Description
A hearty and flavorful pot of pinto beans simmered to tender perfection, ideal for enjoying with warm tortillas. This classic recipe uses simple ingredients with optional additions like bacon and veggies to enhance the taste, making it a comforting and satisfying meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. dry pinto beans, rinsed and sorted
- 1 tbsp salt, more to taste
- 6 cups water
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped bacon plus rendered grease for added flavor
- Diced onion
- Roma tomatoes, chopped
- Jalapeños, chopped
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Soak the Beans: Start by washing and soaking the beans in water for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight. This process softens the beans and reduces cooking time, ensuring even and tender results.
- Boil the Beans: Drain the soaking water and add the beans to a large pot with 6 cups of fresh water and 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally and adding water as needed to keep beans submerged until they become tender.
- Cook the Bacon and Veggies (Optional): While the beans simmer, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook chopped bacon until browned. Add diced onions, chopped roma tomatoes, and jalapeños, sautéing for 5 to 7 minutes until soft and aromatic. If not using bacon, sauté the vegetables in a tablespoon of oil until tender.
- Combine and Simmer: Stir the cooked bacon, vegetables, and any reserved bacon grease into the pot of beans. Continue simmering together for another 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the beans into bowls, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve hot alongside warm tortillas. Use the beans as a dip, filling for wraps, or simply to scoop up the flavorful broth.
Notes
- Soaking beans overnight greatly reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
- Keep an eye on the water level during simmering to prevent beans from drying out or burning.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable oil to sauté the vegetables.
- Add jalapeños according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
- Leftover beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: pinto beans, Mexican beans, bean stew, stovetop pinto beans, easy bean recipe, tortillas, vegetarian option, comfort food
