Southern-Style Pinto Beans with a Kick

This pinto beans recipe is like a warm hug from Grandma! Slow-simmered Southern comfort, with a kick of spice. Vegetarian option included! Get the recipe now.

May 20, 2025
By Ethan Navarro.

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Alright, let's dive into these pinto beans recipe ! ever crave something that tastes like home, feels like a warm hug, and is packed with flavor? i know i do! this southern-style pinto beans with a kick recipe is where it's at.

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Want a taste of the South? This pinto beans recipe delivers a rich, smoky flavor with just the right amount of spice. Trust me, it's gonna be your new favorite comfort food.

Brief Overview

These beans are a staple in southern cooking, often enjoyed for their hearty flavor and satisfying texture. this mexican recipe is easy to make.

It takes about 2- 3 hours to cook, after a bit of prep. this recipe makes about 6-8 servings. perfect for a family dinner.

Main Benefits

Beans are full of fiber! This recipe is great for a potluck or family gathering. What makes it special? It's simple and delicious!

Southern-Style Pinto Beans with a Kick Recipe Card

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Preparation time:01 Hrs 15 Mins

Cooking time:03 Hrs

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) dried pinto beans, rinsed
• 8 cups (1.9 L) water or chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1/2 pound (225g) bacon, diced, or 1 smoked ham hock (can substitute with 1 tsp smoked paprika and 2 tbsp olive oil for vegetarian)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup/140g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Soak the pinto beans in water for at least 1 hour using the quick soak method (bring to a boil, simmer for 2 minutes, then let sit covered for 1 hour) or overnight. Drain and rinse.
• In the large pot, cook the bacon (or ham hock) over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot (if using ham hock, cook until lightly browned on all sides).
• Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the soaked and drained pinto beans, water or broth, oregano, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), bay leaf, and bacon (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Remove the ham hock (if using). Mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to thicken the broth (optional). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the apple cider vinegar.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350-400

Fat:15-20g

Fiber:15-20g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Southern

The Heart of Flavor: Ingredients

Let's talk ingredients. the base of our pinto beans recipe is, of course, one pound of dried pinto beans. next, we need 8 cups of water or broth.

I like using chicken broth for extra flavor. but, water works too! for that smoky goodness, we'll throw in 1/2 pound of diced bacon.

Or a smoked ham hock if you're feeling fancy! if you want the mexican charro beans recipe flavor omit this!

Then, comes one chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves. gotta have that flavor base! don't forget one jalapeño, seeded and minced, for a little kick.

One teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. for a hint of freshness, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and some cilantro or parsley for garnish.

Step-by-Step to Pinto Bean Perfection

First, soak those beans! then, we get cooking the aromatics. the bacon or the ham hock. sauté the onion and garlic in the fat.

Next, we add the beans, water, and spices. this is the charro beans recipe part! let it simmer for a few hours until tender.

Season with salt and pepper. finally, garnish. serve it up hot!

Variations: Spice It Up or Keep it Classic

Feel free to add chipotle peppers for extra heat. or, skip the meat and use smoked paprika for a vegetarian option.

You can use kidney beans, if you don't have pinto bean recipes . the great thing about a mexican charro beans recipe is that it’s very adaptable.

This pinto beans recipe is more than just a dish. It is a taste of home. Each bite is a memory. Enjoy!

Alright, let's dive into making some seriously good southern-style pinto beans with a kick ! these aren't your average beans; we're talking about that comforting, soul-warming goodness you crave.

They're perfect as a side or a main dish. they are also easy to make!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Gather!

So, what do you need to make this awesome pinto beans recipe ?

Main Ingredients: The Bean Dream Team

Here’s what you gotta have:

• 1 pound (450g) dried pinto beans , rinsed like you really mean it. Look for beans that are uniformly colored and not cracked. That's how you know you got good ones.
• 8 cups (1.9 L) water or low-sodium chicken broth. Water's fine, but broth adds some oomph!
• 1/2 pound (225g) diced bacon OR 1 smoked ham hock. If you're going vegetarian, don't sweat it! Use 1 tsp smoked paprika and 2 tbsp olive oil . It's a pretty darn good substitute.
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup/140g ).
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Gotta have that garlic punch!
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced. Optional. If you want some kick .
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Another optional heat-booster!
• 1 bay leaf. Don't forget this aromatic MVP!
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper. To taste, obviously!
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. This brightens everything up at the end.
• Fresh cilantro or parsley. For garnish!

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Want that perfect flavor? here's the deal. oregano and cumin are essential. they are the mexican charro beans foundation. the cumin gives it that warm, earthy depth.

And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, a little serrano peppers can add a real zing. not into heat? no problem, skip it! try this delicious mexican recipe

Charro beans recipe is all about that smoky flavor. so, smoked paprika is your best friend if you're skipping the meat.

It's magic , i tell ya! also, don't be scared to experiment. a dash of chili powder, or even a pinch of cinnamon, can add surprising depth.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

For equipment, nothing fancy is needed!

• A large pot or Dutch oven. This is key!
• A colander. For rinsing beans, duh!
• A cutting board.
• A chef's knife. A sharp one!
• Measuring cups and spoons. We gotta measure, right?

No Dutch oven? No worries! A large, heavy-bottomed pot will do just fine. See? This Charro Beans adventure is totally doable. The Cowboy Beans style is simple and tasty!

Now, go grab your ingredients, and let's get cooking! You will love this Mexican Charro Beans Recipe. Making Pinto Bean Recipes can be so fun!

Okay, let's dive into making some seriously good pinto beans recipe ! forget those bland canned beans. we're going for flavor town.

I once tried to rush this process and ended up with crunchy, sad beans. learn from my mistakes, people! i think, mexican charro beans recipe , is the goal.

The Magic of Pinto Beans: Cooking 'Em Right

Honestly, mastering pinto beans recipe is a game-changer. you can throw them in everything. tacos, burritos, or just a big bowl with some cornbread.

These are super versatile. especially if you nail the cooking process. let's make a mexican charro beans worthy recipe!

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Moment

First, gather your troops! we're talking about 1 pound of pinto beans , rinsed like crazy. make sure there are no weird rocks or anything.

Then, you’ll need 8 cups of water or broth . dice 1/2 pound of bacon , or grab your smoked ham hock .

I'm getting hungry already! chop one medium yellow onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic . if you’re feeling brave, mince one jalapeño .

For spices, you'll need 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne if you want some extra heat.

Oh, and don't forget 1 bay leaf and your salt and pepper. we're aiming for that authentic charro beans recipe , so a little extra effort is worth it!

Time-saving tip: Chop all your veggies before you start anything. I find that if I prepare everything first, I am so efficient and ready to roll.

Step-by-Step: From Bean to Bliss

1. Soak Those Beans: Use the quick soak or the overnight method.
2. Sizzle the Goodness: Cook the bacon or ham hock in a large pot until crispy. Remove and set aside if using bacon. I once skipped this step and my beans were SO bland.
3. Onion & Garlic Tango: Sauté the onion until soft, about 5- 7 minutes . Add garlic and jalapeño. Cook until fragrant.
4. The Big Simmer: Add beans, water, spices, and bacon. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2- 3 hours , or until tender.
5. Seasoning Time: Remove ham hock. Mash some beans for thickness. Add salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar . This gives it a nice tang.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with cilantro or parsley.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Bean Game

• Don't salt too early! This makes the beans tough.
• If you're going vegetarian. You can make a great Mexican Beans Recipe , use 1 tsp of smoked paprika and 2 tbsp of olive oil . That smoky flavor is a game-changer!
• Speaking of the recipe Charro Beans , adjust the heat. If you are not into spicy, skip the jalapeños or use less cayenne.
• For Cowboy Beans : Add more of a smoke flavor, maybe even throw in a little liquid smoke.

Honestly, the best part about making pinto bean recipes is how forgiving they are. don't sweat it if you mess up.

These mexican recipe staples are all about home-style cooking. embrace the imperfections and enjoy the process! this is so different than the premade beans that are purchased.

You can even make it a mexican charro beans recipe by adding tomatoes.

Okay, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of this amazing pinto beans recipe ! We’ve got the basics down, now it's time to talk about some extra tips, tricks, and ways to make it your own!

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Let's Plate This Up!

Honestly, presentation matters, right? After all your hard work, you want these Mexican Charro Beans to look as good as they taste!

Think about serving these babies in a rustic bowl. garnish with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and maybe even a lime wedge.

Imagine how good this mexican recipe will look!. if you're serving them as a side, alongside some smoky bbq, that's classic americana!

As for drinks, a cold cerveza or some sweet iced tea would be perfect. You know, something to wash down all that deliciousness. Cornbread? Absolutely! Goes perfectly.

Storage Tips: Bean There, Done That (Later!)

Leftover Charro Beans Recipe are a gift that keeps on giving!

For refrigeration, just pop them in an airtight container. they'll be good for about 3-4 days. when you’re ready for round two, gently reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Adding a splash of water can help keep them from drying out.

Freezing? totally doable! let them cool completely first. then, portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers. they'll last for up to 2-3 months.

Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. just like grandma used to make!

Variations: Get Your Custom On!

One of the best things about cooking is making a recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these pinto bean recipes !

• Dietary Adaptations: Want a vegetarian version? Ditch the bacon and use a little smoked paprika for that smoky flavor. Gluten-free? As long as your broth is, you're good to go.

• Seasonal swaps: in the fall, maybe add some roasted butternut squash for sweetness. in the summer, some grilled corn could be amazing! i remember my abuela using to prepare mexican charro beans recipe adding seasonal veggies.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Alright, so these cowboy beans are delicious. but they are also good for you! they are packed with protein and fiber.

Which keeps you full and happy. beans are also a great source of iron.

Each serving is a good source of plant-based protein! It's a win-win!

Remember, this is just an estimate, and it can vary based on your ingredients.

These Charro Beans are an amazing dish! They are easy to make and super satisfying. Don't be scared to tweak it and make it your own! Enjoy cooking and eat well.