Pinto Beans for Travis

Capture the comforting warmth of Southern-inspired cooking with "Pinto Beans for Travis," a wholesome and flavorful dish that brings dried pinto beans to life with bold spices and a zesty finish. This recipe combines the heartiness of tender beans slow-simmered in a rich, aromatic broth with the vibrant kick of jalapeño, smoked paprika, and chili powder. A splash of lime juice adds brightness, while a garnish of fresh cilantro ties it all together. Perfect as a standalone meal or paired with rice or cornbread, this easy-to-make recipe is both satisfying and versatile. Plus, with just 15 minutes of prep time and pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s ideal for home cooks seeking a nutritious, crowd-pleasing dish. Whether feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, "Pinto Beans for Travis" delivers bold, home-cooked flavor every time!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried pinto beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 piece jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly under cold water, removing any debris or damaged beans. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with water, ensuring there is at least 2 inches of water above the beans. Soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and optional diced jalapeño (if using) and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and dried oregano, stirring for about 30 seconds to toast the spices.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then add the drained pinto beans. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Add the salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 7

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and check the liquid level, adding more broth or water if necessary to keep the beans submerged.

Step 8

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the lime juice for a bright, tangy finish.

Step 9

Discard the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot. Pair with rice, cornbread, or enjoy as a hearty dish on its own!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2110.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	979.2

Total Fat 34.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 10787.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 128.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 39.0g	0%
Total Sugars 10.8g
Protein 45.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 361.1mg	0%
Iron 13.2mg	0%
Potassium 2560.8mg	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: 30.8%

Protein: 18.2%

Carbs: 50.9%