My Brother's Best Beans

Discover the ultimate comfort food with "My Brother's Best Beans," a hearty and flavorful one-pot dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite sides. This recipe starts with tender, slow-simmered pinto beans infused with smoky bacon, aromatic garlic, and a robust blend of spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano. Chicken broth adds depth, while a final touch of fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro brightens every bite. Prepared in just 20 minutes of hands-on time, this protein-packed recipe delivers a wholesome, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Whether served as a standalone dish or alongside rice, cornbread, or tacos, these irresistibly seasoned beans are sure to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried pinto beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 slices bacon
• 1 large yellow onion
• 4 large garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the pinto beans thoroughly under cold water and remove any debris. Place them in a large bowl, cover with water, and let soak overnight.

Step 2

Drain and rinse the beans again, then set aside.

Step 3

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Chop the bacon into small pieces and add it to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Remove the bacon pieces and set them aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 5

Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Add both to the pot and sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and aromatic.

Step 6

Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.

Step 7

Pour in the chicken broth and add the soaked beans, bay leaf, and cooked bacon. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

After 90 minutes, check the beans for doneness. They should be tender but not falling apart. Continue cooking for 20-30 minutes more if needed.

Step 10

Season the beans with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.

Step 11

Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh lime juice and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2089.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1147.6

Total Fat 43.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.4g
Cholesterol 31.7mg	0%
Sodium 8261.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 130.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 38.3g	0%
Total Sugars 11.9g
Protein 67.5g	0%

Vitamin D 5.1IU	0%
Calcium 418.9mg	0%
Iron 16.1mg	0%
Potassium 3500.5mg	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: 32.9%

Protein: 22.9%

Carbs: 44.2%