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.
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Recipe Information
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)
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
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.
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.
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.
Once the beans are cooked, stir in the crumbled bacon and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve hot as a side dish or main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
207 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.5 g | 11% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.7 g | 9% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 8 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 967 mg | 42% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.2 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.8 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.3 g | ||
| Protein | 11.5 g | 23% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 77 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 556 mg | 12% | |
*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.
