How many pounds of pinto beans to cook for 30?

To determine the amount of pinto beans you need to cook for 30 people, consider the following factors:

Serving size: A standard serving size for cooked pinto beans is about 1/2 cup or approximately 4 ounces per person.

Appetite and additional dishes: Depending on the appetites of your guests and whether there will be other dishes served, you may want to adjust the serving size or consider additional servings.

Leftovers: If you prefer to have some leftovers, you can increase the quantity accordingly.

With these factors in mind, here's a simple calculation to estimate the amount of pinto beans you need:

For 30 people, assuming a serving size of 1/2 cup (4 ounces) per person:

30 people × 4 ounces per person = 120 ounces total

Convert ounces to pounds:

120 ounces ÷ 16 ounces (in 1 pound) = 7.5 pounds

Therefore, you will need approximately 7.5 pounds of pinto beans to cook for 30 people. This quantity will provide about 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of cooked pinto beans per person, with a little extra for potential seconds or leftovers.

Remember to adjust the amount based on your specific circumstances, such as serving sizes, additional dishes, and desired leftovers. It's always a good idea to have a bit more than needed to ensure everyone has enough to enjoy.