Many people love the idea of making bacon and pinto beans from scratch. It’s a classic comfort food that tastes amazing. However, some find it a little tricky to get just right.
Worry not! This guide will walk you through a super simple Bacon And Pinto Beans Recipe. We’ll make it easy for you to create a delicious meal.
Get ready to learn the simple steps to make this dish a new favorite.
Simple Bacon And Pinto Beans Recipe
Making a hearty and flavorful dish like bacon and pinto beans doesn’t need to be hard. This recipe focuses on simple steps and common ingredients. You’ll find that with a little guidance, you can create a meal that tastes like it came from your grandma’s kitchen.
It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Why This Recipe Works
This Bacon And Pinto Beans Recipe is popular because it combines savory bacon with creamy pinto beans. The flavors blend so well. Many beginners might think cooking beans from dry is difficult, but using canned beans makes it very easy.
This recipe uses canned beans to save time and effort. The bacon adds a smoky depth that canned beans alone don’t have.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to success. For this easy Bacon And Pinto Beans Recipe, you’ll want:
- 1 pound dried pinto beans, soaked overnight and drained, OR 2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 6-8 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Optional seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a little heat
Step-By-Step Cooking Guide
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for your delicious Bacon And Pinto Beans Recipe.
Preparing the Bacon
Start by cooking the bacon. Place the chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until it’s crispy.
This will take about 8-10 minutes. You want the bacon to release its delicious fat.
Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot. Set the crispy bacon aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the bacon fat in the pot.
This fat is full of flavor and will be used to cook the vegetables.
Cooking the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat. Cook the onion over medium heat, stirring often, until it’s soft and translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
You don’t want the onion to brown too much.
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 1 minute more, until you can smell the garlic. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Adding the Beans and Broth
If you are using dried pinto beans that you soaked and cooked until tender, add them to the pot now. If you are using canned pinto beans, add the rinsed and drained beans to the pot.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. If you don’t have broth, water works too, but broth adds more flavor. Make sure the beans are covered by the liquid.
You may need to add a little more broth or water if they are not.
Simmering for Flavor
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Simmer for at least 30 minutes.
This allows the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the richer the taste will be. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
If you’re using dried beans that were already cooked, you can simmer for a shorter time, about 20-30 minutes, to let the flavors deepen. If using canned beans, 30 minutes is a good starting point to infuse flavor.
Seasoning Your Beans
Now it’s time to season. Add the salt and black pepper to the pot. Taste the beans and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Remember, bacon is salty, so start with less salt and add more as you taste.
If you want a little extra flavor, add the optional smoked paprika and cayenne pepper now. Stir everything well.
Finishing Touches
Just before serving, stir most of the crispy bacon back into the beans. Save a little bacon to sprinkle on top as a garnish. This makes your Bacon And Pinto Beans Recipe look and taste even better.
Some people like their beans a little thicker. If yours are too thin, you can uncover the pot and let them simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. This will thicken them nicely.
Tips For The Best Bacon Pinto Beans
Here are some extra tips to make your Bacon And Pinto Beans Recipe perfect every time:
- Bean Quality Use good quality pinto beans, whether dried or canned.
- Bacon Choice Thicker cut bacon often yields better flavor and crispiness.
- Soaking Dried Beans Don’t skip soaking dried beans overnight. It helps them cook evenly and reduces cooking time.
- Low and Slow Simmering is key. The longer you let the beans simmer on low heat, the more flavor they develop.
- Adjusting Consistency If you prefer thicker beans, mash some of them against the side of the pot with your spoon. Or, remove a cup of beans, mash them, and return them to the pot.
- Leftovers are Great This dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Variations And Additions
Want to switch things up? You can easily adapt this Bacon And Pinto Beans Recipe. Try adding a bay leaf while simmering for an extra layer of aroma.
A dash of liquid smoke can enhance the smoky bacon flavor even more. Some people enjoy adding a diced bell pepper or a pinch of cumin for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Bacon And Pinto Beans Recipe is a meal in itself. It’s also great served alongside:
- Cornbread
- A simple green salad
- Fried chicken
- Sautéed greens like collards or kale
It’s a versatile dish that fits many meal types. Enjoy it hot!
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How long does it take to cook this recipe from start to finish?
Answer: If using canned pinto beans, the recipe takes about 45-60 minutes from start to finish. If using dried beans that have been soaked and pre-cooked, it’s similar, around 45-60 minutes for simmering. If cooking dried beans from scratch, it will take significantly longer.
Question: Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Answer: Yes, you can use turkey bacon. It will provide a different flavor profile, and may not render as much fat as pork bacon. You might need to add a little oil to the pot when sautéing the onions if there isn’t enough fat.
Question: My beans are still a little hard. What should I do?
Answer: If your beans are still hard after simmering, continue to cook them on low heat. Make sure they are covered with liquid. You can also add a pinch of baking soda to the cooking liquid, which can help soften beans, but use it sparingly.
Question: How do I store leftover bacon pinto beans?
Answer: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Question: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Answer: To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and sauté the onions and garlic in vegetable oil or butter. For a vegan version, use vegetable broth or water and sauté in vegetable oil. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavor without bacon.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon And Pinto Beans Recipe is a simple, delicious way to bring comfort food to your table. You’ve learned how to cook crispy bacon, sauté aromatics, and simmer beans to perfection. The steps are clear, and the results are rewarding.
This dish proves that great flavor doesn’t need complicated steps. Enjoy your homemade bacon and pinto beans!