Cowboy's Pinto Beans

Saddle up for a taste of rustic comfort with Cowboy's Pinto Beans, a hearty and flavor-packed dish that's perfect for family dinners or weeknight meal prep. Simmered low and slow, tender pinto beans are infused with layers of smoky, savory goodness from crispy bacon, sautéed onion, and a kick of jalapeño. Elevated with bold spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder, plus a rich base of diced tomatoes and chicken broth, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Finished with fresh cilantro and a bright squeeze of lime, these beans make a satisfying standalone entree or an irresistible side served with cornbread or rice. Whether you're looking for a cozy comfort food classic or a versatile dish for your next gathering, Cowboy's Pinto Beans delivers authentic Southwestern flavor in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:255 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried pinto beans
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 large onion
• 4 pieces garlic cloves
• 1 whole jalapeño pepper
• 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
• 1 whole lime

Directions

Step 1

Sort and rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water to remove any debris or damaged beans.

Step 2

Place the rinsed beans in a large bowl and cover them with water, ensuring there is about 2 inches of water above the beans. Let them soak overnight or at least 6-8 hours.

Step 3

Drain and rinse the soaked beans and set them aside.

Step 4

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Once cool, crumble the bacon.

Step 5

In the same pot with the bacon drippings, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic and diced jalapeño and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 7

Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and chili powder, cooking for 30 seconds to bloom the flavors.

Step 8

Add the soaked and drained pinto beans to the pot, followed by the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. Stir to combine.

Step 9

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer. Cover and cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans become tender. Add more broth or water if the liquid level gets too low during cooking.

Step 10

Once the beans are tender, stir in the salt, black pepper, and crumbled bacon. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 11

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

Step 12

Serve warm as a hearty main dish or a side alongside cornbread or rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2205.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1271.5

Total Fat 36.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.7g
Cholesterol 56.0mg	0%
Sodium 6296.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 174.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 56.0g	0%
Total Sugars 29.4g
Protein 73.5g	0%

Vitamin D 7.7IU	0%
Calcium 463.7mg	0%
Iron 16.4mg	0%
Potassium 3658.0mg	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: 24.7%

Protein: 22.3%

Carbs: 53.0%