Mexican Beans, often featuring the humble pinto bean, are a staple in vibrant and flavorful Mexican cuisine. More than just a side dish, they are a versatile ingredient that can be the star of a meal or a hearty accompaniment. This recipe elevates simple dried pinto beans with authentic Mexican-inspired seasonings, creating a dish that is both comforting and bursting with taste. Get ready to bookmark this Mexican beans recipe – it’s destined to become a regular in your kitchen!
These aren’t just ordinary beans; they are Mexican-style pinto beans, simmered to perfection with canned tomatoes and green chilies, smoky bacon, and savory onion. This combination infuses the beans with layers of spicy, meaty, and deeply satisfying flavor right from the start.
But the magic truly unfolds with the addition of a blend of spices and seasonings you probably already have in your pantry. Chili powder provides warmth and depth, garlic powder adds a pungent touch, ground cumin brings an earthy and aromatic note, and salt balances all the flavors. This simple yet powerful combination transforms the beans into a truly authentic Mexican experience.
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Cooking Perfect Mexican Beans: Stovetop, Instant Pot, and Slow Cooker Methods
This recipe for Mexican beans is incredibly adaptable to your preferred cooking method. While originally designed for the stovetop, it’s equally delicious and convenient to prepare in an Instant Pot or slow cooker. Let’s explore each of these methods to help you decide which works best for you:
Stovetop Method for Traditional Mexican Beans
For those who enjoy the traditional approach to cooking beans, the stovetop method allows for gradual flavor development and tender results. Here’s a quick overview, with the full detailed recipe to follow:
- Soak the beans: Begin by soaking your dried pinto beans overnight. This crucial step helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time. After soaking, drain the beans and place them in a pot, covering them with fresh water – some cooks even recommend using chicken broth for an extra layer of richness.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the remaining ingredients – diced tomatoes with green chilies, bacon, onion, and the flavorful spice blend. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and gently simmer for approximately three hours. As the beans cook, you may need to add more water or broth to maintain the desired consistency.
- Final Touches: In the last hour of simmering, stir in fresh cilantro and salt to brighten the flavors and season to taste. Continue to simmer until the beans are tender and have reached the perfect creamy texture.
Instant Pot Mexican Beans for Speed and Convenience
For a faster route to flavorful Mexican beans, the Instant Pot is your best friend. Culinary expert Nicole McLaughlin (NicoleMcMom) offers this simple Instant Pot method:
- Combine Ingredients: In your Instant Pot, combine one pound of dried pinto beans with five cups of water. Add the diced tomatoes, bacon, onion, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder directly to the pot.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure.
- Season and Serve: Stir in salt and fresh cilantro to finish. Your Instant Pot Mexican beans are ready to enjoy in a fraction of the time!
Nicole suggests serving these quick Mexican beans as a simple side dish with rice, reminiscent of classic red beans and rice. For a more substantial meal, she recommends spooning them over tostadas and topping with your favorite taco fixings like lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and onions for a delicious Mexican-inspired entree.
Slow Cooker Mexican Beans for Effortless Flavor
If you prefer a hands-off approach and want your Mexican beans to slowly develop deep flavors throughout the day, the slow cooker is the ideal choice:
- Combine Ingredients: Place your pre-soaked pinto beans in the slow cooker and cover them with water or broth. Add the diced tomatoes, bacon, onion, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
- Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker to Low and cook, covered, for 10 to 12 hours, or until the beans are tender and creamy.
- Final Seasoning: Stir in the cilantro and salt towards the end of the cooking time to preserve their fresh flavors.
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Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Mexican Meals with Pinto Beans
These versatile Mexican beans are the perfect partner for a wide array of Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. From tacos and burritos to barbacoa and posole, they complement countless entrees.
Need some inspiration? Consider these serving ideas:
- Side Dish: Serve them alongside grilled chicken, carne asada, or fish tacos for a complete Mexican feast.
- Burrito Filling: Mash them slightly and use as a flavorful and hearty filling for burritos or enchiladas.
- Tostada Topping: As Nicole suggested, spoon them over tostadas and load up with your favorite taco toppings for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Soup or Chili Base: Add more broth and vegetables to create a delicious and comforting Mexican-style bean soup or chili.
Explore our extensive collection of Mexican Recipes for even more culinary inspiration!
Storing Leftover Mexican Beans
If you happen to have leftover Mexican beans (though they are so delicious, leftovers are unlikely!), store them in a shallow, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, and they’ll be just as tasty as the first time.
Community Love for This Mexican Beans Recipe
Don’t just take our word for it – the Allrecipes community raves about this Mexican beans recipe!
Rita KobeLove Ocasio calls it “Excellent!” and adds, “I used a fresh jalapeno in addition to the spices because I like them spicy.”
Katey shares, “Eliminated bacon and salt — the flavor was still great. Served it over Grandmother’s Buttermilk Cornbread and added a dollop of sour cream on top. Absolutely yummy!”
And PeggySue raves, “These turned out even better than I was expecting them to. Perfect blend of spices. I fried the bacon first as other people suggested, used homemade chicken broth instead of water to cook them in, and left out the cilantro.”
These glowing reviews highlight the versatility and deliciousness of this Mexican beans recipe. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or adapt it to your preferences, you’re sure to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the authentic taste of homemade Mexican beans!
