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Easy Pinto Beans Recipe

Easy Pinto Beans Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 50 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 8 hours soaking)
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (plus soaking)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Side-dishes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican, Southwestern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Easy Pinto Beans recipe delivers hearty, flavorful beans that are perfect as a side dish or a filling main course. Simmered gently on the stovetop, these tender pinto beans are seasoned simply but can be customized with your favorite add-ins. Great for meal prep, burritos, tacos, or as a comforting bowl all on their own.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Pinto Beans

  • 1 pound dried pinto beans
  • 6 cups water
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Flavor Additions

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced

Instructions

  1. Rinse and Soak Beans: Place the pinto beans in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cool running water. Remove any debris or stones. Soak the beans in a large bowl of water for at least 8 hours or overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. For a quick soak, cover beans with water in a pot, bring to a boil, boil for 2 minutes, remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour.
  2. Drain and Prepare: Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Set aside. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a small splash of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion (and jalapeño if using), and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and optional spices, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Cook the Beans: Add the drained beans, 6 cups of water, and the bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Check the liquid level as they cook, and add more water if necessary to keep the beans submerged.
  4. Season and Finish: Once the beans are tender and creamy, season with salt and black pepper. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld, then remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Serve: Serve the beans warm as a side dish, in tacos or burritos, or enjoy as a hearty main with rice and your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Soaking beans reduces cooking time and improves texture, but you can cook without soaking; simply increase the simmering time.
  • For creamier beans, mash some against the side of the pot towards the end of cooking.
  • Add ham hock, bacon, or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
  • Great for meal prep – leftovers store well in the fridge or freezer.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Fat: 1g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 13g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Find it online: https://newsvks.com/easy-pinto-beans-recipe/