Pinto beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine, known for their creamy texture and ability to absorb a variety of flavors. This recipe for Pinto Beans with Mexican-Style Seasonings combines dried pinto beans with smoky bacon, vibrant tomatoes, and a blend of spices to create a delicious and hearty dish. Perfect as a side dish or a main course, these beans are sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make these flavorful beans step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed
- ½ pound bacon, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 cups water or as needed
- 2 (10 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies (like RO*TEL®)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (adjustable to taste)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin (adjustable to taste)
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder (adjustable to taste)
- ½ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
- Rinse and Sort Beans: Place the dried pinto beans in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Sort through the beans to remove any debris or damaged beans.
- Soak Beans (Optional): For quicker cooking and easier digestion, soak the beans overnight in a large bowl with enough water to cover them by a few inches. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sliced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Add Ingredients
- Sauté Onions: Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté over medium heat until the onions are translucent and softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Add the rinsed pinto beans and the cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies (including their juice) to the pot.
- Add Water and Spices: Pour in enough water to cover the beans by about 1 inch (approximately 4 cups). Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, and garlic powder. Adjust the spices to your taste.
Step 4: Simmer the Beans
- Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if necessary to keep the beans submerged.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Add Bacon and Cilantro: Once the beans are tender, stir in the cooked bacon and chopped fresh cilantro. Adjust the seasoning with salt to taste.
- Serve: Serve the pinto beans hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired. They can be enjoyed as a main dish, a side dish, or as a filling for tacos and burritos.
Cooking Notes
- Bacon: For a smokier flavor, you can substitute the bacon with smoked ham hock or chorizo.
- Beans: If you don’t have time to soak the beans overnight, use the quick-soak method: bring the beans and water to a boil, boil for 2 minutes, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Add more chili powder or cumin for extra heat and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned pinto beans? A: Yes, you can use canned pinto beans for a quicker version. Use 4-5 cans of pinto beans, drained and rinsed. Reduce the cooking time accordingly since the beans are already cooked.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover pinto beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze these beans? A: Yes, these beans freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of these beans, follow these modifications:
- Beans: Substitute pinto beans with a lower-carb option like black soybeans.
- Tomatoes: Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned to reduce added sugars.
- Bacon: Ensure the bacon does not contain added sugars or carbs.
Pinto Beans with Mexican-Style Seasonings are a flavorful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their rich, savory taste and hearty texture, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious, homemade meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying!
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