Tex Mex Pinto Beans

Bursting with bold flavors and hearty textures, Tex Mex Pinto Beans are the ultimate comfort food with a Southwestern twist. This recipe transforms simple dried pinto beans into a savory, spice-infused dish simmered to perfection with a medley of smoky paprika, earthy cumin, and tangy fire-roasted tomatoes. Sautéed onion, garlic, and jalapeño add depth and just the right amount of heat, while fresh cilantro and a splash of lime juice brighten every bite. Perfect as a standalone side, a filling for tacos, or a topping for rice, these beans are a versatile, crowd-pleasing addition to any meal. Plus, they’re vegan-friendly, budget-friendly, and meal-prep-approved!

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Dried pinto beans
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 White onion, diced
• 4 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Jalapeño, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 4 cups Vegetable broth
• 1 15-ounce can Fire-roasted diced tomatoes (canned)
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Lime juice (freshly squeezed)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water and pick out any debris or damaged beans.

Step 2

Soak the beans in a large bowl of water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse before using.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 4

Add diced onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until translucent.

Step 5

Stir in minced garlic and jalapeño and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

Add ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and dried oregano to the pot. Toast the spices for 30 seconds to bring out their flavor.

Step 7

Pour in the vegetable broth and stir well to combine.

Step 8

Add the drained pinto beans and the can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices.

Step 9

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.

Step 10

Simmer for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender. Add more vegetable broth or water if necessary to keep the beans submerged.

Step 11

Once the beans are tender, stir in the salt, chopped cilantro, and fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 12

Serve warm as a side dish, in tacos, or over rice. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1942.7 grams (1942.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1316

Total Fat 40.20g	52%
Saturated Fat 6.60g	33%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.40g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 7599mg	330%
Total Carbohydrate 196.00g	71%
Dietary Fiber 56.10g	200%
Total Sugars 33.40g
Protein 56.10g	112%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 468mg	36%
Iron 18mg	102%
Potassium 4333mg	92%

*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: 26.4%

Protein: 16.4%

Carbs: 57.2%