Mexican Pinto Beans
Rich, smoky Mexican pinto beans infused with bacon, cumin, and chili powder, perfect for hearty meals, family gatherings, or a flavorful side dish in any Mexican-inspired menu.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sort and wash the dried pinto beans.
- Place the beans in a Dutch oven.
- Cover the beans with water 2 inches above the beans.
- Cover and bring the water to a boil.
- Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and let stand covered for 1 hour.
- Drain the beans and return them to the Dutch oven.
- Add 5 cups of water and the remaining ingredients: chopped bacon, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer.
- Cook for 1 1/2 hours or until the beans are tender.
- Serve the beans with a slotted spoon.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Mexican pinto beans, consider adding garlic or jalapeños for a kick. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that depth of flavor. For a quicker cooking method, use canned pinto beans, reducing the cooking time significantly. Pairing these beans with Chicken With Peppers Mex Style can create a delicious meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pinto beans as a main dish or as a hearty side. They pair excellently with rice, tortillas, or cornbread. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside 24Th Street Taco Soup or a fresh salad. Top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pinto beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze the beans in portions, which can last up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Pinto Beans contains roughly 737 calories, with 35g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (126% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 968mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the beans are done cooking?
The beans are done when they are tender but not mushy. Taste a few beans after about 1 1/2 hours of simmering. If they are still hard, continue to cook, checking every 15 minutes until they reach the desired tenderness.
Can I add other vegetables to the beans?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like diced tomatoes, corn, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you include to ensure everything is cooked properly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).