Smashed Pinto Beans

Transform your pantry staples into a flavorful, protein-packed dish with this quick and easy Smashed Pinto Beans recipe. Perfectly seasoned with cumin and smoked paprika, these creamy beans are enhanced by the warmth of sautéed onions and garlic, then brightened with a splash of tangy lime juice. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, this versatile dish makes a hearty side, a taco filling, or even a spread for toast. Whether you’re using dried or canned beans, the recipe comes together beautifully, with the option to garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. Simple, wholesome, and utterly delicious, these smashed pinto beans are an ideal addition to your weeknight dinner rotation or meal-prep repertoire.

Nutriscore Rating: 84/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups pinto beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 medium yellow onion
• 3 large garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 0.5 cup vegetable broth
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

If using dried pinto beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender. If using canned beans, drain and rinse thoroughly.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Dice the yellow onion and add it to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

Step 4

Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the ground cumin and smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.

Step 6

Add the pinto beans to the skillet, along with the vegetable broth.

Step 7

Using the back of a spoon or a potato masher, smash the beans to your desired consistency, leaving some chunks for texture.

Step 8

Cook the beans for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and creamy.

Step 9

Season with salt and stir in the lime juice for a bright, tangy finish.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(625.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1068.8

Total Fat 55.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 13.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2272.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 112.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.4g	0%
Total Sugars 5.9g
Protein 35.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 243.9mg	0%
Iron 9.9mg	0%
Potassium 1945.6mg	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: 46.0%

Protein: 12.9%

Carbs: 41.1%