If you like to cook and try new flavors, this recipe for slow-cooked pinto beans with ground beef is perfect for you!
When pinto beans are slowly simmered long enough to reach perfection, there’s nothing better than the way they taste and feel. Add some sizzling ground beef to spice things up. It goes well with these flavorful beans and brings out their best qualities.
My MaDear made a version of these beans every Sunday, seemed like. Shed cook up a big ole pot and wed eat the leftovers for about three days straight. You talk about making a stretch meal, this was the one!.
If you follow this simple recipe, you’ll have comfort food that will stick to your ribs and taste great. Salt pork, a few simple spices, and bay leaves flavor this dish and make it siiiiing!.
Pinto beans are a versatile legume that can be used in many dishes, from Tex-Mex favorites to hearty soups and stews Their mild flavor and creamy texture make them an excellent partner for all kinds of meats But what meat goes best with pinto beans?
There are lots of tasty options for pairing pinto beans with meat. Choosing the right meat can enhance the flavor of your beans and create a satisfying, protein-packed meal. Here are 12 of the best meats to serve with pinto beans.
Steak
A grilled steak is a delicious pairing for pinto beans. The smoky, savory flavor of the steak contrasts nicely with the earthy beans. Lean cuts like sirloin or flank steak work well. Cook the steak to your desired doneness and slice it. Serve the beans spooned over the steak or on the side. The steak juices will mix with the bean broth for added flavor.
Pork Chops
Smothered pork chops and beans is a quintessential comfort food meal. Choose bone-in chops for the best flavor and pan fry until golden brown. Cook the beans separately then mix together. The chops infuse the beans with pork essence while the beans keep the meat moist and tender. Add onion, garlic, and your favorite spices to amp up the flavor.
Chicken
Shredded chicken or chicken sausage links pair wonderfully with warm pinto bean dishes. The mild flavor of chicken plays off the earthy beans. Use leftover roasted chicken or quickly sauté boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Mix in bite-sized pieces with the beans and season to taste. Poultry sausage sautéed with onions and garlic can also be served over pinto beans.
Ground Beef
No discussion of beans is complete without ground beef. Ground beef tacos, burritos, or chili are standard ways to enjoy pinto beans. Cook the beef with taco seasoning or chili powder, then mix with beans. The spices absorb into the beans for maximum flavor. Top with your favorite taco toppings or enjoy the chili by itself. Frito pie is another tasty ground beef and bean dish.
Bacon
Everything is better with bacon, including pinto beans The smoky, salty flavor of bacon boosts the flavor of mild beans Chop cooked bacon into bits and stir into cooked beans or bean dip. Or cook the bacon first to render the fat, then sauté aromatics like onion and garlic in the fat before adding the beans. The bean broth soaks up all the bacon-y goodness.
Ham
Smoked ham has an affinity for beans. Ham hocks simmered with beans is a traditional Southern dish, but you can use regular sliced ham too. Chop or shred the ham into small pieces and add to beans. Opt for smoky, salty hams rather than honey-glazed for the best flavor. The smokiness pairs perfectly with the earthy beans.
Hot Dogs
Hot dogs might seem like a kid food, but they’re tasty in bean dishes. Slice hot dogs and sauté until lightly browned. Then add pinto beans and seasonings like ketchup, mustard, or relish. The sweetness of the hot dogs balances the beans. You can also split hot dog buns and top with bean chili and hot dogs for quick meal.
Chorizo
Spicy Mexican chorizo sausage is an excellent match for pinto beans. Remove the sausage from the casing and cook until browned and crispy. Then add beans, tomato sauce, onions, garlic, and spices for a fast bean dish. The paprika in the chorizo adds smoky spice to the beans. Serve with tortillas for tacos or burritos.
Salami
For a change of pace, try dried salami with beans. Chop or slice salami and gently cook in olive oil to render the fat. Then add beans, chicken or vegetable broth, and herbs and simmer. The salty, savory salami boosts the flavor of the beans. Italians often combine beans and cured meats like prosciutto or pancetta.
Canadian Bacon
Canadian bacon, also known as back or peameal bacon, works well in bean dishes. Dice and sauté the bacon until lightly browned. Add to simmering beans along with broth and seasonings for a simple bacon and bean soup. The meaty bacon bits add texture and salty flavor to the creamy beans.
Sausage
Hearty sausages like kielbasa pair wonderfully with pinto beans. Cook the sausage first by sautéing, baking, or grilling to release the fat and sear the exterior. Then slice and combine with the beans. Smoked turkey kielbasa has a nice hit of garlic that enhances the beans. Andouille or other spicy sausage also complements the earthy pinto beans.
Pepperoni
For a fun pizza-inspired bean dish, use pepperoni. Brown sliced pepperoni in a skillet, then add your favorite tomato sauce and beans. Season with Italian herbs and parmesan cheese. The spicy, garlicky pepperoni jazzes up the mild beans. Serve over pasta or zucchini noodles for a meaty bean dish.
As you can see, pinto beans pair well with a wide variety of meats. Beef, pork, chicken, and turkey all complement the creamy legume. Go with your favorite cuts of meat or experiment with something new. Just remember to add plenty of seasoning. The mild bean flavor absorbs surrounding ingredients. With the right meat and spices, humble pinto beans become a satisfying main course.
Can you use canned beans in this recipe?
You can but I dont recommend it. This is a high flavored recipe and that flavor comes from that long slow simmering. Canned beans wont hold up as well. But if you have to do this, make sure to rinse the beans first to get rid of the salt and as much of the can’s metallic taste as possible.
Cooking Tips, Considerations, and Substitutions
- If you soak the pinto beans in cold water overnight, they will cook more evenly and in less time.
- Cover the food with chicken broth or water, making sure there is enough to cover the meat and beans completely.
- Low-heat the beans until they are soft and the consistency you want.
- Season as you go. I like adding some of the spices to the ground beef both when it’s browning and when it’s done.
- If you need to, adjust the seasonings before serving. If you want, you can top it with chopped cilantro or grated cheese.
- Cooking pinto beans doesnt require any magical skills. It only takes time and patience for the few simple ingredients to come together.
- When you soak the beans, watch out for any hard rocks you may find.
- You can change how spicy you want these beans by adding more or less chili powder and cayenne pepper.
- I made my own seasoning mix, but cajun or creole seasoning is used in a lot of old favorite pinto bean recipes.
- Dont be in a rush to get these beans done. They get better the slower/longer they cook. If you want to, you can cook pinto beans for almost the whole day lol
- It takes longer to soak beans than I did because I let them sit overnight, but you can soak beans quickly by heating them up and then taking them off the heat for an hour.
- You can change the texture of the beans by taking out a cup of cooked pinto beans, mashing them with a potato masher, and then adding them back to the pot of beans.
- You can use black beans, Ranchero beans, or red beans instead of pinto beans in this recipe.
- To make these beans taste a little better, I used Haitian epis seasoning. It goes well with a lot of different foods and makes most recipes taste great. Cilantro, sofrito, Caribbean green seasoning, and salsa verde all do the same thing and can work. You can also just go without.
- You can use ham hocks or thick-cut smoked bacon instead of salt pork.
- Tomato paste, diced tomatoes, or fresh roma tomatoes all work well in this recipe. Canned stewed tomatoes are best.
- As always, beef is used, which makes it taste great. If needed, ground turkey could be used instead, but I have to say I prefer beef.
Southern Style Pinto Beans: How to Cook Them Like a Pro
FAQ
What pairs well with pinto beans?
What meat goes well with beans?
What to serve with pinto beans?
Here’s the short answer. The best side dishes to serve with pinto beans are fully-loaded cornbread, cilantro lime rice, pico de gallo, baked sweet potatoes, and kale guacamole. You can also try cheese quesadillas, jalapeno buttermilk ranch coleslaw, carnitas, candied jalapenos, or baked tortilla chips. Ready? Let’s get started!
Black beans vs Pinto beans: Which is good?
Pinto and black beans stack up when it comes to nutrition per serving. Both offer a lot of protein and fiber in a package with similar number of calories. However, pinto beans contain a slightly more carbohydrates and higher fat content than black beans, attributed mainly to their starch content.
Are pinto beans good with fried chicken?
We all know that pinto beans are considered to be a staple of Southern cooking, therefore, it makes complete sense to serve them with some homemade southern fried chicken. This recipe is truly to die for, and boasts lots of tender, juicy meat, packed in a crispy, golden batter. 11. Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice
What to drink with pinto beans?
The traditional version of this refreshing beverage is actually made with black tea with some sugar and mint. Add in lots of ice, and you’ll have a cool, sweet drink to go with your beans! 11. Quesadillas If you want to make a Mexican dish with your pinto beans, then quesadillas are the way to go!