
In this post, we’ll break down the cooking times for different beans, the factors that change those times, and how to get perfectly tender beans every single time.
 
Let’s get cooking.
 

How Long Do Beans Take to Cook on the Stove?

The answer to how long do beans take to cook on the stove really depends on the variety you’re working with.
 
Here’s a quick breakdown so you know what you’re getting into before you turn on the burner.
 

1. Lentils and Split Peas (45 Minutes or Less)

Lentils and split peas are the speed demons of the bean world.
 
They don’t need soaking, and most varieties cook in just 20 to 45 minutes on the stove.
 
Red lentils are the fastest, often softening in about 15 to 20 minutes.
 
So if you’re short on time, these are your best bet.
 

2. Small Beans Like Black Beans and Navy Beans (60 to 90 Minutes)

Smaller beans like black beans, navy beans, and pinto beans typically take about 1 to 1.5 hours to cook on the stove.
 
If you’ve soaked them overnight, you can shave off about 30 minutes from that time.
 
These beans hold their shape well, which makes them perfect for soups, stews, and burritos.
 

3. Large Beans Like Chickpeas and Kidney Beans (90 Minutes to 3 Hours)

Bigger beans like chickpeas, kidney beans, and cannellini beans take the longest.
 
On the stove, they can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours to become fully tender.
 
Chickpeas are notorious for taking their sweet time, sometimes up to 3 hours if they’re older.
 
So if you’re cooking these, plan ahead and be patient.
 
 

Factors That Affect How Long Beans Take to Cook on the Stove

Not all beans cook at the same speed, even if they’re the same type.
 
Here are the main factors that change how long do beans take to cook on the stove.
 

1. Freshness of the Beans

Older beans take much longer to cook.
 
Beans that have been sitting in your pantry for a year or more can take double the time to soften.
 
That’s because they lose moisture over time, and their skins become tougher.
 
So always try to use fresh beans for the best results.
 

2. Soaking vs. Not Soaking

Soaking beans overnight can cut the cooking time on the stove by about 30 minutes to an hour.
 
It also helps them cook more evenly and reduces the gas-causing compounds.
 
If you’re in a hurry, you can do a quick soak by boiling them for 2 minutes and letting them sit for an hour.
 
But if you skip soaking entirely, just add more time and more water.
 

3. Altitude and Water Hardness

If you live at a high altitude, beans take longer to cook because water boils at a lower temperature.
 
Hard water can also slow down the softening process.
 
If your tap water is very hard, try using filtered water for better results.
 

4. Acidity in the Pot

Adding acidic ingredients like tomatoes, lemon juice, or vinegar too early can stall the cooking process.
 
Acid toughens the bean skins, making them take much longer to soften.
 
So always wait until the beans are fully cooked before adding anything acidic.
 
 

Tips for Cooking Beans on the Stove Perfectly

Now that you know how long do beans take to cook on the stove, here are some tips to get them just right.
 

1. Use Enough Water

Beans need plenty of water to cook properly.
 
Cover them with at least 2 to 3 inches of water, and add more as needed during cooking.
 
If the water runs low, the beans on top won’t cook evenly.
 

2. Simmer, Don’t Boil

A gentle simmer is the key to perfectly cooked beans.
 
Boiling them vigorously can cause the skins to split and the beans to become mushy.
 
Keep the heat low and let them bubble softly.
 

3. Salt at the Right Time

There’s a myth that salting beans early makes them tough.
 
In reality, adding salt at the beginning can actually help them cook more evenly and season them from the inside out.
 
So go ahead and salt your soaking water or your cooking water.
 

4. Test for Doneness

Start checking your beans about 15 minutes before you think they’ll be done.
 
They should be soft enough to mash easily between your fingers but not falling apart.
 
Once they’re tender, take them off the heat and drain them.
 
 

So, How Long Do Beans Take to Cook on the Stove?

Beans take anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours to cook on the stove, depending on the type, freshness, and whether you soaked them.
 
Small lentils cook fast, while large chickpeas take their time.
 
Factors like altitude, water hardness, and acidity also play a role in how long do beans take to cook on the stove.
 
With these tips, you’ll be able to cook perfectly tender beans every time.