Reunion Beans

Serve up a bowl of hearty comfort with Reunion Beans, a soul-warming dish brimming with smoky, savory flavor. This slow-simmered recipe combines tender pinto beans, crispy crumbled bacon, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder, delivering a perfect balance of spice and sweetness. A touch of apple cider vinegar and brown sugar elevates the depth of flavor, while fresh parsley adds a burst of color. Ideal for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, this dish is as versatile as it is satisfying. Pair it with cornbread or rice for a complete meal, and let the cozy, down-home taste of Reunion Beans bring everyone to the table. Perfect for keywords like "comfort food," "smoky beans recipe," and "easy one-pot meals."

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:195 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried pinto beans
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 4 units garlic cloves, minced
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 5 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and sort the pinto beans to remove any debris. Soak them in a large bowl of water overnight or for at least 8 hours.

Step 2

Drain and rinse the soaked beans, then set them aside.

Step 3

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.

Step 4

In the same pot, add the olive oil and sauté the diced onion over medium heat until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

Step 6

Add the soaked and drained pinto beans to the pot, followed by the water or chicken broth. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the liquid has thickened to a rich sauce.

Step 8

About 15 minutes before the beans are done, stir in the crumbled bacon, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 9

Once the beans are fully cooked and flavorful, remove them from the heat. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2250.3 grams (2250.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1219

Total Fat 46.70g	60%
Saturated Fat 11.50g	57%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.60g
Cholesterol 56mg	19%
Sodium 4605mg	200%
Total Carbohydrate 149.30g	54%
Dietary Fiber 45.00g	161%
Total Sugars 37.50g
Protein 55.40g	111%

Vitamin D 8IU	39%
Calcium 410mg	32%
Iron 15mg	81%
Potassium 3071mg	65%

*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: 33.9%

Protein: 17.9%

Carbs: 48.2%