Southern Style Pinto Beans

Slow-simmered to perfection, Southern Style Pinto Beans are a comforting, flavorful dish that brings the heart of Southern cooking to your table. Made with creamy pinto beans, smoky salted pork or bacon, aromatic garlic and onions, and a touch of paprika and cayenne for warmth, this classic recipe delivers bold, homey flavors in every bite. Simmered in a savory blend of chicken broth and water, the beans achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture while soaking up all the rich, smoky goodness. A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the dish and balances the richness, while a garnish of fresh green onions adds a pop of color and freshness. Ideal as a hearty main dish with cornbread or served over fluffy rice, these Southern pinto beans are perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week. With just 15 minutes of prep and a slow-cooking process that fills your kitchen with tantalizing aromas, this is down-home comfort food at its best!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:195 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried pinto beans
• 8 cups water
• 6 ounces salted pork (or bacon, diced)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried pinto beans in a colander under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Inspect for and discard any damaged beans or stones.

Step 2

Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse before cooking.

Step 3

In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat over medium heat and add the salted pork or bacon. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fat is rendered and the meat is browned.

Step 4

Add the diced onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken broth and water, then carefully add the soaked and drained pinto beans to the pot.

Step 6

Stir in the smoked paprika, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and bay leaves. Mix well to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. Simmer gently for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Check the beans after 2 hours for tenderness. If necessary, continue simmering until the beans are creamy and tender. Add more water during cooking if the beans start to dry out.

Step 9

Once the beans are cooked, stir in the apple cider vinegar and adjust the seasoning with salt and additional pepper to taste.

Step 10

Remove the bay leaves before serving and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot with cornbread or over rice for a complete Southern-style meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3195.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1686.2

Total Fat 75.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g
Cholesterol 187.1mg	0%
Sodium 5464.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 142.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 44.7g	0%
Total Sugars 8.4g
Protein 113.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 464.6mg	0%
Iron 13.4mg	0%
Potassium 3725.5mg	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: 39.8%

Protein: 26.7%

Carbs: 33.5%