Cafe Rio Chili Beans

Bring a taste of Tex-Mex flair to your table with these hearty Cafe Rio Chili Beans! This flavorful recipe combines tender, slow-cooked pinto beans with aromatic spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, infused with the boldness of diced green chilies and a splash of savory tomato sauce. Perfect as a standalone side dish or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls, these chili beans are a versatile, crowd-pleasing addition to any meal. The fresh cilantro stirred in at the end adds a vibrant finish, making every bite irresistible. With its easy-to-follow instructions and rich, homestyle flavors, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:195 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups (dry) pinto beans
• 8 cups water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium white onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 4-ounce can diced green chilies (canned)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dry pinto beans under cold water to remove debris and impurities.

Step 2

In a large pot, combine the pinto beans with 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beans are tender. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.

Step 3

In the same pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Step 4

Stir in the canned green chilies, chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.

Step 5

Add the cooked beans back to the pot along with the reserved cooking liquid, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Simmer the chili beans over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in the chopped cilantro just before serving.

Step 8

Serve warm as a side or over rice for a complete meal. These chili beans also pair well with tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2790.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1160.1

Total Fat 57.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 27.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6180.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 130.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.7g	0%
Total Sugars 17.9g
Protein 36.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 387.0mg	0%
Iron 11.8mg	0%
Potassium 1899.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.6%

Protein: 12.3%

Carbs: 44.1%