Easy Smoke Flavored Pinto Beans
Perfectly comforting and irresistibly smoky, these Easy Smoke Flavored Pinto Beans are a must-try for anyone craving bold, hearty flavors. Made with budget-friendly dried pinto beans, smoky paprika, and a touch of liquid smoke, this recipe delivers a rich, barbecue-inspired taste without the need for a smoker. Simmered to tender perfection alongside aromatic garlic, onions, and earthy spices like cumin, these beans are a versatile side dish or a satisfying main when served over rice. With minimal prep time and all-day flavor, this dish is both effortless and deeply satisfying. Top with fresh cilantro or a zesty squeeze of lime for a vibrant finishing touch, and watch as this recipe becomes a weeknight favorite! Perfect for those searching for an easy comfort food recipe with a smoky twist.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pinto beans
- 8 cups water
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 whole bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- optional toppings (e.g., chopped cilantro, lime wedges)
Instructions
Rinse the dried pinto beans under running water to remove debris. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Let the beans soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse before cooking.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes, or until softened.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Add the soaked and drained pinto beans to the pot, followed by the 8 cups of water.
Stir in the smoked paprika, liquid smoke, bay leaves, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid, leaving a small gap for steam to escape. Simmer the beans for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender.
Once the beans are fully cooked, taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. If the liquid level becomes too low during cooking, you can add a small amount of hot water.
Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve the beans warm as a side dish or over rice, and garnish with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
856 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.9 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.1 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3279 mg | 143% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 113.8 g | 41% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 37.4 g | 134% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.8 g | ||
| Protein | 35.7 g | 71% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 371 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 11.6 mg | 64% | |
| Potassium | 1989 mg | 42% | |
*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.
