Easy Gaucho Beans
Bring bold, hearty flavor to your table with this recipe for Easy Gaucho Beans, a savory South American-inspired dish that's perfect as a side or standalone meal. Made with tender pinto beans, smoky bacon, and a medley of aromatic spices like smoked paprika and cumin, this one-pot wonder is simmered to perfection, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. Fresh jalapeño adds a subtle kick, while a squeeze of lime and optional cilantro brighten the dish with a zesty finish. Ready in just over two hours, this crowd-pleasing recipe is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Easy to make and packed with protein and flavor, these Gaucho Beans are the ultimate comfort food with a Latin twist. Perfect keywords: Easy Gaucho Beans, smoky pinto beans, South American recipes, one-pot bean dish, flavorful side dish.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pinto beans
- 6 cups water
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes (canned)
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 4 lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water and remove any debris or damaged beans.
In a large stockpot, combine the beans and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 60-75 minutes or until the beans are tender. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet, crumble it, and set it aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon drippings and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeño and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the cooked beans to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Stir in the crumbled bacon and top with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Serve warm with lime wedges on the side for a burst of brightness. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
831 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 15.3 g | 20% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 32 mg | 11% | |
| Sodium | 4511 mg | 196% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 133.1 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 41.1 g | 147% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.0 g | ||
| Protein | 50.0 g | 100% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 404 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 12.3 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 2851 mg | 61% | |
*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.
