Pinto Beans with Bacon

Savor the comforting, smoky goodness of Pinto Beans with Bacon, a classic recipe that brings Southern-style cooking right to your table. Tender, slow-simmered pinto beans are infused with the rich flavors of crispy bacon, aromatic garlic and onions, and a perfectly balanced blend of cumin and paprika. Cooked in a hearty mix of chicken broth and water, this dish features a silky, flavorful broth that clings beautifully to each bean. Whether served as a hearty main course or a satisfying side dish, this recipe is soul-warming perfection. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness, and pair with cornbread or rice for the ultimate comfort meal. Keywords: pinto beans recipe, pinto beans with bacon, Southern-style beans, slow-cooked beans, comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:200 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound pinto beans
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the pinto beans under cool water to remove any dirt or debris. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

Step 3

In the same pot, leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings (discard any excess). Add the diced onion and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 5

Add the soaked and drained pinto beans to the pot, followed by the chicken broth, water, bay leaf, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot partially with a lid, leaving a small gap for steam to escape.

Step 7

Simmer the beans for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, or until the beans are tender and the liquid has thickened. Add more water as needed during the cooking process to ensure the beans remain submerged.

Step 8

Once the beans are cooked, stir in the crumbled bacon and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve hot as a side dish or main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2545.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1232.2

Total Fat 50.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 15.8g
Cholesterol 47.5mg	0%
Sodium 6409.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 131.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 41.7g	0%
Total Sugars 8.1g
Protein 69.9g	0%

Vitamin D 7.7IU	0%
Calcium 408.6mg	0%
Iron 14.6mg	0%
Potassium 3198.5mg	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: 35.9%

Protein: 22.3%

Carbs: 41.8%