Crispy exteriors giving way to a creamy, almost melting interior – these easy pinto beans deliver that kind of comforting textural contrast in every single bite. Infused with smoky spices and cooked until lusciously tender, this simple recipe showcases the best of Mexican-inspired flavors. The magic lies in the combination of earthy beans, fragrant aromatics, and a slow simmer that coaxes out maximum flavor with minimal effort.
These cozy one-pot pinto beans are more than just a side; they’re a complete experience. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a hearty lunch, or as a versatile component in countless other dishes, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why you’ll love this Cozy One-Pot Pinto Beans with Easy Pinto Beans
- This recipe delivers deeply satisfying flavor with very little hands-on time.
- Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the one-pot cooking method.
- You can customize the spice level to your liking.
- These beans are incredibly versatile, pairing well with countless dishes.
- These easy pinto beans are a budget-friendly and healthy meal option.
- They’re perfect for meal prepping and can be stored easily for later use.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works perfectly.
How to make Cozy One-Pot Pinto Beans
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Easy pinto beans makes every moment feel energetic. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add rinsed pinto beans, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and bay leaf to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until beans are tender and creamy, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if needed to maintain desired consistency.
Chef’s Tip: Check the beans periodically and add more broth if needed to prevent them from drying out. You want a creamy, almost saucy consistency.
Step 4: Serve
Remove bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and sour cream, if desired.
Tips for Success
- For quicker cooking, soak the pinto beans in water overnight before cooking. This will reduce the simmering time significantly.
- Don’t skimp on the simmering time! This is crucial for developing the creamy texture and deep flavor.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder to your preference. Start with less and add more to taste.
- Taste as you go! Seasoning is key to bringing out the best in these beans.
Serving Suggestions
These easy pinto beans are incredibly versatile! Serve them as a hearty side dish alongside grilled chicken or steak. They’re also fantastic in burritos, tacos, or as a base for a comforting bowl of chili. A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and some diced avocado add the perfect finishing touches. For a complete meal, try pairing them with some smash burger tacos. Or if you’re in the mood for pasta, check out this cheesy chicken pasta recipe for another quick and easy dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pinto beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen them up. They can also be reheated in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these pinto beans?
Yes, these beans freeze beautifully! Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Are these beans spicy?
As written, this recipe has a mild spice level. You can easily adjust the amount of chili powder to your liking to make them spicier.
Can I use a different type of bean?
While this recipe is specifically for pinto beans, you can certainly experiment with other types of beans, such as kidney beans or black beans. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of bean you use.
These cozy one-pot pinto beans are a testament to how simple ingredients and a little time can create a truly satisfying and flavorful meal. The creamy texture, smoky spice, and ease of preparation make this recipe a winner every time. We’d love to hear how you enjoy them – leave a comment below!
Cozy One-Pot Pinto Beans
These easy pinto beans are a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a simple weeknight meal. Made in one pot for easy cleanup, they are packed with smoky spices and creamy texture. Enjoy them on their own, as a side dish, or in your favorite Mexican-inspired recipes. Their earthy flavor and hearty texture make them a versatile and satisfying dish that everyone will love. Get ready for a delicious and nourishing meal with minimal effort!
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add rinsed pinto beans, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and bay leaf to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until beans are tender and creamy, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if needed to maintain desired consistency.
- Remove bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and sour cream, if desired.
Notes
For quicker cooking, soak the pinto beans in water overnight before cooking. Store leftover pinto beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. These beans are great in burritos, tacos, or as a side dish with rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg