Easy Mexican Pinto Beans

Name: Easy Mexican Pinto Beans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed; 4 cups water, or as needed; 2 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (such as RO*TEL®); ½ pound bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 1 tablespoon chili powder, or to taste; 1 tablespoon ground cumin, or to taste; 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder, or to taste; ½ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped; Salt, to taste

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on January 11, 2025

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Pinto beans are a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine, offering rich, earthy flavors that can turn a simple dish into something deeply satisfying. Whether served as a main course, a side dish, or a filling for burritos and tacos, Mexican-style pinto beans are the ultimate comfort food—warm, smoky, and packed with the bold essence of chili, cumin, and garlic.

This recipe isn’t just about cooking beans; it’s about creating layers of flavor, using slow simmering to develop a depth that only time and patience can bring. With the addition of tomatoes, green chiles, bacon, and fresh cilantro, these beans become more than just a side—they’re a dish in their own right.

Let’s explore why pinto beans are a staple, the secrets to making them perfectly tender and flavorful, and how to customize them to fit your taste.

Why Pinto Beans Deserve a Place in Your Kitchen

1. Packed with Nutrition

Pinto beans are a powerhouse of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. They’re low in fat, cholesterol-free, and loaded with iron, magnesium, and potassium, making them an excellent addition to a balanced diet.

2. Affordable and Versatile

Beans have long been a staple in Mexican and Latin American cooking because they’re inexpensive, filling, and incredibly adaptable. Whether you enjoy them whole, mashed, refried, or blended into soups, they can be used in countless ways.

3. Perfect for Meal Prep

A big pot of slow-cooked pinto beans is a great way to meal prep for the week. They store well, reheat beautifully, and can be used in multiple dishes, making them a time-saving option for busy households.

4. Naturally Gluten-Free and Easily Made Vegetarian

Pinto beans are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions. They’re also easily adapted for vegetarians—just omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water.

Ingredients

1 pound dried pinto beans (rinsed)
4 cups water (or as needed)
2 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
½ pound bacon (cut into ½-inch pieces)
1 yellow onion (chopped)
1 tablespoon chili powder (or to taste)
1 tablespoon ground cumin (or to taste)
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder (or to taste)
½ bunch fresh cilantro (chopped)
Salt (to taste)

Directions

Prepare the Pinto Beans
- Rinse pinto beans thoroughly under cold water.
- Place in a large pot with enough water to cover by 2–3 inches and soak overnight.
Drain and Add Fresh Water
- After soaking, drain the beans and refill the pot with fresh water (covering by about 2 inches).
Add Flavorful Ingredients
- Stir in diced tomatoes with green chiles, bacon, onion, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
Simmer the Beans
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Check water levels and add more if needed.
Add Cilantro and Salt
- Once beans are soft, stir in chopped cilantro and salt.
- Simmer for another hour to meld flavors.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot with rice, tortillas, or as a side dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Serves 6–8)

Calories: 230
Protein: 10g
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 450mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 8g
Sugars: 2g

The Secret to Making the Best Mexican Pinto Beans

1. Soaking Beans for Better Texture

Soaking dried pinto beans before cooking reduces cooking time and improves texture. An overnight soak softens the beans, allowing them to cook evenly. If you’re short on time, a quick soak method (boiling the beans for 1 minute and letting them sit for an hour) works as well.

2. Layering Flavors from the Start

For deeply flavorful beans, it’s essential to season them early in the cooking process. Adding onions, garlic, bacon, and spices like chili powder and cumin ensures that the beans absorb these flavors as they simmer.

3. Low and Slow Cooking

Cooking beans at a gentle simmer for several hours allows the flavors to develop fully and gives the beans a creamy, tender texture. Rushing the cooking process can result in tough beans with underdeveloped flavors.

4. Using the Right Liquid Ratio

As beans cook, they absorb liquid, so it’s important to keep an eye on the water level and add more as needed to prevent them from drying out. A good rule of thumb is to keep the beans submerged by about 1-2 inches of water during cooking.

5. Adding Salt at the Right Time

Adding salt too early can cause the beans to become tough. It’s best to wait until the beans are nearly tender before adding salt. This ensures they cook evenly while still absorbing the seasoning.

6. Fresh Cilantro for a Bright Finish

Stirring in fresh chopped cilantro at the end of cooking adds a bright, fresh note that balances the richness of the dish. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, green onions or parsley make great alternatives.

How to Customize Your Pinto Beans

1. Make Them Spicy

If you love heat, try adding:

Diced jalapeños or serrano peppers
A dash of cayenne pepper
Hot sauce or chipotle powder

2. Turn Them Into Refried Beans

For smooth, creamy refried beans:

Mash the cooked beans with a potato masher or blender
Sauté them in a pan with butter or lard
Add a splash of bean broth for a silky consistency

3. Add a Smoky Twist

For a smokier depth, swap bacon for:

Chorizo (adds spice and richness)
Smoked paprika (for a plant-based version)
A ham hock (for a more traditional flavor)

4. Make Them Vegetarian-Friendly

Omit the bacon and:

Use vegetable broth instead of water
Add roasted bell peppers for a deeper flavor
Stir in mushrooms or lentils for extra heartiness

5. Add a Citrus Kick

A squeeze of lime juice at the end of cooking brightens up the dish and enhances the earthy flavors of the beans.

Best Ways to Serve Mexican Pinto Beans

1. As a Side Dish

These beans pair beautifully with grilled meats, enchiladas, tamales, or tacos. Serve them with a sprinkle of cotija cheese and fresh avocado for a delicious side.

2. Over Rice

For a simple, satisfying meal, serve pinto beans over a bowl of steamed white or brown rice, garnished with fresh herbs.

3. As a Burrito or Taco Filling

Use these flavorful beans as a taco or burrito filling alongside grilled vegetables, shredded cheese, and salsa.

4. As a Soup Base

Blend the beans with their broth to create a rich, velvety bean soup. Top with crumbled tortilla chips, sour cream, and chopped onions.

5. With Cornbread or Tortillas

Pair these beans with warm tortillas or homemade cornbread for a hearty, comforting meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Recipe with Canned Beans?

Yes, but since canned beans are already cooked, you’ll need to reduce the cooking time to about 30 minutes. Be sure to drain and rinse the canned beans before using them.

2. How Do I Store Leftover Pinto Beans?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the beans for up to 3 months.

3. Can I Use a Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! Add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours until the beans are tender.

4. How Can I Reheat Pinto Beans?

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the beans.

5. Can I Make This Dish Spicier?

Yes! Add extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to turn up the heat.

Conclusion: A Dish That Feels Like Home

There’s something deeply comforting and nostalgic about a warm bowl of slow-simmered Mexican pinto beans. Whether you enjoy them as a side, a main dish, or an ingredient in your favorite Mexican recipes, they’re a timeless, hearty, and flavorful staple.

By following a few key techniques—soaking the beans, seasoning them early, and cooking them low and slow—you can create perfectly tender, richly flavored beans every time.

So, grab your ingredients, start simmering, and enjoy the bold, comforting taste of homemade Mexican pinto beans. Your kitchen will be filled with warm, inviting aromas, and your plate will be full of satisfying, soul-warming goodness.