El Pollo Loco Mexican Beans

Bring bold, authentic flavors to your table with El Pollo Loco Mexican Beans, a hearty dish that showcases tender pinto beans simmered to perfection in a blend of vegetable broth, aromatic spices, and fresh veggies. Sautéed onions, garlic, tomatoes, and green chilies elevate this recipe with a vibrant, zesty profile, while cumin, paprika, and chili powder layer in a warm, smoky essence. Perfectly balanced with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, these Mexican-style beans are a satisfying side dish or standalone meal. Easy to make and packed with plant-based protein, this recipe is ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or your next taco night.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Pinto beans
• 6 cups Water
• 2 cups Vegetable broth
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium Tomatoes, diced
• 4 ounces Canned green chilies, diced
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 large Lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the pinto beans thoroughly under cold water, discarding any debris or damaged beans.

Step 2

In a large pot, combine the beans, 6 cups of water, and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let the beans simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the beans submerged.

Step 4

While the beans are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and green chilies, and cook for another 3-4 minutes to soften the tomatoes and blend the flavors.

Step 6

Add the cumin, paprika, chili powder, and salt to the skillet, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 7

Once the beans are tender, stir the vegetable mixture into the pot of beans. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Step 8

Simmer the beans and vegetable mixture together for another 15 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, mash some of the beans lightly with the back of a spoon to thicken the texture.

Step 10

Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro just before serving.

Step 11

Serve warm with lime wedges on the side for a burst of fresh citrus flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2866.2 grams (2866.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1324

Total Fat 60.40g	77%
Saturated Fat 9.00g	45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.60g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4882mg	212%
Total Carbohydrate 161.50g	59%
Dietary Fiber 47.80g	171%
Total Sugars 24.70g
Protein 46.20g	92%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 442mg	34%
Iron 14mg	79%
Potassium 3406mg	72%

*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: 39.6%

Protein: 13.4%

Carbs: 47.0%