Pinto Beans With Mexican-Style Seasonings

Transform your next meal with this hearty, flavorful dish! These Mexican-style pinto beans blend savory spices, smoky bacon, and vibrant fresh cilantro to create the ultimate comfort food. Perfect as a side dish or the star of your table when paired with rice, cornbread, or tortillas.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed
4 cups water (more as needed)
2 (10 oz) cans diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (like RO*TEL®)
1/2 pound bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 tbsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp ground cumin (adjust to taste)
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder (adjust to taste)
1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt, to taste

Instructions:

Soak the Beans:
Rinse the pinto beans thoroughly and place them in a large pot. Cover with water, ensuring they’re submerged by 2–3 inches. Let them soak overnight for optimal tenderness.
Prepare the Beans:
Drain the soaked beans and rinse again. Add fresh water to the pot, making sure they’re completely covered.
Add Flavorful Ingredients:
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), bacon pieces, chopped onion, chili powder, ground cumin, and garlic powder. Mix well to distribute the flavors.
Simmer to Perfection:
Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Check the water level periodically and add more if needed to keep the beans submerged.
Finish with Fresh Cilantro:
Stir in the chopped cilantro and season with salt to taste. Continue simmering for another hour, or until the beans are tender and infused with flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Definitely! If using canned beans, skip the soaking step and reduce the simmering time to about 1 hour.

2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the bacon and add a tablespoon of olive oil for richness. You can enhance the smoky flavor with a teaspoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke.

3. What’s the best way to spice it up?
Include diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!

Expert Tips

Monitor Water Levels: Ensure the beans are always covered with water while cooking to prevent them from drying out or sticking to the pot.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste throughout the cooking process and tweak the spices to suit your preference.
Cilantro Placement: Add cilantro toward the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant, fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestions

With Rice: Serve the beans over fluffy white or Mexican rice for a classic pairing.
With Cornbread: The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread perfectly complements these savory beans.
Topped with Cheese: Sprinkle with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream for a creamy, indulgent finish.

Conclusion

Warm, comforting, and bursting with Mexican-inspired flavors, these Pinto Beans With Mexican-Style Seasonings are a true crowd-pleaser. Whether served as a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. Try them at your next gathering and watch them disappear!