Baja Pinto Beans are a delicious, healthy, and affordable dish that’s a staple in Southwestern cuisine. These flavorful beans are versatile and can be served either soupy in broth or mashed and fried as frijoles refritos (refried beans). Pinto beans are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent addition to any meal.
Not only are these beans budget-friendly, but they’re also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a hearty side dish or a filling vegetarian main course, Baja Pinto Beans are sure to please. With their rich, savory flavor, they complement everything from tacos and burritos to grilled meats or fresh salads.
Pinto beans are a great source of plant-based protein, with about 15 grams of protein per 1-cup serving. They’re also low in fat, with just 2.5 grams per serving, and loaded with dietary fiber, which helps keep you full and supports digestive health. Additionally, they’re a good source of iron, magnesium, and potassium, all important nutrients for maintaining overall health.
This recipe is simple to make, yet packed with flavor thanks to aromatic spices and herbs that highlight the natural taste of the beans. Serve them up at your next family meal, potluck, or barbecue for a healthy, satisfying dish that everyone will love.
These beans goes great with Crock Pot Beef Carnitas Tacos, Marinated Hot Pork: Carne Adovada Tacos or Slow-Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos. Here are some other good accompaniments for this recipe homemade Classic Mexican Guacamole and Chile de Arbol Salsa.
Read more about the Health Benefits of Pinto Beans.
PrintBaja Pinto Beans
Try these awesome Baja Pinto Beans, healthy and tasty, plus cheap. Pinto Beans are a part of everyday eating in the Southwest. Frijoles are served either soupy in broth or mashed and fried (frijoles refritos- or refried beans).
A 1-cup serving of pinto beans contains about 250 calories. Pinto beans are small, but they contain impressive doses of certain vitamins and minerals. With just 2.5 grams of fat per 1-cup serving, pinto beans are a low-fat addition to your healthy eating plan.
- Prep Time: :30
- Cook Time: 2:00
- Total Time: 2:30
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Side
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup chopped white onion
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 large jalapeño chili with seeds, cut lengthwise in half
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 9 1/2 cups water
- 1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons (packed) dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, chili, dried oregano, and ground cumin; sauté 1 minute. Add 9 1/2 cups water and the dried pinto beans. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 1 hour.
- Discard chili. Add sugar and salt to bean mixture. Simmer uncovered over medium heat until beans are tender and almost all liquid has evaporated, about 1 hour longer. Remove from heat. Using potato masher, coarsely mash most of beans. Season with additional salt, if desired.
Notes
How to Store:
Store leftover Baja Pinto Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze well—portion them into freezer-safe containers, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.